HMCo #414s Wasp

"[1891-09-16] Wed 16: Received order from A. Rogers for 46-footer [#414s Wasp].
[1891-10-24] Sat 24: Cast lead for Rogers 46-footer [#414s Wasp] --- about 22 tons in 1h[our] 20m[inutes]. ...
[1891-11-09] Mon 9: Began planking 46' cutter [#414s Wasp].
[1892-02-29] Mon 29: Launched Wasp, #414. ...
[1892-04-05] Tue 5: Began rigging Wasp #414.
[1892-04-22] Fri 22: Made short trial of Wasp [#414s].
[1892-04-25] Mon 25: Trial of Wasp [#414s].
[1892-05-01] Sun 1: Mr. Rogers arrived to take Wasp [#414s].
[1892-05-02] Mon 2: Wasp [#414s] delivered over[?] and sailed at 2-40 p.m. ...
[1892-06-18] Sat 18: Wasp [#414s] arrived from N.Y.
[1892-07-16] Sat 16: Wasp [#414s] left for Newport.
[1892-08-07] Sun 7: Went to Marblehead in Wasp [#414s].
[1892-08-11] Thu 11: Returned from cruise to Marblehead in Wasp [#414s].
[1892-08-21] Sun 21: Race of Corinthian Sweepstakes. Wasp [#414s] won." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1891 to 1892. Manuscript (excerpts). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection.)

"Coconut Grove. N. G. Herreshoff Bristol, R. I. April 29 1927 {1927/04/29} Dear Francis, ... I was very interested to hear about 'Wasp' for I supposed she had entirely disappeared years ago." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 3: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"From the success of GLORIANA, we built WASP the following winter, for the same class, and for Mr. Archibald Rogers. WASP was a little faster than GLORIANA." (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. 109.)

"This year [1892], the Forty-Six Footer WASP was built for Archibald Rogers. E. D. Morgan sold GLORIANA, for he was afraid she might be beaten by WASP. She [WASP] did prove a little faster in the races. Charles Barr was her skipper, and John Barr had taken GLORIANA. I was one of the afterguard in WASP for the New York Yacht Club Cruise around the Cape and the Eastern Yacht Club races, ..." (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. 57.)

"August 31 1935
Dear Mr. Stephens -
... In the afternoon sailings outside of Newport GLORIANA had shown her ability to beat BEDOUIN - 70 ft. cutter even up. This so impressed Archibald Rogers he disposed of BEDOUIN and ordered from us a 46 footer in fall of 1891 (WASP). Mr. Morgan saw the plans and a little later we heard he had sold GLORIANA. ...
Very truly yours,
Nathanael Greene Herreshoff
Sept. 15 1935." (Source: Letter 13. From N. G. Herreshoff to W. P. Stephens, dated August 31, 1935 to September 15, 1935. In: Herreshoff, Nathanael Greene and William Picard Stephens. "Their Last Letters 1930-1938." Annotated by John W. Streeter. Bristol, R. I., ca. 1999, p. 67-80.)

"20 LEE STREET MARBLEHEAD MASS Dear Father: April 12, 1927. {1927/04/12} ... The hull of the WASP is now sunk near one of the briges that I go over by automobile when going to Boston. She is lying on her side and when the tide is low is about a third out of the water. I believe she has been sunk here four or five years and it is very interesting to note that she is still true and fair. Her shear looks perfect and as the water level now cuts across her like a buttock line the curves down through her bilge are absolutely fair. Her construction and scantlings must have been just about right for her weight; in fact it seems to me that she held her shape better than some other more recent boats. [Note: Wasp was reported to have broken up by 1910.]" (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 3: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

"The largest sailboat the Herreshoffs built for the season of 1892 was the forty-six-footer 'Wasp,' owned by Mr. Archibald Rogers. 'Wasp' was very similar in rig and above water model to 'Gloriana' but had her lead shaped into a true bulb keel, from Captain Nat's experience with the fin-keelers of the previous year. Her record through the year was five firsts and one second out of six starts. She seemed to beat the 'Gloriana' consistently as well as the rest of the fleet, but it may not have been her bulb keel that made her win as much as the fact that she was steered in all her races by Captain Charles Barr who, a few years previously, had made a reputation for himself and the forty-footer 'Minerva.' 'Wasp' was the first of the Herreshoff yachts that Charlie Barr was to captain but he was to sail them almost exclusively the rest of his life, and also make a still greater reputation for himself and these yachts." (Source: 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. 166-167.)

"In 1892, Mr. Herreshoff designed Wasp ... and I think she was the first yacht to have a fully developed bulb keel. I say 'think' because some other yachts had the same section of keel but did not have a profile with the spur of the keel dropped to near the extreme draft. Wasp and Gloriana had hot racing in the season of 1892 with the others in the 46-foot class quite out of it. Gloriana's skipper and helmsman was John Barr who had been captain of the Scottish challenger Thistle, while his younger half brother, Charley Barr, who had won a reputation sailing the English cutter Minerva, sailed Wasp. There was not a great difference in their speed, but Wasp had a good lead at the end of the season. After a few years in which the bulb keel proved to be faster than the fin, practically all of the larger racing sailboats, both here and abroad, were bulb keelers." (Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. An Introduction to Yachting. New York, 1963, p. 101.)

"THE visitor, whether yachtsman or mechanic, who turns aside from the familiar paths of travel between New York and Boston for a visit to the clean and well-ordered shops of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company at Bristol, R. I., is certain at any time to be well repaid for his journey; and just now in particular the trip is of special interest, from the presence of two racing craft which are likely to become famous next summer. The first of these [#414s Wasp] is for the same class as the renowned Gloriana, a 46-footer, for a no less noted owner than Mr. Archibald Rogers, of Hyde Park, N. Y., an ex-commodore of the Seawanhaka C. Y. C. and owner of the cutter Bedouin, and formerly of the smaller cutters May Fly and Tom Boy, besides several steam yachts and a whole fleet of ice yachts. The usual surroundings of the shipyard are entirely missing at Bristol, there are no pools of mud and water to entrap the unwary, no piles of lumber to be climbed over, no shaky planks to be traversed before reaching the inner precincts; but after a pleasant stroll through the quaint old town, and along the shores of the upper part of Narragansett Bay, the visitor steps from the street directly into the building shops, which are located, of course, on the waterside; the offices and machine shops being further inshore, on the other side of the street.
The shops consist of two high and lofty buildings, amply lighted on the sides and with galleries high above the main floors. Down the center of each house is a solidly constructed building way, the floor being removable in sections, making room for one or more yachts as required. The shops are heated by steam, and are always warm, dry, and well lighted, all the work being done within doors. Outside are the melting pots for lead keels, the boiler houses, etc. The wider and newer building contains the steel plant, rolls, punches, shears and drilling machines.
On entering the main shop the visitor is confronted by the sharp stem of a most curious craft, even more extreme and unconventional in outline than her older sister. The general form of the new boat is shown in the accompanying sketches, which were made by eye only, and with no measurements other than the general dimensions heretofore published as follows: Length over all 72ft., lw.l. under 45ft., beam abont 13ft. 3in., draft about 10ft. 6in. While the drawings do not pretend to any great accuracy in detail they are sufficiently correct to show the leading peculiarities of the new boat. The overhang is 2ft. greater than Gloriana, the waterline length being also increased, as she measured but 45ft. under the measurer's tape, or a foot under the limit of her class. The sheer, rake of stern post and midship section, as well as the general character of the body of the boat, are so similar to Gloriana that the difference would be apparent only to one very familiar with the former. The great point of difference is in the shaping and placing of the lead keel, in which a wide departure has been made in the direction of the recent work of the English designers.
For several years past the work of most designers, of Fife, Watson, Gardner and Burgess, has tended in the direction of a triangular outline for the lateral plane, with the greatest draft at or near the heel, as in Liris, Kathleen, Minerva, Yama and Gossoon; and in Gloriana Mr. Herreshoff followed the general practice, but without going to such an extreme in draft and triangular outline as in Barbara, for instance. Within the past two seasons, especially in the smaller classes of English yachts, a very different form of lateral plane has been adopted, the keel contour from the fore end of the waterline downward being irregular and broken, the keel, in fact, taking the form of an appendage rather than an integral part of the hull. Thus far the 'fin keel,' as it has been named, is confined to yachts of 2 1/2 to 6-rating, or from 25 to 33ft.; but Mr. Herreshoff has made bold to carry the experiment into a larger size of yacht, and has embodied the same idea in the new 46-footer. As the sketch shows, the fore edge of the lead keel drops quickly down from the bottom of the boat, being of course sharpened away to a mere vertical edge, the two vertical sides showing much the same curve as a rifle bullet. The keel contains probably 21 long tons of lead, and is bolted in the usual way to the oak keel. In each upper corner a piece is cut out and filled with wood, thus allowing any alterations of weight after trial to be made very readily by adding lead for wood at one end or the other. The keel is quite wide and deep.
The stem, keel, dead woods and sternpost are of oak, the rabbet line being so placed that all the lines of the hull are carried out fair to the fore edge of the stem. The overhang is a little greater than Gloriana's at each end, while the same round sections in the bows and flat ones in the counter are preserved. The frames are similar to those in Gloriana. steel angles 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 1/4, spaced 16in., no wood frames being used. Outside the steel frames are four wide diagonal straps on each side, also of steel, running from keel to gunwale, two being abreast of the chainplates. The chainplates are three in number, rivetted to the steel frames, and inside of the planking. The deck beams are also of angle steel, the mast partner being a circle of angle steel, to the flange of which are rivetted the ends of four wide diagonal straps which radiate from it to the sides. There are in all eight of these straps across the upper side of the deck beams, making a series of four XXXX covering the whole length of the deck, and adding greatly to its stiffness.
The planking for some 4ft. above the rabbet is of Georgia pine in a single thickness, 1 3/8in. Above this the skin is double, an inner skin of 1/2in. white pine with an outer one of 3/8in. Georgia pine. The planks are about 5in. wide, and very carefully laid, the seams of the two skins breaking joints, while at each butt of either skin an inside butt strap of wood is placed. The seams of each skin are very carefully fitted, so that no caulking is required; the result being a smooth surface of wood with no putty to swell out of the seams. The two skins are fastened to each steel frame by screw bolts and nuts of yellow metal, and between the frames brass screws are put in from the inside, firmly uniting the inner and outer skin. The triple advantages of this construction are strength, tightness and a smoother surface. The sheer strake. plank sheer and bulwarks are of oak, in single thicknesses. Gloriana's deck was of 1 1/8in. pine, matched and glued together, but the new yacht will have the usual deck of narrow pine, with seams caulked and payed with marine glue. The yacht is now planked, but the deck is not laid, and nothing has been done inside, but the interior will be similar in arrangement to Gloriana, a main cabin, ladies' cabin aft, and the usual toilet room and closets. The sail plan will be similar to Gloriana's, but of somewhat greater area. The new yacht will be commanded by Capt. Chas. Barr, formerly in Oweene and before that, in Minerva and Shona. Captain Barr has made a very enviable reputation in but three seasons, and he is still a young man. With such an owner and so clever a skipper there is no fear that the boat will not be well sailed." (Source: Anon. (W. P. Stephens?) "Building at Bristol." Forest and Stream, December 10, 1891, p. 421.)

"... The 46-footer [#414s Wasp] is nearly completed. Her outside is finished save the final coat of paint, her deck is laid and the in-board joiners are busy with her cabin and interior fittings.
As she now stands in the shop with very little obstructing frame work around her, a very fine general view can be taken of her shape and proportions.
It is the writer's judgment after such a view that she bears out in every particular the promises given when she was in frame, and that for a powerful, speedy, clean-lined and handsomely modelled craft it would be hard to find her equal.
Her lead, as has already been said in a previous description of her, is hung very low, and is rather concentrated amidships rather than spread out along the keel. Its bottom line is closely parallel to the water line. It does not run quite to the stern post and is altogether below the oak keel forward where the stem should start, thus forming that peculiar 'jog' of which so much has been said.
The midship section is a powerful one, the bow long and very fine, with no noticeable bluffness about the water-line, and the run clean and easy. The body of the vessel is carried well forward and aft on the overhangs, so that considerable power must be gained when she heels.
Her great over-all length gives her a splendid sweep of deck from stem to stern, and when she is racing, all the hatches and skylights will come off and be replaced by racing hatches almost flush with the deck.
Below decks her accommodations are all that will be needed in a racing craft, and everything will be made as light as possible. There will be a stateroom aft the companion ladder, and a closet for oilers and a water closet on either side just forward. The stateroom will have two berths.
The cabin will be of good size, with two berths, table etc, and forward will be the captain's stateroom, galley, water-closet for the crew, and forecastle, with six hanging bunks.
In short, while there will be no useless lumber, there will yet be conveniences sufficient to permit of the following of the New York cruise and living aboard the boat at the same time.
The general opinion of those who have seen the models of both the new boat and the Gloriana is that the former will win. It she doesn't there will be some very much surprised people in Bristol, as well as other places. ..." (Source: Robinson, William E. "Has Come To Stay. Herreshoff's Opinion of the Ballast Fin. Shrewd Yacht Designer Tells Why He Believes in the New Type. Order for a 25-Footor for New York. Work on Hand at the Bristol Shops." Boston Globe, January 24, 1892, p. 22.)

"South Shop 46ft Cutter (Wasp).
Built at Bristol, RI, by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.
26.03 gross tons, 24.73 net tons; 56.4 ft. x 13.2 ft. x 11 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, plain head, transom stern.
Surveyed and measured, February 13, 1892." (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Wasp.)

"Providence, R. I., Feb. 29 [1892]. --- The new forty-six-footer Wasp, built by the Herreshoff Company at Bristol for Archibald Rogers of New-York, was successfully launched at Bristol to-day. This yacht was designed to defeat the Gloriana, and there were more than a hundred persons present to witness the launching. Nat G. Herreshoff superintended the arrangements, and John B. Herreshoff, President of the company, was also present. The visitors included Mr. Hyslop, the official measurer of the New-York Yacht Club, and several well-known sporting editors.
When the yacht was released she slid gracefully down the ways, and at the end of the run bowed low and dipped her keel into the sea. In the water the Wasp looks very much like the Gloriana, although there is a radical difference in their lines forward when seen on the ways. The new yacht has to a great extent the model of Gloriana, and, in addition to her good gualities, has improvements which it is expected will make her the winner for the coming length season. The Wasp is a longer boat, the additional being in the overhang forward.
The new yacht's keel was practically parallel to the water line to the forward end, where there is an abrupt break in the profile of three and one-half feet. The stern, from the top of the lead, runs out in a straight line to the bowsprit and has more rake than that of the Gloriana, as the lead is further aft. The rake of the Wasp is also increased by the additional length of water line. There are about twenty-four tons of lead on the keel, and the masthead is nearly three foot longer than that of the Gloriana or twelve feet, which is as great as that of the old ninety-foot sloops." (Source: Anon. "Launching The Wasp. Gloriana's New Competitor Now On The Water." New York Times, March 1, 1892, p. 2.)

"THE sentiment that almost invariably attends the launching of a vessel, especially a yacht, was conspicuous only by its absence at Bristol on Tuesday morning [March 1, 1892]. The American flag flew from a high staff near the machine shop and a crowd of townspeople filled the south gallery of the building shops, but with these exceptions the business and bustle of the daily routine went on as usual. The only strangers present were Mr. John Hyslop, of New York, and two or three newspaper men; the owner, Mr. Archibald Rogers, being absent, while Capt. Charles Barr, who will command the new yacht, had not yet arrived, as it will be some time before the work of fitting out will begin, although the yacht is to all intents completed save the stepping of the spars. The new steam yacht ["#170p Tranquillo] which was built just astern of Wasp was launched on Feb. 23, and laid beside the wharf, leaving the slipway in the shop entirely clear.
At the head of the slip, facing the visitor as he entered to door, lay the new craft from which so much is expected. Unlike her older sister, Gloriana, she makes no small pretensions to good looks, and and though the seem in itself is not handsome, nor the stern so light and graceful as in many of the newer yachts, the boat is certain to present a pleasant appearance when afloat and in commission. So far as mere conventional finish is concerned, Gloriana depended on no such artificial charms; in her case it was 'Handsome is that handsome does,' but in Wasp the conventionalities have received more consideration. The green bottom and plain white topsides of Gloriana have been replaced by a bottom of copper bronze, the copper line carried up a little above the true loadline. while the topsides are a glossy black, relieved by a broad gold stripe and carved scrolls at each end.
The accompanying sketches give a very good idea of her general appearance, though the boat really has more hollow above the keel than the section shows.
Even now, after she has been afloat for a year, the true dimensions of Gloriana, other than her official waterline, 45ft., are unknown; the various statements which have appeared from time to time being unverified and often contradictory, consequently it is needless to say that the dimensions of the new yacht are enshrouded in still deeper mystery. The approximate dimensions of Gloriana are probably as follows: Length from stem head to taffrail, 71 to 72ft.; l.w.l. (official), 45ft.; beam, 12ft. 10in. to 13ft.; draft, at above l.w.l., 10ft. 3in. The corresponding dimensions of Wasp are probably over all, stem to taffrail, 72ft.; l.w.l.. 45ft. 6in.; beam, 12ft. 6in. to 12ft. 9in.; draft 11ft, to 11ft. 3in. The displacement is, to judge by eye, very nearly the same, but in spite of the close agreement in dimensions, there is a marked difference in many leading features, and it will not be far from correct to say that Wasp is even more closely allied to Dilemma and her numerous and interesting family of fin keels than to Gloriana and the more conventional cutter models of the 46 and 40ft. classes.
Looked at from the starboard bow, as one enters the door of the shop, the first idea is of a fin keel craft, a very long, round sectioned and generally canoe-shaped hull, perched upon a short, thin and deep fin, and though a closer examination made modify this first impression, it by no means disappears.
The midship section is much like Gloriana, the beam being apparently a little less, while the depth of bilge is the same and the total draft decidedly greater. Looked at from abeam however, the resemblance to Gloriana disappears very quickly. The after overhang is the same, the rake of sternpost is apparently the same, about 35 degrees, but the post runs down to the heel of the keel, instead of stopping a little above it. The keel, instead of curving upward both forward and aft as in Gloriana, is perfectly straight for a length of about 30ft., the contour being very closely shown in the drawing. While in Gloriana the line of the stem was practically straight for some distance below water and slightly concave from the water to the stemhead, in the new boat the same line is one convex curve from about under the mast up to within a short distance of the stemhead, from which point it turns in quite rapidly, as shown. The whole bow is fuller and rounder than in Gloriana, both in section and waterlines, and if the stem line were produced in the same way as in Gloriana, the overhang would be something astounding. As it is, the really vital features or Gloriana, the round form and fulness of waterline, are carried out still further, while the mere overhang which was the subject of so much idle talk last spring, is practically no longer. The whole bow and forebody suggest the new fin keels, in which craft Mr. Herreshoff, with an actual length of overhang which is quite moderate, has preserved the large area of waterline plane and the clean diagonals which are really the original and vital features of all his later yachts.
The construction of the new boat is but an elaboration of that used by the Herreshoffs in their steam yachts for some years. The stem, keel, sternpost and the small amount of deadwood are all of oak. The frames are of angle steel, united by floors at the lower ends, with steel deck beams and gusset plates. A very thorough system of diagonal straps encircles the yacht, steel straps about 2x 1/8 in. running across the frames, between them and the planking, in each direction, with a special arrangement of diagonal straps on top of the deck beams and under the planking of the deck.
The lower third of the hull is planked with oak and yellow pine in single thickness, 1 5/8 in., but above this the skin is double, 1/2 in. white pine inside and 7/8 in. yellow pine outside, the two skins fastened to the frames with composition screwbolts, and to each other between the frames by brass screws. The deck is of the usual construction, white pine about 2 1/2 x 1 1/4 in., with marine glue in the seams.
The bulwarks are or 1 1/4 in. yellow pine, about 8in. high forward and 6in. amidships, merely rounded on top and with no cap or rail. The coamings are of mahogany, there being a forehatch, to the fore-castle, a skylight over the maincabin, the main companion way, and abaft it a very narrow skylight over the ladies' cabin. Just abaft this skylight is an oval coaming of bent oak about 6in. high, inclosing a space of deck about 8ft. 6in. long and 6ft. wide, in the center of which is sunk a cockpit about 4ft. 6in. long by 3ft. wide and 1ft. 6in. deep. Just outside and abaft this coaming is the head of the bronze rudder stock, with its swiveled brass socket for the short locust tiller. About 1ft. from the taffrail is placed a mainsheet traveler, with a second one some 4ft forward.
On the forward deck are two heavy gammon irons, about 6ft., apart, each with an eye on top. To starboard is a hawsepipe, and in the bulwarks along the side are three or four brass leading chocks. The deck cleats are all of hollow brass, the pattern being by no means graceful. On each bow is an outrigger for the jib sheet. Just forward of the mast is a brass screw plate in the deck for the purpose of dropping the spinaker boom in order that it may clear the forestay. One of the Herreshoff patent compound capstans is placed on the fore deck between the hatch and the heel of the bowsprit. The fittings throughout, in the way of metal work, are eminently businesslike; strong, serviceable and well placed, and Wasp is likely to gain as much from perfection of detail as Gloriana certainly did. The main and spinaker boom goosenecks will form part of a strong brass collar turning freely about the mast in an angle iron ring, and carrying a number of belaying pins.
The sail plan of Wasp will be similar to Gloriana's, of 4,137ft. by Seawanhaka rule, but with some 300ft, more canvas. The spars will be somewhat larger all around, but the principal increase will be in the masthead, which will be 12ft., or 3ft. longer than Gloriana's. The many novel features of the older boat will appear in the new one; the battens in the mainsail, the peak halliards of wire and manilla, the former coming into use when the peak is fully set; the shifting jig that may be clapped on to any halliard, by which the usual peak jig is dispensed with. The three chainplates are inside the skin, fastened to the steel frames, thus dispensing with the channels so indispensable to the other 46-footers. The interior is handsomely finished in butternut, the planning being much the same as in Gloriana. With moderate beam, full fore and aft lines above water and the steel framing, there is a very large amount of space compared with the other boats of the 46ft. class. The forecastle is long, light and roomy, extending a couple of feet abaft the mast; abaft it on the starboard side is the captain's room, about 6ft. 3in. long and of good size. Opposite to this is the pantry on the port side, with space for a passage, and adjoining the main saloon is a toilet room and w. c. The main saloon is a fine large room for such a craft, about 8ft. long, the next 8ft. being given up to the steerage, with companion ladder in the center, a second toilet room to starboard and wardrobe to port, besides the latter being the pasage to the after stateroom, arranged with the usual two berths. Below the floor is a depth of about 4ft. for water tanks, spare gear, etc.
The arrangements for launching were as novel as all else about the boat, the conventional appliances, bilgeways, cradles, poppets and chains being entirely absent, while the ground ways, which usually play a most important part, were merely auxiliary. Down the full length of the slipway and exactly in the center heavy ways of yellow pine, two sticks 8 x 9 in. bolted side by side, had been laid and well greased. On them at the upper end was a wide 4in. plank laid flat, with guards bolted to each side to keep it on the ways. Across this plank rested another, about 3in. thick, each end of it resting on the regular groundways, from which the launching is commonly done. On this cross plank stood the lead keel of the yacht, probably 20in. wide on the bottom, the space between the keel and other plank being filled with oak wedges until the whole weight rested on the fore and aft plank. From each end of the cross plank, just over the ground ways, ran up three planks, making a sort of cradle, not quite touching the sides of the yacht, but ready to steady her should she list slightly.
A large jackscrew lay on the bottom of the slip, the head resting against the fore-and-aft plank, and to the latter was made fast a new 4in. line. This line ran up around a couple of chocks bolted to the floor of the shop, then around a third chock and back beside the yacht, where it was neatly faked off in coils on a part of the floor specially boarded off for it. Between the last chock and the coils a temporary compressor was rigged, an oak block bolted to the floor with a stout oak lever above it, the line being led between the two.
At a little before 9 A. M., with the tide nearly at its height but still hurrying up the bay, the yacht was all clear, held only by the dog shores. The designer, Mr. N. G. Herreshoff, quietly took his place at the compressor, a man stood by the jackscrew, and a couple more, with pails of water, stood over the two leading chocks. A single turn of the screw after the dog shoers were down served to start the yacht, and she quickly gained headway. Mr. Herreshoff threw his weight on the lever as the coils jumped out of the box and the line smoked by the chocks, and her speed was lessened until, when half out of the big doors, she stopped quite still for a moment, then of herself resumed her way and after running slowly for a short distance she reached the end of the ways and dropped easily off and into the water, the sliding ways and shores dropping clear and floating away from her.
There was the usual cheering, but no champagne over the bows, no colors and no formal christening, though the gilt letters on her arch-board proclaimed her to be 'Wasp, New York, N. Y.'
In launching trim she showed about 12in. of her paint line forward and 6in. aft. and though it was impossible to locate the true load-line, from all appearances she will trim very nearly as she should when her spars and gear are shipped. Mr. Rogers has not yet seen her, having never visited Bristol since she was begun." (Source: Anon. (W. P. Stephens?) "Wasp." Forest and Stream, March 3, 1892, p. 211.)

"Bristol, R. I. April 18 [1892]. --- ... At the South pier lies Mr. Rogers' 40-footer Wasp [#414s] with all her rigging set up and everything ready for bending her sails.
This last will be done in a few days, and the probabilities are that she will be given, a trial trip before the week is over. After that she will be taken to New York and tried there until she is in condition for the early races.
Capt. Charley Barr is on hand with some of his crack crew, and expresses himself as much pleased with everything about the boat.
He is not making predictions as early as this, but it is evident that be has a quiet confidence in the boat which it will take more than one defeat to shake.
The boat should be in first-class shape." (Source: Anon. "Tried on all Tacks." Boston Globe, April 19, 1892, p. 11.)

"Providence, May 2 [1892]. --- Archibald Rogers, owner of the new forty-six-footer Wasp, took charge of his vessel at the Herreshoff's works to-day, and left Bristol this afternoon. He went as far as Newport, and in the morning will take the craft up the Hudson to his home at Hyde Park. The Wasp will be in the first races of the season, held by the Larchmont and Seawanhaka Clubs. She will also participate in the races of the Atlantic and New-York Yacht Clubs. Capt. Charles Barr, last year the sailing master of Owene, is in command of the Wasp. Mr. Rogers expects that the Wasp will meet and defeat the Gloriana. ..." (Source: Anon. "Wasp Sails For The Hudson." New York Times, May 3, 1892, p.3.)

"... The Marine and Field Club had the honor of starting the first race of forty-six-footers this season. The new Herreshoff boat, Wasp, and the Nautilus, which figured in last year's racing, came to the line with big cloud topsails aloft and everything made ready for a lively brush. ...
The Nautilus had a jib topsail set, a sail that did not show on the Wasp. This prevented the Nautilus pointing as high as sue would have done otherwise, but even without it she could not have looked as high into the wind as her competitor. The Wasp poked her long nose across the line just behind the Nautilus, and, close hauled on the port tack, she began to trot at a great rate. Soon she had an overlap established, and in a quarter of a mile of sailing the Wasp was three lengths to windward and ahead. ..." (Source: Anon. "Wasp Defeats Nautilus. Fine Weather For The Marine And Field Club Regatta." New York Times, June 12, 1892, p. 8.)

"The most remarkable yacht built this year [1902] was Wasp, designed by N. G. Herreshoff and built by the Herreshoff M'f'g Co. for Archibald Rogers, who gave instructions to Mr. Herreshoff that he wished him design a yacht v Her dimensions are
to design a yacht which would beat GLORIANA
Length over all, 72 feet.
Load waterline, 45 feet 6 inches.
Depth, 11 feet.
Draft, 10 feet 8 inches.
Beam, 13 feet.
Her racing record 1892 was as follows. New York Yacht Club: --- First in the Regatta sailed June 9th, beating Clara. Won in the Squadron Run sailed August 3rd, defeating Sayonara, Gloriana and Liris. Beaten by Gloriana on August 4th, and beaten by both Harpoon and Gracie (the latter winning) in the race for the Goelet Cup, August 5th. In the Squadron Run of August 8th, Wasp won from Gloriana, etc. Won the Morgan Cup for sloops on August 8th. She also won Commodore Gerry's Cup for sloops on the 10th of August, beating Harpoon, Barbara and Gloriana. Atlantic Yacht Club: --- Wasp was the winner in her class in the
Twenty-seventh Annual Regatta, sailed June 14th. Eastern Yacht Club: --- In the Annual Regatta, sailed June 27th, Wasp won a first prize of $75 and also the Puritan Cup for the year. In a Special Race for a purse of $250, sailed August 11th, Wasp won again, heating Harpoon and Gloriana. Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club: --- Annual Regatta, July 2d,
Wasp was the winner in her class. Larchmont Yacht Club: --- Wasp won in her class, Thirteenth Annual
Regatta, sailed July 4th. Marine and Field Yacht Club: --- Wasp won in her class June 11th.
Corinthian Yacht Club op New York: --- Wasp was the winner of the Fourth Annual Sweepstakes, sailed at Newport, August 22nd. Harpoon and Gloriana were also entered." (Source: Mott, Henry Augustus. Yachts and Yachtsmen of America. New York, 1894, p. 71.)

"[Wasp (Sail, K) owned by H. F. & R. L. Lippett, Port: Providence; LOA 72ft; LWL 45.6ft; Beam 13ft; Draft 10.8ft; designed by N. G. Herreshoff and built by Herreshoff Mfg. Co in 1892.]" (Source: Stebbins 1896 Yachtsmen's Album, p. 38)

"... Gloriana [#411s] in the hands of C. F. Adams 2d has been turning the tables on Wasp, her old-time rival, in the club runs of the Eastern Y. C. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes From The Week's Log." Boston Globe, July 16, 1905, p. 40.)

"No. 973 --- For Sale --- Desirable fast, flush deck and cockpit, keel cruising sloop; 72 ft. o. a., 45 ft. 6 in. w. l., 16 ft. 2 in. beam, 10 ft. 7 in. draught; designed by Nat. G. Herreshoff and built by the Herreshoff Company in 1892; composite construction; steel frames; planking double of hard pine; lead keel about 25 tons; excellent room on deck; good-sized cockpit; nicely finished, fitted and furnished; accommodations in owner's quarters consist of one double and one single stateroom; good-sized main saloon with one berth and two transoms; sleeps six all told; headroom below 6 ft. 3 in.; finish of interior in mahogany, butternut and white; two separate toilet rooms; crew's quarters forward; stateroom for captain; berths for cook and three sailors; also toilet, etc.; Wilson-Silsby sails; mainsail new 1902; jibs new 1904; light sails new 1905; rigging mostly new 1905; mast and spars in good condition; good cruising inventory, including cedar tender, anchors, chains, cables, riding and side-lights, awnings, etc.; has not been in commission for the past few seasons, but everything about the boat is in good shape and she can be purchased at an exceedingly low figure. In-spectable in Boston. Full particulars, price, etc., from Henry J. Gielow, 50 Broadway, New York. [Though not explicitly named, the dimensions and the accompanying photo clearly identify Wasp #414.]" (Source: Rudder, March 1908, p. 277.)

"The cutter Wasp, built by Herreshoff in 1892 for Archibald Rogers, and which defeated Gloriana, the sensational yacht of the previous year, may be broken up soon. She has had her lead keel removed, and unless some one wants a good craft for little money, she will be broken up. Wasp raced in the old 46ft. class and she won many races. She was 72ft. over all, 45ft. 6in. on the waterline, 13ft. beam and 10ft. 8in. draft. She was of composite build. Mr. Rogers raced her very successfully in her first year, winning among other prizes the Goelet cup, and then she was sold to H. F. and R. L. Lippitt, and in the three years they owned her, she won thirty races and several valuable cups. H. W. Harris purchased the yacht in 1899, and then for two years she flew the flag of Cleveland H. Dodge. In 1902 she went around the Cape to Marblehead, having been purchased by Gordon Dexter, and she was sold last year to James Young, who has just had the lead keel removed." (Source: Anon. "Wasp May be Broken Up." Forest and Stream, November 7, 1908, p. 744.)

"[In 1892] Herreshoff turned out Wasp for Archibald Rogers, and Wasp defeated Gloriana as easily as she had defeated the others. ... Of all that fine class of racing yachts, [the Burgess-designed] Oweene and Sayonara are the only ones left in active use. ... Others, including Wasp, have gone to the junk heap." (Source: Anon. "End of Gloriana." Forest and Stream, November 19, 1910, p. 822.)

"... This year [1910] will long be remembered as one when many of the most famous racing yachts of these waters were broken up. Vigilant [#437s] and Volunteer [designed by Burgess], two cup defenders; Gloriana [#411s] and Wasp [#414s], two of the best of the 46-footers, and several others have gone to the junk heap or gone into trade, and the last to disappear is Jubilee, which was built for Gen. Charles E. Paine for cup honors in 1893. ..." (Source: Anon. "Some News and a Little Gossip." Forest and Stream, December 3, 1910, p. 903.)

"Cleve Dodge bought the Wasp in 1899 and I altered her for him that winter by adding a stateroom. Wasp had been built to beat Gloriana. She was so lightly built that doors that would open at anchor could not be opened under way. In fact, if one were in a stateroom with the door shut, he had to wait until the boat came into the wind before he could get out. In spite of this light construction, the Wasp lasted for years and, in my experience of her, never leaked. I usually sailed her in the squadron runs. Up to that time, almost all the boats that I was familiar with had carried a stronger weather helm as the wind increased, so I was very much surprised to find that the Wasp, when she heeled beyond a certain point, carried a strong lee helm. This was overdoing something which really was a virtue. A boat's form that enables her to carry her helm amidships, irrespective of the strength of the wind, is a most desirable feature in racing." (Source: Crane, Clinton. Clinton Crane's Yachting Memories, New York, 1952, p. 101.)

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Penciled table comparing 'Length', '[symbol]', 'Disp[lacement] 2000' [i.e. short tons], 'Estimate of Cost' and 'Per D' [i.e. Cost per Displacement in Short Tons] for seven different designs: '69 1/2ft [probably #188603es Unbuilt America's Cup Defender for William Ziegler]', '26 1/2[ft] PELICAN [#408s]', '29 1/2[ft #409s GANNET]', '29 1/2[ft] CLARA [#402s]', '23[ft] IRIS [#406s]', '45[ft #411s GLORIANA ???]', and '45[ft #414s WASP ?]'. (Note that cost estimates differ from those in the Construction Record.)" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Cost Estimate. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE05_01730. Folder [no #]. No date (1891 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled preliminary construction plan with inboard profil, plan view and sections titled '#414 WASP'. With pinned-on note listing 'Frame angles' and 'Deck angles'. Undated, WASP was designed primarily in September and October 1891." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Construction Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_06650. Folder [no #]. No date (1891-09 ??).)
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"[Item Description:] Typewritten (carbon copy) specifications titled 'Specifications for the Construction of one Racing Cutter. #414 WASP'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.. (creator). Specifications. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_00840. Folder [no #]. No date (1891-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Colored ink on paper sailplan marked in lower right corner '#414 [WASP]. With penciled rating-related calculations marked 'N.Y.Y.C.' and YRA rule' and calculations arriving at sail areas of 3100sqft and 4299sqft. Undated (WASP's contract was recorded for on September 2, 1891)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Inked Sailplan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0303. WRDT04, Folder 28, formerly MRDE09. No date (1891-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled draft specifications for #414s WASP. Undated (WASP was contracted for September 2, 1891)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Draft Specifications. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_00980. Folder [no #]. No date (ca 1891-09-02).)
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"[Item Description:] Colored ink on linen construction detail plan showing four half-sections at frame stations 12, 18, 24 and 30. Titled '46ft Cutter. Sept 26, [18]91' and showing probably #414s WASP." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Construction Detail Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0634. WRDT08, Folder 47. 1891-09-26.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled list titled '46 Footer' showing tabulated data for block for 'jib topsail halyard', 'spinnaker', etc. The '46 Footer' is probably #414s WASP (who was usually referred to as such during her design) or possibly #411s GLORIANA." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled List. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_06540. Folder [no #]. No date (1891-12 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled table titled 'List of Blocks for 46-footer. Dec[ember] 1891. Copied Oct[ober] 11th. WASP #414 [#414s]'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled List. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_02580. Folder [no #]. 1891-12.)
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"[Item Transcription:] We have today arrived at Wheatly & received your letter w[hic]h I enjoyed extremely.
We have had a very anxious time lately having been detained in town by the illness of our boy a continuation of teething & gastric trouble w[hic]h kept his temp[erature] at 104 for a week, he is now we believe all right but very much pulled down.
I am surprised to hear that Mr. B[rooks] is considering a racer [#189104es Unbuilt Schooner for Brooks] again. I am very much interested and hope to hear very soon that you have got the order. I saw Archie Rogers [soon-to-be owner of #414s WASP] at the horse show & he asked my opinion of [Charlie] Barr. I consider him first rate. I am glad to hear that there was something tangible to account for loss of speed in the JAVELIN [#164p] & hope somebody else will get the brencfet[?] of it.
The 35 [#417s DRUSILLA?] interests me very much & I am plan[?] you like her well. Enough to take the 25 raters similar[?]. How I envy you the sail in the 'COQUINA' [#404s]. I trust that Mrs. H[erreshoff] & the children are well & enjoying themselves. I have not seen the Forest & Stream lately but will look up the 'Sampans'." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_77750. Correspondence, Folder 98. 1891-12-09.)
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"[Item Description:] Ink on linen general arrangement plan with inboard profile and plan view titled 'Cabin Arrangement of 2d 46ft Cutter [#414s WASP]. December 18, [18]91'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Inked Arrangement Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_07150. Folder [no #]. 1891-12-18.)
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"[Item Description:] Typewritten and penciled table with data for 'Date of Order', '[Hull] No.', 'Name', 'Length on W.L.', 'Beam', 'Draft', 'Rig', 'Keel or Centerboard Keel', 'Ballast' for #400s CONSUELO, #401s ROMP, #402s CLARA, #403s CALYPSO, #404s COQUINA, #405s ALICE, #406s IRIS, #407s BIRD, #408s PELLICAN[sic], #409s GANNET, #410s MAB, #411s GLORIANA, #412s DILEMMA, #413s SAYONARA, #414s WASP, #415s WENONAH, #416s ALPHA, #417s DRUSILLA, #418s EL CHICO, #419s COQUINA 2ND, #420s REAPER and #421s BEE. Undated (data until 1891 is typewritten, thereafter penciled, suggesting that the table was prepared in January 1892 before EL CHICO, the first boat with a penciled year, was contracted for)." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Construction Record Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_04530. Folder [no #]. No date (1892-01 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Untitled, penciled table providing data for L (WLW), D (Displacement in Tons net), T (measurement tens[? or tons?], S (Sail area), L * sq-rt(S) / 15* cube-rt(D), L * sq-rt(S) / 18* cube-rt(D), and (sq-rt(S) + L) / 2 on the X-axis for the following boats: DILEMMA [#412s], 2 1/2 rater [apparently #415s WENONAH], 35ft E.D. Morgan [#417s DRUSILLA], GANNET [#409s], PELICAN [#408s], ALICE [#405s], CLARA [#402s], CONSUELO [#400s], COQUINA [#404s], BIRD [#407s], 21' [#???s], GLORIANA [#411s], 46 Rodgers [#414s WASP], GRACIE, KATRINA, SHAMROCK, and HURON. Two penciled tables on verso: One showing max speed in miles and kots and wind required for lengths ranging from 35 to 80ft, the other appearing to show required wind speeds for max hull speeds for boats ranging from 30 to 80ft. On envelope labeled 'Immediate. United States Weather Report.' Undated, but postmarked 'Jan 19, 1892.'" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_72740. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 2), Folder B2F04, formerly MRDE15. No date (1892-01-19 or later).)
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"[Item Description:] Re bond investment, have sent Mr. [Horace M.] Barns the bonds, 'am much obliged to you for the invitation to see the 'WASP' [#414s] go off Monday, but rather fear I can't get down ." (Source: Bailey, W.M., Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_64930. Unidentif. / Non-Cataloged, Folder [no #], formerly 244?. 1892-02-25.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled sketched rig detail titled '4 Scotchmen for topsail yards of 46ft #414 [WASP]. Ap[ril] 11 [18]92'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sketch. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_01430. Folder [no #]. 1892-04-11.)
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"[Item Description:] Note with penciled list of photos on verso and recto of Amerian and British yachts including #411s GLORIANA (Rounding SW spit on Goelet Cup day), #416s ALPHA, #423s VANESSA, #417s DRUSILLA, #414s WASP, HARPOON, ELFIN, LUZETTE, YSEULT, DORA, VALKYRIE II, AILSA, BRITANNIA, #450s ISOLDE, #453s VAQUERO, VALKYRIE III, together with image and frame sizes. Undated (August 1892 and later)." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRRT_080. Note. Unidentif. / Non-Cataloged, Folder MRRT. No date (1892-08 and later).)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] I have just returned from the South & find your letters. I should have much preferred having had WASP [#414s] near you but did not know of any place. One model of WASP I want here & one to go to the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club in 32nd St., N.Y. City.
I have been unable to get any small steel wire rope from Randall & Gordale. I wanted some for my small ice[?] yachts for side guys and shrouds and they can not send me anything smaller than 1/4 in diam. I got some iron wire 3/16th 7 strand but I am afraid of it. What did you use for the small fin keels.
I thought you showed me a list of small steel about 3/16 diam. This would do nicely for shrouds & guys, where can I get it and what shall I use for the 2 fore stays when jib is set projecting.
I will be much obliged for any hints you can give me." (Source: Rogers, Archibald. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_78010. Correspondence, Folder 99. 1892-12-12.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] I have[?] your 20th & since my letter to you I have set up ice yacht correctly so don't bother about rigging & c. I may want a boom iron & c for connecting the boom of my largest ice yacht to the mast, can send you particulars later if you have time or anything at[?] hand that would answer. The mast is about 7 1/2 in diam. I am afraid the brass like the one you send would be too light for my big boat of 800 sq feet canvas.
I will make inquiries about docking [#435s COLONIA] in New York as to 14 1/2 or 15 feet [depth of water] & let you know. I only suggested the freeboard question, I am greatly in favor of plenty & like to have it, I feel more & more convinced that Watson is going to turn out a centerboard boat [VALKYRIE II would have no centerboard]. What a triumph it would be to beat him if he does & we can, with a keel & thus turn the tables upon him again. Let me know when you are ready & then we can make an appointment at 340 [Madison Avenue] next week & you can spend the night with me if you will.
I am all alone when then[sic & we would have no one to disturb us & can get to bed early.
Yours very truly ...
[P.S.] I would sell the WASP [#414s] at a sacrifice. Please communicate this to the firm." (Source: Rogers, Archibald. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_78070. Correspondence, Folder 99. 1892-12-23.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I heard about the launch of [of #429s NAVAHOE] from Mr. Carroll, glad it was so successful.
I am at work upon spars [apparently for #435s COLONIA] and will report soon. I may see [Cramp's] Mr Nickerson tomorrow if I am not squared up.
I am a great believer in wood but do want to try to get a lighter boom if possible.
Yours sincerely ...
[P.S.] Please send me amount of lead on WASP [#414s] as I may sell her. [Incl envelope.]" (Source: Rogers, Archibald. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_78170. Correspondence, Folder 99. 1893-02-22.)
① ②

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (carbon copy) regatta report titled 'Newport to Vineyard Haven. Distance 37 miles. August 14th, 1893' with tabulated performance data. Herreshoff-built yachts listed are #414s WASP, #437s VIGILANT and #435s COLONIA." (Source: New York Yacht Club (?) (creator). Regatta Report. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_03480. Folder [no #]. 1893-08-14.)
①

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (carbon copy) regatta report titled 'Vineyard Haven to New Bedford. Distance 21 miles. August 15th, 1893' with tabulated performance data. The only Herreshoff-built yachts listed are #414s WASP and #437s VIGILANT." (Source: New York Yacht Club (?) (creator). Regatta Report. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_01500. Folder [no #]. 1893-08-15.)
①

"[Item Description:] Almost unreadable penciled table on the back of an envelope comparing a number of boats and giving data for LWL, SA, displ., etc. for a number of unreadable craft including #412s DILEMMA, #414s WASP and #437s VIGILANT. Undated (1890s?)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_71390. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F06, formerly MRDE15. No date (1890s ?).)
①

"[Item Description:] Table titled 'Examples of the Application of Proposed Measurement Rule for the the New York Yacht Club' providing data for Rig, Type under Water, Load waterline, Draft, Displacement, Sail area, Racing length and others for #435s COLONIA, #437s VIGILANT, #452s DEFENDER, JUBILEE, QUEEN MAB, HURON, #414s WASP, #451s NIAGARA, UVIRA, #422s HANDSEL, #449s ANOATOK, #409s GANNET, #408s PELICAN, #446s ALERION, #416s ALPHA, #406s IRIS, and #461s COCK ROBIN. With note 'Blueprint 2. Sept 20, 1895.'" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_70900. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F06, formerly MRDE15. 1895-09-20.)
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"[Item Description:] Untitled table providing data for Rig, Kind of c.b. or keel, Waterline, Draft, Displacement, Sail area, Racing length and others for #435s COLONIA, #437s VIGILANT, #452s DEFENDER, JUBILEE, QUEEN MAB, HURON, #414s WASP, #451s NIAGARA, UVIRA, #422s HANDSEL, #449s ANOATOK, #409s GANNET, #408s PELICAN, #446s ALERION, #416s ALPHA, and #406s IRIS. Much appears to be the same data as that provided in the table titled 'Examples of the Application of Proposed Measurement Rule for the the New York Yacht Club' and dated September 20, 1895, suggesting this to be the draft also dated similar. With envelope labeled in pencil 'Original N.G.H.'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_70920. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F06, formerly MRDE15. No date (ca1895-09-20).)
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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 ?).)
① ②

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] One page with penciled calculations and formulas on recto, apparently related to a rating or measurement formula (L * sq-rt(S)) / (4 * cube-rt(wl ox)) which is calculated for #452s DEFENDER, #499s COLUMBIA, #529s MINEOLA, #510s PETREL, #411s GLORIANA, #414s WASP, #539s ALTAIR, #545s PLEASURE, #538s COUNTESS, #530s ELECTRA and Newport 30 Class. Another formula L * sq-rt(S)) / (7 1/2 * sq-rt([W.L.]ox) which is calculated for PETREL, GLORIANA, ALTAIR, ELECTRA and Newport 30 Class [Undated. 1900 or later given the building numbers]." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_72140. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F08, formerly MRDE15. No date (1900 or later).)
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"[Item Description:] Page (on the back of Brooklyn Warehouse and Dry Dock Company' invitation to a stockholders meeting on June 10, 1902) with densely penciled table and calculations marked by NGH in right margin 'sent in letter to Mr Cormack, June 16, 1902'. The table shows rating numbers and intermediate numbers for exisiting and proposed rating rules for HMCo-built boats (#499s COLUMBIA, #452s DEFENDER, #529s MINEOLA Class, #510s PETREL (yawl), #411s GLORIANA, #414s WASP, #539s ALTAIR, #545s PLEASURE, #538s COUNTESS, #530s ELECTRA, Newport 30 Class, Buzzards Bay 30 Class, #578s AZOR)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Correspondence (table) to Cormack, George A. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_72260. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F08, formerly MRDE15. 1902-06-16.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] Since writing you last I have received a letter from Mr. A. Cary Smith, a copy of which, I enclose to you herewith.
I have also had a talk with Mr. Gardner and he has acquiesced in the recommendation of M.Q.B.L. for L with LWL eliminated from the rule.
I have prepared a measurement rule in harmony as far as possible with your own views and the views of Mr. Smith and Mr. Gardner and enclose to you herewith a copy of the same.
The classification suggested, reduces the number of the present classes and seems to me to fit the measurements as far as practicable of the present racing boats.
I have appended a few examples giving the approximate ratings of the racing boats which though not strictly accurate are near enough for our purposes.
I would esteem it a very great favor if you would furnish me the exact measurements under the rule, of the MINEOLA [#529s], HUMMA [#553s] OR ALTAIR [#539s], EFFORT [#552s], LEDA [#541s] or COUNTESS [#538s].
The measurement of sail as you know by the present system reduces the ratings of all the boats to lower figures than if the sail were measured by the English method, and as I desire to make up a correct table under the rule suggested I would like to have the accurate measurement of these boats under the suggested rule as figured by you.
I would also like to know if the suggested rule comes near enough to your ideas to be recommended by you for adoption.
I regret the necessity of troubling you further in this matter but I am very anxious that whatever is recommended by our Committee shall go before the Club with your approval. [Incl NGH draft reply:] I have yours of 16th inst and am glad to know that you as well as Mr Smith and Mr Gardner have looked into the 'MQBL' again and approve of it as I recommended it.
As to the matter of measuring sails, I cannot agree with Mr Smith, that it cannot be improved upon. I certainly think it can be and be improved, but the bad results of the present method are not so important as other things under consideration are. Yawls are very unfairly measured under the present method. In the English method they are correctly measured and in the English method there is no occasion to monkey with throat or peak halyard blocks to give all possible sail spread for the measurement. They (the Englishman) can put in as long or short mast head as they please and have all the drift they want on the throat halyards, or as much doubling to the masts as is necessary to hold them, without affecting the measurement of the sails. There is one thing, however, I think your committee should do if they do not think it wise to change the present method of measuring sails, and that is to add the excess of area of club topsails over the maximum size of the working topsail and not rule club topsails out when racing.
In using 5. as a constant in the formula (L*sq-rt(S)) / (5*cube-rt(D)), the resulting racing length is larger than we are accustomed to, and I would suggest using instead 5.5 for the present measurement, or 5.5 (possibly 6) for the Y.R.A. measurement or the NYYC with clubtopsail added as an illustration I present the following calculations for some of our one-stickers: [Table with data for DEFENDER [#452s], COLUMBIA [#499s], MINEOLA [#529s], (NEOLA), ALTAIR [#539s], WASP [#414s], GLORIANA [#411s], EFFORT [#552s], COUNTESS [#538s], Newport 30s, Buzzards Bay 30s follows.]
In closing I hope your committee will not overlook the importance of changing the time allowance tables to the full theoretical amount as I have already suggested. You[?] it is very important that the present idea that the largest boat in the class is the best one should be exploded." (Source: Lawton, N.D. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_71670. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F07, formerly MRDE15. 1902-09-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Four-page typed letter on HMCo stationery:] I have yours of the 16th, and am glad to know that you as well as Mr. Smith and Mr. Gardiner[sic, i.e. Gardner], have looked into the M. Q. B. L. again and approve of it as I recommend it.
As to the method of measuring sails I cannot agree with Mr. Smith that it cannot be improved upon. I certainly think it can be and should be improved, but the bad results of the present method are not so important as other things under consideration are. Yawls are very unfairly measured under the present method. In the English method they are correctly measured, and in the English method there is no occasion to monkey with the throat and peak halyard blocks to get all possible sail spread for the measurement. They (the Englishman) can put in as long or short mast head as they please and have all the drift they want on the throat halyards, or as much doubling to the masts as is necessary to hold them, without affecting the measurement of the sails. There is one thing, however, I think your committee should do if they do not think it wise to change the present method of measuring sails, and that is to add the excess of area of club topsails over the maximum size of the working topsails and not rule club topsails out when racing.
In using 5. as a constant in the formula (L*sq-rt(S)) / (5*cube-rt(D)) the resulting racing length is larger than we are accustomed to and I would suggest using instead 5.5 for the present measurement or 5.75 (possibly 6) for Y.R.A. measurement or the N.Y.Y.C. with club topsail added. As an illustration I present the following calculations from some of our one-stickers.
[Table with data for DEFENDER [#452s], COLUMBIA [#499s], MINEOLA [#529s], (NEOLA), ALTAIR [#539s], WASP [#414s], GLORIANA [#411s], EFFORT [#552s], COUNTESS [#538s], Newport 30s, Buzzards Bay 30s follows.]
It would be a mistake to limit sail area to 5% excess of racing length instead of by M.Q.B.L. The object of limiting it at all is to prevent rigging small hulls with big sails which would be suitable for light weather racing only and worthless for cruising.
As an example suppose we take the formula (M.Q.B.L.)*sq-rt(S) / (5.5 * cube-rt(D)) and substitute for sq-rt(S) its equivalent 1.05 R[acing]L[ength] as per your recommendation, then RL / (1.05*RL) = MQBL/(5.5*cube-rt(D))
Now suppose RL is fixed, then M.Q.B.L. can be made as large or small as you please as long as D is changed so that cube-rt(D)is always a certain ratio of M.Q.B.L. Or in other words, having racing length and sail area fixed you are at liberty to choose any size hull you think best suited to the weather conditions.
The possible limit of speed of any vessel having no great propelling force than can be obtained from the wind by the sail she can carry, is governed by the speed of the wave she can generate and this is never longer than her body. The speed of a wave is depended on its length in the well known law S=sq-rt(L). Now the length of vessel for generating the wave is measured very fairly by M.Q.R.L., and this factor is the ruling one in the formula, which perhaps would be better understood if written RL=(MQBL)* (sq-rt(S)/(5.5*cube-rt(D)). In this way you may consider that sq-rt(S) / (5.5*cube-rt(D)) is only a correction of M.Q.B.L. for the amount of sail carried in relation to the displacement. It is very obvious that sq-rt(S) should be limited to the (M.Q.B.L.) and also that the classification should be by M.Q.B.L. and not by RL. as has been the popular way for the last few years.
I am still of the conviction that it would be wiser; better for the present generation and the coming one to make the class limits in ratio 5 to 4 (nearly) as I proposed in scale 100-80-64-50-40, both for schooners and sloops and based on W.Q.B.L.
In closing I hope your committee will not overlook the importance of changing the time allowance tables to the full theoretical amount, as I have already suggested. It is very important that the present idea that the largest boat in the class is the best one should be exploded." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Lawton, N.D. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_71530. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F07, formerly MRDE15. 1902-09-19.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled table, untitled, listing schooner classes (from A to EE) and sloops & yawls classes (from F to Q [and R and S]) and their ratings. With separate note showing rating factors 'with excess of rig' for CORONA [#435s ex-COLONIA], GLORIANA [#411s], WASP [#414s], IROLITA [#591s], HUMMA [#553s], COLUMBIA [#499s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RELIANCE [#605s] and SPASM [#538s]. On verso unidentified sketches. Undated (the latest boat on this list was built in 1903)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01380. Folder [no #]. No date (1903 or later).)
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"[Item Description:] Four handwritten (in ink) pages with tabulated data listing 'Shop No', 'Name', '[Tons] Gross' and '[Tons] Net' for a total of 100 HMCo-built boats and classes. Tonnage data is usually precise to two digits behind the decimal. Random comparisons suggest source of tonnage data to be official Custom House data. Boats mentioned are: #664s, #663s, #625s, #665s, #634s, #658s, #657s, #646s, #641s, #617s, #626s Class, #624s, #621s, #616s, #619s, #590s, #591s, #586s, #592 Class, #618s, #605s, #578s, #560s Class, #580s, #553s, #551s, #552s, #546s, #541s, #545s, #538s, #534s, #533s, #532s, #529s, #534s, #530s, #531s, #435s, #437s, #452s, #499s, #429s, #426s, #424s, #481s, #422s, #417s, #414s, #451s, #215p, #213p, #222p, #235p, #230p, #229p, #236p, #224p, #244p, #247p, #249p, #231p, #232p, #228p, #252p, #250p, #251p, #248p, #168p, #164p, #118p, #142p, #174p, #173p, #194p, #189p, #193p, #183p, #178p, #179p, #181p, #182p, #175p, #163p, #148p, #149p, #172p, #155p, #170p, #186p, #188p, #206p, #207p, #205p, #208p, #209p, #210p, #211p, #212p, #216p. Undated (the latest boat listed, WINSOME, was launched in 1907)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Handwritten List. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00220. Folder [no #]. No date (1907 or later).)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #414s Wasp even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. "Specifications for the Construction of one Racing Cutter. #414 Wasp." No place [Bristol], no date [September? 1891]. (3,004 kB)
  Document is copyrighted: Yes, used with permission. Copyright holder: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Detailed vessel specifications for #414s Wasp.

• Wasp (HMCo-made index card)
• Wasp and #414p Defiance (MIT Museum-made index card)
• Note: The vessel index cards comprise two sets of a total of some 3200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and information regarding drawings, later or former vessel names, and owners. They were compiled from HMCo's early days until 1920 and added to in later decades, apparently by Hart Nautical curator William A. Baker and his successors. While HMCo seems to have used only one set of index cards, all sorted by name and, where no name was available, by number, later users at MIT apparently divided them into two sets of cards, one sorted by vessel name, the other by vessel number and greatly expanded the number of cards. Original HMCo cards are usually lined and almost always punched with a hole at bottom center while later cards usually have no hole, are unlined, and often carry substantially less information. All cards are held by the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections of the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Mass.

Name: Wasp
Type: Cutter
Length: 46'
Owner: Rogers, A.

Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. "A Partial List of Herreshoff Clients." In: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Herreshoff Yachts. Bristol, Rhode Island, ca. 1931.

• Wasp
• 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: Wasp
Type: 45' 6" cutter
Owner: Archibald Rogers
Year: 1892
Row No.: 743

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.

Month: Sept
Day: 2
Year: 1891
E/P/S: S
No.: 0414
Name: Wasp
LW: 46' 0"
B: 14' 0"
D: 10' 8"
Rig: Cutter
K: y
Ballast: Lead
Amount: $14250.00
Last Name: Rogers
First Name: A.

Source: Vermilya, Peter and Maynard Bray. "Transcription of the HMCo. Construction Record." Unpublished database, ca. 2000.

Note: The transcription of the HMCo Construction Record by Peter Vermilya and Maynard Bray was performed independently (and earlier) than that by Claas van der Linde. A comparison of the two transcriptions can be particularly useful in those many cases where the handwriting in the Construction Record is difficult to decipher.

"... Designer Herreshoff ... turned out the Wasp, possibly his best keel boat, length for length, up to the Defender's [#452s] time. She easily beat the Glorianna [sic, i.e. #411s Gloriana] and showed a margin over her better than the Vigilant [#437s] showed over the Colonia [#435s]. The Wasp is by far the best of 46-footer yet turned out and showed Herreshoff capable of improving on himself on the same water line length by minutes. That the Wasp can be improved on in the light of the advance made in designing since she was built cannot for one moment be doubted, because the Wasp as she is to-day could easily be improved by cutting off her wetter surface, which not only would be a gain in speed, but also in quickness in stays, which is only another way of saying reducing the tinme over a given course. In the Wasp Designer Herreshoff showed clever work over the Glorianna. ..." (Source: McVey, A. G. "Build Great Boats. Interesting Professional Career of the Herreshoffs." New York Herald, September 8, 1895, p. D2.)

"Built in 180 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $79/day, 434 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"[Sail area 4315sqft.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 2), Folder B2F04, formerly MRDE15. No date (1892-01-19 or later).)

"[Designed displacement (78,135 lbs = 39.1 tons net = 34.9 tons gross = 1296 cu ft).]" (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. [Design Notes for #414s Wasp.] September 19, 1891. Original handwritten document held at the Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol, R.I.)

"Broken up by 1910 or abandoned and sunk in Boston about 1923." (Source: Anon. "End of Gloriana." Forest and Stream, November 19, 1910, p. 822. and Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 3: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

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