Alerion - Herreshoff Designs

[Steve]

Herreshoff Designs, the firm of Halsey Herreshoff and forum member Adam Langerman, is collaborating with builder Brion Rieff to build 3 new interpretations of NGH's Alerion III.  Congratulations, Adam!

The press release: http://www.herreshoffregistry.org/forum/images/Herreshoff Designs Press Release Nov 16 2009.pdf

And the boat:

[Adam]

Very nice - there are a few "new" things on the site - take the making of wood blocks and the "Herreshoff 20" - using NGH's Model 204. Adam L., was 204 never produced by HMCo.? She reminds me a a lot of the Sidney designed Herreshoff Gemini built by CCSB. Do you know if Sidney based his design on the same model #204?

See: http://www.capecodshipbuilding.com/site/specsheets/goldeneye.pdf

[Steve]

Adam:  I believe model 204 was used for FANO, hull number 1133.

[Adam]

Wow - that is very cool - thanks Steve. So #204 is the basis for a whole bunch of designs out there. I've seen that model used for boats from 15' to 26'. Very interesting!

[Adam Langerman]

Thanks Steve! We're excited about this project and the opportunity to work with Brion again.

Yes,  204 is a nice shape and we've had some interest in an open boat of this size.  FANO was built as an 'improved 12.5', but used a transom hung rudder instead of including the aft overhang in the model.  The sail plan in our rendering is from an NGH sketch proportioned slightly to fit this length boat.

[HerreshoffHistory]

Adam, I wonder if you could post a photo of Fano? I have never seen one. Also, which plan was she built from? I only see four plans which reference her, and two of those are missing at M.I.T., leaving only a sail cutting plan and a somewhat strange rudder detail plan. Strange, because the title refers to a 11'-4" l.w.l. sail boat, while Fano was 14' LWL?

[Adam Langerman]

I haven't come across and pictures of FANO either.  A blueprint of the construction drawing and the sail plan are part of the model room collection inventory. 

[HerreshoffHistory]

Ah, thanks! And has the "Rudder for 11'-4" l.w.l. Sail boat" plan at MIT (64-108) which references #1133s Fano anything to do with her?

[Jon Brooks]

I remember seeing one of these getting finished in one of the shops in Bristol back in the late 70's or early 80's.  One of the things that struck me was how well finished they appeared.  It was as if Herreshoff workers picked up their tool and went back to work after a 40 year hiatus.  Nice looking boats.  I wonder if you could get a more "classic" rig and varnished spars?

Jon 

[Adam Langerman]

I wonder if you could get a more "classic" rig and varnished spars?

Jon 

Absolutely.

[Adam Langerman]

First hull all glued up!



Inside:

[Adam]

Wow... What a beauty...If only......How’s this for a Universal rule: New baby on way = No disposable income / (Certain Death (pain^3)) .... Where “Certain Death = WIFE”….

Sigh….

[Adam Langerman]

Off the molds:

[Steve]

Nice:  That shot of the transom shows some well-done carpentry.  How did you get the top shot ... through a keyhole?

[Adam Langerman]

Yes, the work is excellent.  I don't know how they do it.

Fish-eye lens.  Much fun.