17/10/2026
Happy 100th birthday Hallowe’en!
The 24.7m cutter Hallowe’en designed by William Fife III for Lt Col JFN Baxendale, was launched in 1926.
William Fife III, designer of a number of classic yachts still racing today was quoted once as saying “Hallowe’en is the perfect gentleman’s yacht. She is a jewel”.
Racing in the second Fastnet Race, Hallowe’en sailed the fleet home, crossing the finish line some ten hours ahead of the next competitor.
It was a remarkable record that stood until 1939, when a new course was introduced, passing through the Needles Channel instead of rounding the east coast of the Isle of Wight, as had been the route since 1925.
SPECIFICATIONS
SHIPYARD: William Fife
MODEL: Bermudan Cutter
YEAR: 1926
LENGTH: 80ft – 24.75m
BEAM: 14.5ft – 4.42.
Originally rigged as a low-aspect Bermudan cutter — highly progressive at a time when gaff rigs dominated — she later evolved into a yawl under a rig designed by the legendary Rod Stephens of Sparkman & Stephens.
As Cotton Blossom IV, she dominated ocean racing for many years and held important records. After racing in the Mediterranean she returned to the Atlantic under new owner Alfred Larsen, a Norwegian industrialist. She became the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club’s official yacht and was helmed numerous times by the future King of Norway, Prince Olav.
In 1938 she crossed the Atlantic and later disappeared from view. She was eventually rediscovered in the United States, restored, and after several refits returned to Europe. A major refit was completed in 2009 at Fairlie Restorations on the River Hamble, bringing her once again to the forefront of the classic racing fleet.
Now racing competitively on the Mediterranean classic circuit — from France to Corsica, Spain and Italy — Hallowe’en remains one of the most admired and successful Fifes afloat.
She combines:
Proven offshore performance
Speeds up to 11 knots under sail
Authentic 1920s craftsmanship
A modernised deck layout allowing short-handed sailing
Able to race with 12 crew or cruise comfortably with a professional crew of 3, she offers a rare balance of beauty, speed, and pedigree.
