In 1908 William Fife III designed and the boatyard Anker & Jensen, Norway built "12mR Magda VIII" for Alfred W. Larsen (all his boats were named "Magda"). She was designed and built after the 1.International Rule from 1906.
"12mR Magda VIII" is Norway’s first 12-meter and she is now the world’s oldest 12- meter still sailing!
"12mR Magda VIII" was sold and renamed "Magnolia" when Alfred W. Larsen ordered a new 12-meter for the Olympic Games in Stockholm 1912. Larsen won the gold medal with "12mR Magda IX" which was designed by Johan Anker and built by Anker & Jensen.
"Magnolia" was in active use until the 1970s, but in very poor condition. The boat was rescued from midsummer bonfire in 1982 by Mr Barlag, Drøbak, Norway. Barlag conducted a time-consuming restoration, and launched the boat again in 1999. "Magnolia" attracted much attention and participated in several regattas, before she once more was brought ashore in 2005.
"Magnolia" has been a part of the Framnæs Collection since 2008 and underwent a final and extensive restoration in 2009 at Framnæs yard and was renamed "Magda VIII".
"12mR Magda VIII" holds a valid 12-meter certificate and is used for racing and charter in Scandinavian waters.
"12mR Magda VIII" participated in both the “Europe Week 1914” in Horten, Norway and a 100 years later in the “Europe Week 2014” in Sandefjord, Son and Oslo, Norway.
