HMCo #487s Onward

"[1898-05-04] Wed 4: Fair. L[igh]t NE [wind] ch[anging] to l[igh]t SW. Cool. Clear in p.m. Launched Onward, #487.
[1898-05-12] Thu 12: Strong SSW [wind] all day. A little rain last night. Tried Wanda [#490s] and also Onward [#487s].
[1898-05-14] Sat 14: Very fine. L[igh]t NW [wind in] a.m. Mod[erate] SW to SE [in] p.m. Tried and delivered Wanda [#490s]. Off trying Onward [#487s] & Vaquero III [#468s]. ...
[1898-05-15] Sun 15: Calm early. Mod[erate] S [wind]. Rain in p.m, wind backing to E. Went to Newport in Onward [#487s] in company of Vaquero III [#468s].
[1898-05-22] Sun 22: Very fine. Cool. Calm early. Mod[erate] S to SW [wind]. Off in Coquina [#404s] with boys. Geo. Owen [owner of #487s Onward] & A[lpheus] Packard off in Kildee [#460s].
[1898-05-23] Mon 23: Fair Mod[erate] S [wind]. Onward [#487s] delivered to Mr. Owen. ..." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1898. Manuscript (excerpts). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection.)

"The new fast knockabout racing yacht Onward, built recently by the Herreshoffs for George Owen, Jr, of Boston, left Monday [May 23, 1898] afternoon for Marblehead, Mass., where she is to be delivered to her owner." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, May 27, 1898, p. 2.)

"George Owen, superintendent of a woolen mill in Lawrence, Mass , and formerly of Providence, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head at his home Friday. Mr Owen was the owner of the sloop yacht Onward, built at Herreshoff and was well known in Bristol. His son, George Owen, Jr. had until recently been a draughtsman at Herreshoffs', and is a popular member of the local Y M C A." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, February 26, 1901, p. 2.)

"Capt. George T. Gladding left yesterday for Marblehead, Mass, to paint and otherwise fit out the Herreshoff sloop yacht Onward, recently purchased from Mr. Owen of Providence by A. S. Cheesbrough of this town." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, May 14, 1901, p. 2.)

"Clarence Dow, who was the first of the crew of the ninety-footer Constitution [#551s] to arrive here last May, and who left that yacht to become skipper of the Onward, owned by A. S. Chesebrough, left here yesterday for his home on Deer Isle, Maine. He intends to purchase an interest in a schooner and follow coasting during the next few months. During his stay in Bristol he has made many friends." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, October 11, 1901, p. 2.)

"No. 1492 --- For Sale --- At low price. Exceedingly fast and able keel sloop; 46 ft. 9 in. o. a., 31 ft. 6 in. w.l., 10 ft. 3 in. beam, 7 ft. 11 in. draught; designed and built by Herreshoff 1898; oak frames; cedar planking double, copper fastened; about 9,000 lb lead outside. As a racer, proved singularly successful during 1906, after rigging plans were changed by H. J. Gielow; two berths in cabin, toilet, etc.; interior finished bright; 10-ft. cockpit; Ratsey sails and covers new 1906; spars and rigging excellent condition, dingey, anchors, lights, etc. Accommodations for crew. A-1 condition; not in commission 1907; Henry J. Gielow, 50 Broadway, New York. [Though not explicitly identified, her appearance, name Vivian on the accompanying photo and the dimensions provided clearly show this to be Vivian II ex Onward.]" (Source: Rudder, March 1908, p. 162.)

"[An identical advertisement by Gielow.]" (Source: Rudder, March 1909, p. 171.)

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Typewritten (carbon copy) specifications titled 'Specifications for Fast Cruising yacht for thirty-foot class [#487s ONWARD]'. With handwritten (in ink) additions and corrections." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.. (creator). Specifications. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_01540. Folder [no #]. No date (1897-10 ?).)
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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:] Penciled sailplan marked in lower right corner "#487 [ONWARD]. Not used'. With calculations arriving at a total sail area of 1470sqft. Not dated, ONWARD's 3rd sailplan at MIT (HMCo Plan HH.5.10351 130-48) is dated Jan 1898." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sailplan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0448. WRDT04, Folder O.S. 3, formerly MRDE09. No date (1898-01 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] I can't tell you how glad I am that COLUMBIA [#499s] won. I felt sure she would and bet on her. I should liked to have seen that last race. It must have been wind, and too[sic] beat them in what they supposed to be their own weather was good too. I do hope she will go across the pond, but we do not want to give them points to use against us. However they do not stand much chance of beating us.
I sent you yesterday two photos, one of JILT [#493s] and one of ONWARD [#487s]. I don't know which[?] you have any or not but they are thought to be very good of the boats. The JILT is still as good as any of her class. She did little racing this summer. She could beat them in all in a strong breeze but in light wind and smooth sea the 'PIRATE' could beat her. Please remember me to Mr John [JBH] and accept my best regards for your self.
Yours truly
Willard B. Jackson
P.S. Hope you will see Mama as she is in Bristol." (Source: Jackson, Willard B. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_53050. Subject Files, Folder 46, formerly 60. 1899-10-27.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten letter on 'Narragansett Bay Yacht Agency. 240 Banigan Building. Boston Correspondent B.B. Crowninshield. New York Correspondent Frank Bowne Jones' stationery:] Providence, R.I. Sept[ember] 7, 1909
Owing to the hurry in which I went off with MAY QUEEN [#514s] I did not have the chance to acknowledge and thank you for your favor of the 20th ult.
On being measured by the measurer of the Atlantic Y.C. MAY QUEEN was found to rate 27.96 but a trifle over the estimate which you made. The excess was entirely due to the difference in method they having taken spar measurement while I presume you took actual sail. Under their method they made the S.A. 958 instead of 900 Sq. Ft.
We raced three days at the Atlantic Y.C. Starting with M.N.O. and P. classes although P class was figured separate in the final results and although the lightest wind during the three day was 18 miles, secured a first, a second and a break down.
The first day was started in a moderate breeze. We had against us MIMOSA III [#610s] and CRESCENT and were sailing over the course with VIVIAN II [#487s ex-ONWARD], PHANTOM and EIDOLON. Having secured the best start we held MIMOSA under our lee during the entire first leg and ran away from CRESCENT and VIVIAN II. At the end of the round a terrific squall struck and the big PHANTOM and MIMOSA passed us. The wind was over 35 miles per hour but we kept going and though rather badly beaten by MIMOSA, secured second in our class and beat the M boats VIVIAN II [p. 2] and EIDOLON very badly so that both finally dropped out. On allowance MIMOSA beat us about 7 minutes while we beat the two year old Gielow boat CRESCENT over twelve minutes without our allowance.
The second day the wind had dropped to about 22 miles. We held second to MIMOSA with the same fleet, all over the first round and were well inside of our allowance when the wire sling holding the throat halliards parted.
The last race of the A.Y.C. series was started in a 10 mile breeze.
We simply walked away from MIMOSA on every point of sailing during the first round. At the start of the second round the wind increased suddenly to nearly 20 miles and we were badly overblown, MIMOSA passing us but was unable to save her allowance and we got the race. Both CRESCENT and VIVIAN II were far astern.
Saturday we went to Oyster Bay, MIMOSA III did not arrive in time but we went up against the big yawl NIMPEA. We also sailed over the course with the N.Y. 30 footers. It blew from 25 to 30 miles and the sea was wicked but we reefed before starting and gave the yawl a bad beating. We also beat all the 'thirties' except NEPSI [#632s] and PHRYNE [#643s] being beaten by a few seconds by the first and a couple of minutes by the second of the two above.
Monday was at Larchmont. There was a steady 10 mile breeze and perfectly smooth water. The conditions were ideal for MAY QUEEN for the first time. Before the race MIMOSA's skipper conceded that we would beat him from 5 to 10 minutes boat for boat while CRESCENT refused to race against us and entered the handicap class. Right at the start our rudder came loose from the post and we were unable to steer at all so dropped out. MIMOSA beat all the 'thirties' by nearly two minutes so we lost the chance to lead not only the fast MIMOSA but all the N.Y.Y.C. class as well.
With two first, a second and two break downs out of five starts,
I think our trip was exceptionally successful. Everywhere MAY QUEEN [p. 3] was greatly admired for her handsome lines, roomy interior and remarkable showing against MIMOSA III which boat all the Sound yachtsmen seem to think a wonderful all around boat.
I thought you would be sufficiently interested in the doings of a ten year old Herreshoff boat manned by a Rhode Island crew, racing under a rule unthought of at the time of her launch, to be glad to have this report from me, so took the liberty of this lengthy letter.
I sailed the first race and Thurber the other four. We had the weather berth in every race at the start and our sail handling appeared to be much quicker and more effective than any of the boats we went up against so we were satisfied that local boatmen are not so far behind the other men as we had feared they might be.
Very sincerely yours ..." (Source: Goodwin[?], N.R.[?]. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_22830. Correspondence, Folder 67, formerly 135. 1909-09-07.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #487s Onward even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. "Specifications for Fast Cruising yacht for thirty-foot class [#487s Onward]." No place [Bristol], no date [October? 1897]. (655 kB)
  Document is copyrighted: Yes, used with permission. Copyright holder: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Vessel specifications for #487s Onward.

• Onward (HMCo-made index card)
• Onward (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: Onward
Type: Cutter
Length: 30'
Owner: Owen, George

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

• Onward
• Robilla ex-Onward
• Rohilla ex-Onward
• Vivian II ex-Onward
• 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.

Month: Oct
Day: 19
Year: 1897
E/P/S: S
No.: 0487
Name: Onward
LW: 30'
B: 9' 7"
D: 7' 4"
Rig: Cutter
K: y
Ballast: Lead
Amount: 4150.00
Notes Constr. Record: Changed to Vivien 1909. Mould 461 L 12 7/8 / 8 B x D 16/12
Last Name: Owen
First Name: Geo.

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.

"Onward was built for George Owen, Sr., the father of George Owen, Jr. who had been employed at HMCo from 1898 to 1901 as per Anon. "Long List of Victories Yachts Built by George Owen Have All Been Fast, and Some of Them Have Been Revolutionary in Design and Rig." Boston Globe, December 21, 1913, p. 47." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. May 18, 2016.)

"Built in 197 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $21/day, 83 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

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