Herreshoff #189702es [Unbuilt Special 46ft Class of 1898]

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] there are several points about proposed new class [#189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898], I would not build unless there are five or more boats built to ensure good racing and then only if your company would build them exactly alike, in fact have the conditions as much like the present thirties [NP30] as possible, please don't say anything about my having spoken to you on the subject as I have not spoken to anybody about it" (Source: Duryea, Herrman B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19330. Correspondence, Folder 52, formerly 48, 49. No date (1897-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] received your letter and am sorry I have not last years Y.R.A.[?] book, can get the formula for you, present formula is just like the old one, general idea of the new class [#189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898] seems to take well" (Source: Duryea, Herrman B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19350. Correspondence, Folder 52, formerly 48, 49. No date (1897-09 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Undated penciled 5-page draft contract found in offset booklet for 46ft waterline yacht of Sept 1897:] 'To construct for party of 2nd part one sailing yacht [#189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898] to conform to the rules and restrictions for a class of racing yachts, to be known as Special 46ft class of 1898' which is appended. Said yacht to be one of a block of [blank], the other to be constructed for the following gentlemen. It is agreed that these yachts shall be alike in every particular and shall be known only by the builders' number until such a time near the completion, to be hereafter designated, when the numbers will be drawn for the parties of the 2nd part or their representatives. And it is also forth agreed that the parties of the 1st part will use the same design as in the above mentioned block, in any other yacht them may build for this class during the season of 1898.
The yachts are to be arranged internally as per the accompanying blue print and are to be built in the very best manner from the design and under the superintendence of Nathl. G. Herreshoff and it is understood that N.G.H. will have a free hand in carrying out the design and construction under the above rules and restrictions and internal arrangements to the best of his ability.
Specifications.
Keel, stem, stern post, bent timbers of frame, deck beams, sheer strake, plank sheer, (stern[?] plank?0, wood floor timbers, mast step and mast partners, and cockpit coaming[?], to be of best white oak.
Lower section of timbers ...
All other deck work to be of bronze and mast head metal work of galv. steel.
Outside planking for the lower 1/3 part of seasoned yellow pine, single, and square seamed, caulked. The remainder of planking to be in two courses with the outer of yellow pine / mahogany well cemented and fastened together. [Added note:] Inside planking?
Deck to be of selected white pine, square seam cauld[sic] and filled with marine glue.
Plank rail of Oregon or yellow pine about 6in high in middle part with neat cap of mahogany.
All coamings, companionways and skylights to be of mahogany with finished bronze trimings.
Ballast to be lead, and nearly all to be outside.
Lead bolts and straps to be Tobin bronze.
Inside work ...
Sailing masters room ...
Galley ...
Aft of the galley and forward of the sail room the finish is to be butternut with mahogany trimings. All joiner work to be as light as is consistent with reasonable durability. There will be in the cabin two wide transoms upholstered with Mohair plush. ...
The port side of steerage will be fitted with a chest of drawers ...
Toilet room to contain beside the water closet and wash bowl a shallow fixed sponge bath tub, under floor, and drawers for clean linen. ...
Aft of steerage to be a stateroom having door from storage and companion stairs from the cockpit ...
Access to sail room is had by a hatch immediately aft the cockpit ...
To be steered by a tiller jointed to lift ...
All mattresses & cushions to be filled with best quality curled hair (and beds in state room to have springs?). Carpet in cabin and state room to be [blank] and in steerage to be linoleum.
Spars to be made from selected stock ...
Standing rigging to be of galvanized plow steel rope and running rigging of best manilla.
Sails to be made from specially made cotton duck, as follows ...
Blocks of best make and tested.
Anchors of galvanized steel ... Cabin lamps to burn kerosene. Those forward to be of plain brass and those aft to be nickel plated. ... To be mirrors in forecastle, cabin, toilet room & state room.
There is to be a boat designed to be carried on deck not less than 10ft long with oars & row locks, and constructed so it can be easily launched from deck without filling.
There will be a light power capstan or windlass on the forward deck ...
The party of 2nd part is to furnish linen, blankets, silverware and china for the cabin and state room, also any draperies, pictures, flags, charts, inchimomities[?] expense of correcting compass &c." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Draft Contract. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02310. Folder [no #]. No date (Fall of 1897).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled class rule titled '46 foot Class of 1898' for #189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898 specifying LWL, LOA, draft, sail area, type of boat, inclination of forward end of hull below waterline, centerboard (if used), rig (cutter or sloop), boat to be carried on deck, scantlings, hatch coamings (material and sizes), planking, diagonal strapping, deck to be flush, interior arrangement, equipment to include, crew in racing limited to 12, no weight shifting, no time allowance, inspections. 5 pages." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Class Rule. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02370. Folder [no #]. No date (Fall of 1897).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled displacement curves titled 'Proposed Special 46ft Class [#189702es Unbuilt Special 46ft Class of 1898]'. Curves are marked 'waterline 1/4in =1ft = 481sqft', wetted surface 1/10in = 1ft = 887sqft' and 'Disp[lacement] 1/32in =10ft. 1010cuft'. Undated (this class was designed in September 1897)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Displacement Curves. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_09730. Folder [no #]. No date (1897-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections titled '1st trial. 46ft [#189702es Unbuilt Special 46ft Class of 1898]'. On verso another set of penciled pantograph hull sections and pantograph keel sections titled '2nd. Trial. 46ft'. With calculations arriving at a displacement of 1000cuft = 64300lbs. Other calculations arrive at a weight of lead of 501cuft = 35600lbs of lead. See also 2004.0001.0424 to which this was originally clipped." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0423. WRDT08, Folder 35, formerly MRDE08. No date (1897-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections with pinpricks titled '46ft special. class[?] [#189702es Unbuilt Special 46ft Class of 1898] sections of drawing'. See also 2004.0001.0423 which originally was clipped to this." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0424. WRDT08, Folder 35, formerly MRDE08. No date (1897-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled table comparing Load w.l., Length overall, Beam, Draft, area, girth, Displ. in cuft, lbs and gross tons, sail area by YRA rule and NYYC rule, sailing length and other rating data for WASP [#414s], NIAGARA [#451s] and 'Design' and 'Design II' [the latter two probably for #189702es Unbuilt Special 46ft Class of 1898]. See also 2004.0001.0423 which originally was clipped to this." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0425. WRDT08, Folder 35, formerly MRDE08. No date (1897-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled half-hull sections apparently comparing the sections of WASP [#414s] and NIAGARA [#451s] with those of Designs 'I' and 'II' [the latter two probably for #189702es Unbuilt Special 46ft Class of 1898]. Compare with 2004.001.0425 which is a tabular comparison of the same designs. With calculations showing a total displacement of 1040cuft or 66800lbs or 29.8tons. See also 2004.0001.0423 which originally was clipped to this." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0426. WRDT08, Folder 35, formerly MRDE08. No date (1897-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled offset booklet for 46ft waterline yacht of Sept 1897 [#189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898]. Together with draft contract and draft specifications." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Offset Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02240. Folder [no #]. 1897-09.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled preliminary sailplan with calculations titled 'Proposed Special 46ft Class [#189702es]. Sept 1897'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sailplan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_07160. Folder [no #]. 1897-09.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled preliminary construction plan with inboard profile, plan view and sections titled 'Proposed Special 46ft Class [#189702es]. Sept 1897'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Construction Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_07210. Folder [no #]. 1897-09.)
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"[Item Description:] Ink on linen general arrangement plan with inboard profile and plan view titled 'Proposed Arrangement. Special 46ft Class [#189702es]. Sept 14, 1897'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Inked Arrangement Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_07140. Folder [no #]. 1897-09-14.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled preliminary plan with inboard profile and interior arrangement plan view titled 'Proposed Internal Arrangement. Special 46ft Class [#189702es]. Sept[?] 14 [18]97'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Arrangement Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_07190. Folder [no #]. 1897-09-14 ?.)
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"[Item Description:] Van Wickle wired he would sail the first of the matches between #466s DOROTHY and #475s ESPERANZA on Wednesday, I won't be able to come to Bristol as far as the ultimate result of our scheme [for #189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898] is concerned, I think we can safely count [E.D.] Morgan out, if Van Wickle will come in we can safely count of Whitney and we will start with three & try to drum up others, I am of course terribly disappointed at the sudden turn things have taken, I never even dreamed that Morgan would back out, if you will allow me to renumerate you for the time & trouble you have taken" (Source: Duryea, Herrman B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19490. Correspondence, Folder 52, formerly 48, 49. No date (1897-09-27 as per stamp on envelope near by).)
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"[Item Description:] am inclined we can still make the new class [#189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898] a go if you can hold out a week or so longer, I am very far from giving up the scheme, if we can get four to start with we can force things through, [E.D.] Morgan's backing out is a great black eye, I may have to bring some men up to see the models and plans later in the month, Hopkins who had #411s GLORIANA will go to Bristol tomorrow, Van Wickle may not go in" (Source: Duryea, Herrman B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19450. Correspondence, Folder 52, formerly 48, 49. No date (1897-09-30 as per stamp on envelope near by).)
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"[Item Description:] chances for new class [#189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898] seem awfully slim, Mr. Whitney will be as much disappointed as I am, we seem to be one year to soon, following men say they will surely build boats of that size: Ellis, Duncan, W. K. Vanderbilt, Van Wickle, do not know what to do for next year's sport, may build a 20 rater for England or stick to #468s VAQUERO III, suppose it would be asking too much to request your firm to stick to the present rules for boats to be built in [18]99, one-design idea seems to have taken, awful shame this class didn't go, I am very sorry now that we said anything to [E.D.] Morgan about it as his stopping seems to have influenced a lot of men" (Source: Duryea, Herrman B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19210. Correspondence, Folder 52, formerly 48, 49. No date (1897-10 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] had a letter from Van Wickle that he would not build this year but probably join the class [#189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898] another year, another black eye, things don't look promising, I know that Whitney has about made up his mind to build if a third man would come in, if [E.D.] Morgan had only stuck, the whole thing would have gone through, I am more than disappointed on your account, by the way that mainsail on #445s DOROTHY is the best sail I ever saw on a small boat, I thought those sails would be too heavy when were ordered but they stand beautifully and the boat goes like great guns, poor old Van Wickle disappointed as he put the matches on" (Source: Duryea, Herrman B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19390. Correspondence, Folder 52, formerly 48, 49. No date (1897-10-01 as per stamp on envelope near by).)
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"[Item Description:] have been thinking over a craft for you, an enlarged #461s COCK ROBIN would be very good for you, able and very fast, arrangements compared to #449s ANOATOK, 44ft overall, advise rig similar to ANOATOK, if you prefer topsail this could be set on polemast as on #439s MEMORY ex-ALERION I, cannot give you definite price as my brother is away, around $4,000, it looks as if the proposed [by Herman Duryea] 46 foot class [#189702es Unbuilt Special 46ft Class of 1898] will not mature and if so would be pleased to take up the matter at once [Owen subsequently contracted for #487s ONWARD], (fragment)" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to George Owen. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_12840. Correspondence, Folder 36, formerly 189. 1897-10-04.)
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"[Item Description:] the failure of the 46-footers [#189702es Unbuilt 46ft Class of 1898] has been a very great disappointment to me but has taught me a good lesson, I don't think the thirties [NP30s] will stand another conservation[?] hammering[?] and I want to race something, will go shooting Dec to Feb, please come, have 50000 acres, possible new boat, cost, if Iselin builds 60-footer with you please let me know, gentleman in question has given me so much bother in this new class we tried for that I am after his scalp, enlarged #461s COCK ROBIN" (Source: Duryea, Herrman B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19250. Correspondence, Folder 52, formerly 48, 49. 1897-10-15.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #189702es [Unbuilt Special 46ft Class of 1898] even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

"Herman B. Duryea and some other Newport 30 owners, among them Harry Payne Whitney and A. S. Van Wickle appear to have been chief promoters of this one design class of 46ft waterline racing yachts. A flurry of letters was exchanged, NGH carved a model and recorded its offsets into a new offset booklet, and a contract and racing rules for the new class were drafted, and then, as quickly as it had started, the entire scheme collapsed when E. D. Morgan was asked if he would the class and declined, prompting other yachtsmen which initially had been interested to withdraw. Two years later, in the fall of 1899, some of the same yachtsmen, including Duryea and Whitney, contracted with HMCo for a much larger one design class, the New York 70s." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 22, 2019.)

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