Herreshoff #186404es Magic

"Magic [#186404es]: 25ft Length on deck. 25ft 6in Length on water. 10ft 3in Breadth extreme. 3ft Depth. 2 1/4in Deadrise per foot. 6ft 6in Width of stern. 10 1/2in Sheer. 3ft 2in Freeboard [at] bow. 1ft 8 1/2in Freeboard [at] stern. 1ft 4 1/2in Freeboard [at] lowest place. 32ft 9in Mainsail foot. 26ft 6in Mainsail hoist. 14ft 6in Mainsail head. 40ft 6in Mainsail leech. 701sqft Mainsail area. 20ft Jib foot. 35ft 3in Jib hoist. 29ft 6in Jib leech. 296sqft Jib area. No gafftopsail. No jibtopsail." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. and/or other Herreshoff family members. Handwritten table listing early Herreshoff-built boats and their dimensions up to 1870. No date (1870 or later). Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum, MRDE03.)

"MAGIC, John built for himself, and [was] expected to be very fast. This one, I sailed in a good deal, as helmsman. She was fast under certain conditions, but as I look back, was not [as] successful [a] boat as SPRITE and KELPIE. MAGIC was first cat rigged with a large sail, and later the mast was stepped aft and a bowsprit and jib added. This rig required a lot of sand bags for shifting to windward to make her sail [well], and of course, [necessitated] a large crew. I was sailing master of her first cruise to sail in a race at Bridgeport, Conn. This we won very handsomely in a light breeze. The second boat, and a very fine one, [was] GO SOFTLY, from the westward. The third was "General" Tom Thumb's boat, and when we returned to the yacht club landing, Tom Thumb, who was "half seas over" gave us a most unusual and profane tongue lashing from his 33" stature, very much to the delight of all his friends. From Bridgeport, we cruised directly to Vineyard Haven without a stop, meeting JULIA and HARTFORD there. [We] then [returned] home. KELPIE was sold about this time to be shipped to Palermo, Sicily, and, very soon after, I took charge of KELPIE, with my father and Lewis to sail her to New York to be shipped. We were accompanied by MAGIC, in charge of Dexter Stone and John.
Dexter Stone had become a partner of John under [the] name of "Herreshoff and Stone". We encountered a severe northeast to south storm in the East River, in which MAGIC broke her rudder. After delivering KELPIE, I sailed MAGIC against some of Brooklyn's best boats. One of them, named LAURA [belonging to] Comm. Whiting, handsomely beat us, indicating for racing [that] MAGIC was not equal to the best "Penny Bridge" boats. We then sailed home." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "Boats and Yachts that I have been Especially Interested in by Sailing and Some of Which I Have Owned." Bristol, April 1932. In: Pinheiro, Carlton J. (ed.). Recollections and Other Writings by Nathanael G. Herreshoff. Bristol, 1998, p. 102.)

"During the following winter (1863-64), John built QUI VIVE II and four menhaden fishing boats for my father, who then had my brother James as partner in the fish oil business. These were PRUDENCE and PATIENCE, each thirty-six feet long, and HOPE and FAITH, each twenty-seven feet long, and the twenty-five foot racing boat MAGIC for himself.
It is interesting that MAGIC was first fitted with a hollow mast. This was made from a selected spruce tree, and bored out by the town's old-time block and pump maker, who had pod augers for boring ship's pumps. He was called 'Block-head Munroe.' This mast proved to be a failure. The hole, not coming through central and [having] spiral seasoning cracks, made the mast limber, so it soon broke and was replaced by a solid stick.
...
During the summer of 1864, KELPIE I was sold ... and I, with my father and brother Lewis, took her to Jersey City to be shipped. We went in company of the twenty-five foot racing boat MAGIC, then Jib and Main rig[ged], having John, Dexter Stone, and my brother Francis on board.
The last of the trip in [the] East River was eventful [in] that we encountered the edge of what may be called "a summer hurricane." In the first of it, when [we were] between Sands Point and Throg's Neck in a rapidly increasing easterly wind and heavy rain, MAGIC broke a pintle of [the] rudder. They managed to get her under short sail to an anchor under Barroders Point near where they took the rudder ashore to be repaired and we anchored nearby. After a while, the wind shifted to S.E. and S. and blew very hard and our boats were pitching very hard and straining at their anchors and in great danger of going ashore. They finally succeeded in getting aboard with [the] rudder repaired and both boats were fortunate in getting under way and, with deep reefed sails, worked out under College Point to a lee, all being thoroughly drenched.
After disposing of KELPIE I, I joined the MAGIC crew to complete the cruise and Father and Lewis went home by steamer. John and Stone were anxious to have a race with the Penny Bridge "Sandbaggers," but they did not appear to be anxious. However, one of them, LAURA, belonging to Com. Whiting, said they were to make a sail to Sands Point and return, and said we might accompany if we wished. LAURA was then in cruising condition, having [the] bowsprit off and [the] mast shifted forward to cat rig. There was a nice sailing breeze from [the] S.S.W., making it a run and a beat returning. LAURA beat us a little in running and much to our chagrin, gave [us] a handsome beating on the return. So, we were quite ready to go home!
In the late fall following, KELPIE II was launched, and MAGIC's jib and mainsail rig was put in her." (P. 21-22; Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "The Old Tannery and My Brother John." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "The Old Tannery and My Brother John." Written July 28, 1933. In: Pinheiro, Carlton J. (ed.). Recollections and Other Writings by Nathanael G. Herreshoff. Bristol, 1998, p. 20-22.)

"[Winning with KELPIE over QUI VIVE] started John in business and he built six craft the following winter [1863/1864], [a] forty-two foot overall yacht QUI VIVE, two thirty-six foot 'carry away' boats, PRUDENCE and PATIENCE, the twenty-seven foot purse and seine boats, HOPE and FAITH, and the twenty-five foot pleasure and racing boat, MAGIC.
...
My next sailing was in the MAGIC, at first cat rigged and with a hollow mast that had been bored out by the affectionately remembered block and pump maker, John Monroe.
The mast was not a success and soon broke and had to be replaced by a solid one that was big and heavy, and the big rig punished the boat terribly and made her a very poor craft, but she was considered fast. About midsummer, John had her mast shifted aft and a good size jib was added, and we started off for a race at Bridgeport, having had a southerly rainstorm in the Sound and so thick with rain, where when somewhere off Bridgeport, in the forenoon, we had to lay to, and the seas would slop over the coaming, first to port, then to starboard. The race, next day, was in a light breeze, and with our enormous rig, [we] won easily, although there was a very nice looking 'Penny Bridge boat' called GO SOFTLY entered, which would have punished us badly, if there had been a fresh breeze. All carried sand bags for shifting, and we had a lot. Our crew was John, Dexter Stone, Francis as helmsman, also a Bridgeport man as pilot and sand bag shifter.
My next command [was] sailing KELPIE to New York, as she was sold, and then transferring to MAGIC to sail her against LAURA of Commodore Whiting of [the] Brooklyn Yacht Club, who easily beat us." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "Some of the Boats I Have Sailed In." Written 1934. In: Pinheiro, Carlton J. (ed.). Recollections and Other Writings by Nathanael G. Herreshoff. Bristol, 1998, p. 45-46.)

"This particular race was way back in 1864 off Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Captain Nat was sailing the sloop 'Magic' owned by J. B. 'Magic' won handsomely.
The next boat was the 'Go Softly,' a fine boat from the west end of the Sound, but the third boat was owned by General Tom Thumb, the famous midget of that time who made quite a fortune by appearing with the P. T. Barnum interests, and took up yachting as a hobby. To quote from some of Captain Nat's notes, 'When we returned to the yacht club landing, Tom Thumb, who was half seas over, gave us a most unusual and profane tongue lashing from his about thirty-three-inch stature, and very much to the delight of all his friends.' A later entry about 'Magic' shows things rather reversed. 'I sailed 'Magic' against some of Brooklyn's best boats and one of them named 'Laura,' Commodore Whiting, handsomely beat us and indicated that for racing 'Magic' was not equal to the best Penny Bridge boats. We then sailed home.' " (Herreshoff, L. Francis. The Wizard of Bristol. The Life and Achievements of Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, together with An Account of Some of the Yachts he Designed. New York, 1953, p. 90-91.)

"There are now in process of building in the boat builder's shop of Mr. John Herreshoff at the south part of the town, two large sized sail boats, the larger of which [#186404es Magic] is intended to be a faster sailer than the Kelpie [#186301es] that was built last season at the same place, and is about the same size; the other [#186409es Sheldrakes?] is not quite as large and is designed expressly for safety and is also expected to be a fast boat. The last mentioned is being built for the brother of the builder, and will ply between here and Prudence.
Mr. Herreshoff is totally blind and yet not only superintends the building of the boats, but also does himself considerable part of the work; he made the keel, centre board and box and some other of the most difficult parts of one of the sailboats in shop, the whole of which is pronounced to by, by good judges, of superior workmanship." (Source: Anon. "Sailboats Building." Bristol Phoenix, December 12, 1863, p. 2.)

"We made a visit on Wednesday last at the yard and boat-builders shop of Mr. John Herreshoff. We saw two large sized sail boats ready for launching, one [#186409es Sheldrakes?] of which, built for a brother of Mr. H., is to ply between here and Prudence Inland; she is a fine looking, well built boat --- safety more than speed being looked to in her construction --- and in length is twenty feet over all. The other [#186404es Magic] is twenty-five feet in length over all and is expected to out-sail even that very fast sailer the Kelpie [#186301es], which was built at the same establishment last season for the builder's own use.
One boat [#186405es Patience] is now on the stocks in the yard, of thirty-six feet in length, and another [#186406es Prudence] of the same size, with two [#186401es Faith and #186402es Hope], each of twenty seven feet in length, are to be built here for a new fishing company to be formed the coming season. These four boats are to be constructed upon a new plan, altogether different, and intended to be far superior to the fishing boats that are usually used in our waters.
Mr. Herreshoff has also a contract to build a first class yacht [#186407es Qui Vive] of about twenty-four tons burthen, for Thomas Clapham Esq., of Derby, Connecticut. Work will he commenced on the yacht early in the spring.
In an article last week, we alluded to the boat built at New Bedford for the Custom House there, stating we thought it to have been one of Mr. D. D. Almy's best efforts, &c. We have since learned that the drafting and modeling of this boat was the work of Mr. L. Smith. Both of these gentlemen are now in the employ of Mr. Herreshoff." (Source: Anon. "Local Affairs. Boat Building at the South End." Bristol Phoenix, February 6, 1864, p. 2.)

"A regatta came off at Bridgeport, Conn, on Thursday [August 18, 1864] of last week. The Magic, belonging to Mr John Herreshoff of this town, the smallest boat entered in the first class, came in ahead of the next fastest sailer six minutes, winning the prize, a $100 greenback. The distance sailed was about 12 miles." (Source: Anon. "Local Affairs." Bristol Phoenix, August 27, 1864, p. 2.)

"At the New London City Regatta, on the 4th instant [July 4, 1865], the Magic, twenty five feet long, owned by Herreshoff & Stone, of this town, won the second prize in the first class. In a report of the race, an exchange says: 'During the short turn to the windward, the little Magic astonished every one, making better
tims than any other boat, although the smallest in her class --- proving conclusively that had it been a windward and leeward race, which is considered by boatmen as the real test of a boat's model, the Magic would have had the course all to herself." (Source: Anon. "Local Affairs." Bristol Phoenix, July 8, 1865, p. 2.)

"[Item Transcription:] Bristol, R.I. July 11, 1865
Friend Stantonius,
Will you have a cigar? Or have you left off smoking. We have been expecting to see you on here for some time, else should have written you before to acknowledge the numerous favors (& cigars) we received from you when in N.Y. I'm sorry we smoked all the manillas in N.Y., but never mind I’ve bought a new pipe.
We had a gay time on the 4th at the regatta in New London where the 'MAGIC' [#186404es] won a prize of $40. Went on with the M[AGIC] & KELPIE[#186403es] and raced all the way there & back. Sand bags flew about like sand fleas, made us think of East River last year.
We want to build a 'big thing' in the yacht line and have concluded to spend say $50 or so on advertising the KELPIE & MAGIC to see if we cannot sell them and raise funds to put into a larger yacht. Will you therefore do us the great favor to have the enclosed advertisement [ed. Note: no enclosure was found] inserted in one or more of the New York papers. Use your own judgment in the selection. Would suggest however the 'N.Y. Clipper' or 'Spirit of the Times' for our class of people & the Tribune or Herald for another, but you know better than we, what papers are most read by yachting people. I do not know much about the expense of the luxury aforesaid. Should think however that 4 insertions in the 'Clipper' & a fortnight every other day in the Tribune or Herald would not be beyond our estimate. Please have the thing put in in [sic] good shape and as soon as you [ ] an estimate of the cost write us & we will [ ].
Folks all well except Nat, who has not quite got over the 4th yet.
Muchly.
H&S per the S." (Source: (Stone, Dexter S.). Letter to Friend Stantonius (Chesebrough, E. Stanton?). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 86.264. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Various), Folder [no #]. 1865-07-11.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [On Herreshoff & Stone stationery:] Friend Stanton,
enclosed find check on N.Y.[?] for $52 50/100 the acct.[?] of advertising bills [sale of #186404es MAGIC and #186403es KELPIE].
We are also intensely obliged to you for your cooperation in the matter. If we succeed in selling the boat we'll give you a Champagne Supper, besides.
We have already received several applications for the boats, so that I think the investment will pay even as an advertisement to our business.
I learn via 'the house' that you will probably be here last of this week so will save what I could else write until I see you.
Very sincerely your friend
D. S. Stone"." (Source: Stone, Dexter S. Letter to Friend Stanton (Chesebrough, E. Stanton?). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 86.255. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Various), Folder [no #]. 1865-07-20.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink and pencil) table providing what amounts to be the earliest Herreshoff construction record with detailed dimensional data (Name, Owner, Length on deck, Length on water, Breadth extreme, Depth, Deadrise per foot, Width of stern, Sheer, Freeboard at bow, stern and lowest place, Centreboard length, Centreboard from woodends, Centre of mast from woodends, Bowsprit out board, Mainsail foot, hoist, head, leech, and area, Foresail foot, hoist, head, leech, and area, Jib foot, hoist, leech, and area, Gafftopsail foot, luff, leech, and area, Fore-gafftopsail foot, luff, leech, and area, Jibtopsail foot, hoist, leech, and area and Notes ) for Julia [#185602es], Sprite [#186001es], Kelpie 1st [#186301es], Magic [#186404es], Toad [#186411es], Prudence [#186406es], Patience [#186405es], Hope [#186402es], Faith [#186401es], Qui Vive [#186407es], Kelpie 2nd [#186403es], Teazer [#186410es], Secret [#186408es], Fish Boats [#186505es, #186506es, #186507es, #186508es, #186509es, #186510es, #186511es, #186512es], Fish Boats [#186513es, #186514es, #186515es, #186516es, #186517es, #186518es], Fanchon [#186501es], Angie [#186503es], Haidee [#186604es], Ariel [#186601es], Psyche [#186605es], Fannie 1st [#186603es], Violet [#186606es], Fish Boats [#186607es, #186608es], Fish Boats [#186609es, #186610es, #186611es, #186612es, #186613es, #186614es], Lively Whale [later Daisy ???] [#186707es ???], Fannie 2nd [#186702es], Hartford [later Polly ???] [#186703es ???], Sadie [#186704es], Clytie [#186701es], Waterfall [N/A], Bristol [#186801es], Ione [#187003es], Poppasquash [#186502es], Etta [N/A], Oysterboats [#186710es, #186711es], Spring Green [#186709es], Pellican [#186708es], Henrietta [N/A], Meteor [N/A], Fatter[?] [N/A], Annie Moies [#1p], Charlotte [#186803es], Annie [#186905es], Hildegard [#186808es], Thetis [#186705es], Clio [#187101es], Fleetwing [N/A], White Straw[?] [N/A], [Mignone] [#186904es], Fish Boats [square stern, 1868] [N/A], Sadie [#N/A (dupl. listing)], Fannie [N/A], Bunsby [#186802es], Orion [#186903es], Breeze [N/A], Nimbus [#186805es], Alice [crossed out, this MIGHT be Bessie] [#187001es], Viking [#187008es], [Ianthe] [#187002es], [Surf] [#187007es], [Georgie Miller] [#187011es], and [Pink] [#187010es]. Undated, the latest vessel on the list was built in 1870." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator) or other Herreshoff family members (?) (creator). Construction Record. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01410. Folder [no #]. No date (ca 1870).)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #186404es Magic even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Magic
• Note: The L. Francis Herreshoff index cards comprise a set of some 1200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and / or ownership information. Apparently compiled in the early 1930s, for later HMCo-built boats like the Fishers Island 23s or the Northeast Harbor 30s are not included. Added to in later decades, apparently by L. F. Herreshoff as well as his long-time secretary Muriel Vaughn and others. Also 46 cards of L. F. Herreshoff-designed vessels. The original set of index cards is held by the Herreshoff Marine Museum and permission to display is gratefully acknowledged.

Name: Magic
Type: 25' sloop
Owner: J. P. Gardner
Year: 1877 [sic, i.e. 1864]
Row No.: 393

Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. "Partial List of Herreshoff-Built Boats." In: Herreshoff, L. Francis. Capt. Nat Herreshoff. The Wizard of Bristol. New York, 1953, p. 325-343.

"In the absence of better available data displacement was estimated by using the figure for Old Measurement Tons (7) from the 1885 Olsen's American Yacht List and converting to lbs by dividing through 2000 (short tons). Note that this figure can only be a rough estimate because register tons as reported in Yacht Registers correlate only loosely with actual displacement figures." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 17, 2015.)

Note: Research notes contain information about a vessel that is often random and unedited but has been deemed useful for future research.