Schooner "COLUMBIA"

[Adam]

Was COLUMBIA ever re-rigged as a schooner later in life?

[Steve]

I don't believe so, but am not certain.  What brings up the question, Pops?

[HerreshoffHistory]

Columbia was certainly never re-rigged as a schooner.

Almost any and all questions about Herreshoff schooners (built as such
and rerigged) will be answered in Jacques Taglang's monumental upcoming
"Mariette and the Herreshoff Schooners" book.

Given that this book is likely to become must-reading for Herreshoff
afficionados and that the subscription period is expiring in a few
days, I'll provide more information in a separate post.

[Adam]

I ask because I came across an old Glass Plate (one of those Magic Lantern types) of a large two masted schooner under sail - The original label simply states "Columbia". I know some of these 90 footers (at least one) had been re-rigged as workhorses for the J's and later even as schooners. Just wanted to be sure

[HerreshoffHistory]

Not being able to see the actual lantern slide I would guess this to be the van Duesen designed Columbia. She was one the America's Cup defenders in 1871 and the first defender to concede a win to a challenger, Livonia.

On the waterline van Duesen's Columbia was longer, overall Herreshoff's.

But note that unlike the Herreshoff-designed sloop Columbia this schooner had spoon bow but a traditional clipper bow and built-up bowsprit. Big difference.

Van Duesen's Columbia was a long time around, certainly into the 20th century. Unlike the sloop Columbia which lasted only sixteen years.

[Adam]

Van Duesens Columbia?:

[Adam]

I wonder if this photo was by J.S. Johnston? Here is a pic from his archive:



The first Columbia was designed and built in 1871 by Joseph B.Van Duesen of Williamsburgh, NY and Chester, PA, and was the first Cup defender to concede a win to a challenger, Livonia. It needed help from the Sappho because it became too damaged to compete. After winning the first two races, the Columbia gave the British their first win (there were four races in the America's Cup) because although it was damaged it agreed to race and lost. It became more damaged in that race and couldn't compete in the final race. Sappho substituted and won, keeping the Cup in the Americans' hands.

According to Americascup.com:

"The racing career of Columbia ended in 1908. It was dismasted and then altered as a houseboat and moored at Brooklyn harbour on the East River, facing Manhattan. Three years later, an enthusiastic yachtsman took it to Baltimore where it was partially rebuilt and fitted with a new rig. For eight years, its homeport was Newport News, Virginia, and it sailed as a cruiser. In 1920, Columbia was bought by a fisherman and was declared as lost in 1923."

"Columbia Owner: Franklin Osgood. Yacht manager: Henry Steers. Skipper: Andrew J. Comstock (two first races) then Horatio Nelson "Nelse" Comstock (beaten by Livonia in the third race). Afterguard: Captain Roland F. Coffin, Edward Fox, Ernest Staples, J. Lester Wallack."