One of the 1931 USN builds of the Herreshoff S-Class. We have discussed her here before...
http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/boa/4472389733.htmlMokulele is a 1931 USN-built Herreshoff S-Class boat looking for a new life under a new steward. She was a prominent member of the Hawaii fleet from 1931 through the 1960's, and is the last of her kind; saved by an admirer of classic wood yachts. She was raced by Dowsetts, Dillinghams, Ayer's, Navy Officers, and Duke Kahanamoku. The Duke is reported to have had a knack for winning the race with her on the final approach to the finish line. She survived the attack in December 1941. She is said to be fast and stiff in a breeze, and because of an easily driven hull and large press of sail able to ghost along nicely in light airs better than many new racier boats. Here is your chance to restore this fine lady and preserve a significant part of Hawaiian yachting history.
Make no mistake, this is a project that will require substantial time, effort, and money. If you are so inclined, there are several schools of wooden boat building that can restore her. Alternatively, if you are a man of some little means and woodworking skill, this could be your contribution to classic yachting. She needs restoration for a new life, but what a life she will renew in you if you choose her.
President Kennedy sailed one, so did Secretary of State John Kerry. Current US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse actively races his grandfather's S-Class. Halsey Herreshoff still races his beloved Coquina. S-Class yachts were in General Patton's family during the 30's and into the 50's. Famous designers and historians such as Crowninshield, Hoyt, Paine, and Maynard Bray have all sailed or owned them. This is a yacht to bequeath to your children with the knowledge they will carry on your tradition and bequeath her to theirs.
She belongs to a class of classics with an extraordinary pedigree designed by America's foremost designer. The Herreshoff S-Class is the first Marconi rigged one-design yacht. Designed in 1919 by Captain Nathaniel Herreshoff, the Wizard of Bristol, designer of five successful defenders of the America's Cup between 1893 and 1920, and the modern catamaran. The S-Class is a beautiful knockabout sloop as comfortable in Captain Nat's home waters of Narragansett Bay as it is in Hawaii. Herreshoff Manufacturing Company built 94 of these yachts; George Lawley & Sons built 7; and the US Navy built 2. About half the boats are still sailing. The International Yacht Restoration School in Newport is currently restoring the S-Class Misty.
Her class was designed by a genius in a time when men knew what to do and they did it. This small yacht is 27'6" LOA, 7'2" beam, 4'9" draft, has a roomy enough cockpit that holds 4 adults comfortably, and rigged for racing displaces 6500#. She carries 425 sf of sail area in a small jib and large mainsail. She eats to windward better than an 80+ year old has a right to, and can slide downhill pretty darn well. With a cut away forefoot she turns nicely, far better than expected. Her sheer sweeps gracefully upwards, just the right amount. See more here:
http://www.herreshoffregistry.org/doc/Class_Description_S_Class.pdfMokulele has about 8 vintage sails from the 50's through the 70's including at least two each spinnakers, jibs and mains. She comes with various miscellaneous gear. She is currently on, but does not come with the trailer, and can be viewed by appointment. The hull was glassed preserving her shape but has 32 cracked or sistered frames; and some termite, floor timber, and deck damage. The spars are gone, but several of the original fittings exist. I have a full set of plans to aid restoration.
I will include 20 hours of US Sailing Certified (Level 3 Race Coach) coaching aboard the vessel upon her completion. Email a short paragraph with contact information on your sincere interest and Charles will contact you.
