HMCo #510s Petrel

"[1899-02-01] Wed 1: Fair & cold. Fresh N to NW [wind &] clear. About 2in. [of] snow on ground. Mr. Kennedy [owner of #510s Petrel] here. ...
[1899-02-04] Sat 4: ... a coating of ice this morning. Clear & fine in PM. Cast lead for #510 [Petrel] (About 22 tons.)
[1899-03-02] Thu 2: NE [wind] & rain in PM & evening. Began setting up #510 yawl [Petrel].
[1899-03-10] Fri 10: Cleared[?] early. L[igh]t N [wind]. Very fine & cool. Mr. Kennedy [owner of #510s Petrel] here.
[1899-03-14] Tue 14: L[igh]t snow & rain [with] N [wind]. ... Began planking #510 yawl [Petrel] yesterday.
[1899-04-14] Fri 14: Fair & mild. L[igh]t S to SE [wind &] overcast. Mr. Kennedy [owner of #510s Petrel] here. ...
[1899-04-19] Wed 19: Very fine & cool. Mod[erate] ESE [wind] all day & clear. Finished planking #510 [Petrel] and began laying deck & cab[in] work.
[1899-05-08] Mon 8: Fair & warm [with] l[igh]t SE to E [wind]. Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy here. Launched Petrel #510. ...
[1899-05-14] Sun 14: Very fine & clear [with] fresh NW [wind]. Schooner with spars [for #499s Columbia and #510s Petrel] arrives from Boston. ...
[1899-05-20] Sat 20: Cool [with] fresh N [wind]. ... Mr. Kennedy [owner of #510s Petrel] here.
[1899-05-23] Tue 23: Clear & cool. SW [wind] in PM. ... Stepped masts in Petrel.
[1899-06-02] Fri 2: Very fine & warm. L[igh]t variable [winds]. Mr. Kennedy [owner of #510s Petrel] here. ...
[1899-06-03] Sat 3: Very fine & warm. L[igh]t NE [wind in] AM. L[igh]t SSW [wind in] PM. ... Tried Petrel #510. ...
[1899-06-06] Tue 6: Very fine (?) SW (?), changing to NW [wind], with temp[?] of 90deg. in PM. Hauled[?] Petrel[?] out on marine[?] (?). ...
[1899-06-09] Fri 9: Very fine [in] AM. Cloudy [in] PM [with] mod[erate] SSW [wind]. Had 2nd trial of Petrel.
[1899-06-10] Sat 10: Very fine. ... Petrel delivered.
[1899-11-17] Fri 17: Laid up Kildee. Also Petrel at cove.
[1900-04-07] Sat 7: Very fine & warm. Fresh N [wind] & clear. ... Put some lead in Petrel [#510s]. ...
[1900-05-24] Thu 24: Very fine [with] l[igh]t S [wind] & clear. Sis [#518s] sailed for Southport. Also Petrel [#510s] later in afternoon. ..." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1899 to 1900. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"No. 510.
Keel Cruiser.
Frame spaces 15".
Timbers moulded 2 3/8".
Sided, at top 2 3/8"
# 25 to 40 inclusive to increase in siding from top, for full length at rate of 3/32" per ft.
Deduct for planking 1 5/8".
Sheer line given is to underside of deck.
Drop rabbet on keel 1/4" lower than figures.
Keel 5 1/4" thick.
Rabbet 2 above bottom keel." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. [Penciled note in Offset Booklet HH.4.114.] Undated, ca. January 1899. Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection, MIT Museum, Cambridge, MA.)

"... Petrel [Name], 510 [Building Number], 47.4 [Rating], 56 [Waterline], 49.3 [L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule], 13.66 [B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule], 9.2 [d = draft of water as for Universal Rule], 1,368 [D = displacement in cubic foot as for Universal Rule (= 87,552 lbs or 39.1 long tons)], 3443 [Sail Area], 4440 [Sail limit Present rule], -997 [Diff.], 3550 [Sail limit Proposed rule], -107 [Diff.], [Notes] ..." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule Formula." Bristol, R.I., July 13, 1907 with later additions. Original handwritten (in ink) document with penciled additions. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00080.)

"Two very successful twenty-five foot waterline knockabouts, BLAZING STAR and MAY QUEEN, were built, and the keel yawl PETREL, beside[s] several others.
...
In 1899, beside[s] COLUMBIA, [there] were built PETREL, a fifty-six foot yawl, and a number of others." (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. 67-68.)

"Another interesting yacht built in 1899 was the yawl 'Petrel,' seventy-six feet O.A., fifty-six feet W.L., fourteen feet beam, nine feet draft. You can see that she would look very modern today although designed more than fifty years ago." (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. 205.)

"... The Herreshoffs' are getting material for the new boat [#520s Athene] together, and will start her in the north shop as soon as they can get the 56-foot yawl [#510s Petrel] for Mr Kennedy out of the way. ..." (Source: Robinson, W. E. "Yachts and Yachtsmen." Boston Globe, April 23, 1899, p. 27.)

"... A handsome yawl 56 feet on the water line, also for a New York yachtsman, will be launched about the sixth of May [1900]. ..." (Source: Anon. "Hustling At Herreshoff's." Bristol Phoenix, April 28, 1899, p. 1.)

"The new 56-foot yawl Petrel was launched from the Herreshoff Boat Work last evening [May 8, 1899]." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, May 9, 1899, p. 2.)

"... The yawl that the Herreehoffs are building for H. V. R. Kennedy, of the New-York Yacht Club, is 78 feet long over all, 66 feet on the water-line, 16 feet 4 inches beam, and 9 feet draught. She will be named the Petrel, and will be sent on to New-York as soon as possible. Her spars have been made with those of the Columbia [#499s] at Boston. ..." (Source: Anon. "The Craft And Those Who Sail Them." New York Tribune, May 14, 1899, p. A8.)

"The yawl Petrel owned by Mr Kennedy of New York is still in the slip between the Herreshoff's piers and is having the finishing touches put on the interior. Her masts and rigging are being prepared." (Source: Anon. "Yachts and Yachting." Bristol Phoenix, May 23, 1899, p. 3.)

"Petrel, sloop yawl, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, RI, by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., 1899
32.69 gross tons, 25.02 net tons; 64.5 ft. x 14.4 ft. x 13.9 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, two masts, overhanging head, overhanging stern.
Surveyed and measured, June 2, 1899." (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Petrel.)

"The 56 foot yawl Petrel, built for J V B Kennedy of New York by the Herresshoffs was hauled out Wednesday morning [June 7, 1899] at Walker's cove. She was lowered again in the afternoon and is now nearly ready to go into commission." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, June 9, 1899, p. 2.)

"[Abstract of register or enrollment. Pos. 731:]
Petrel, sloop yawl, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1899.
32.69 gross tons, 25.02 net tons; 64.5 ft. x 14.4 ft. x 13.9 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, two masts, overhanging head [bow].
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) June 9, 1899. Owners: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol.
Surrendered [license] June 16, 1899 at New York, N.Y. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence])." (Source: Survey of Federal Archives, Work Projects Administration. Ships Documents of Rhode Island. Bristol. Ship Registers and Enrollments of the Port of Bristol - Warren Rhode Island, 1941, s.v. Petrel.)

"The auxiliary yawl Petrel, owned by J. R. V. Kennedy of New York, arrived at the Herreshoffs' slip Tuesday after a cruise." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, September 29, 1899, p. 2.)

"... The Herreshoff yawl Petrel, owned by H. V. R. Kennedy of New York, is being altered to an auxiliary at Lawley's yard. She will have a 25-horsepower Standard engine installed and will also be lighted by an acetylene plant." (Source: Anon. "Woman Will Race Tyro in Maine." Boston Herald, March 29, 1908, p. 13.)

"The auxiliary yawl Petrel, purchased this Spring by James Jackson, was at Herreshoff's last week for overhauling. The yawl was brought from Massachusetts Bay to Bristol by Robert W. Emmons 2d., and after having a new mainmast stepped left for her new home port of Hyannisport." (Source: Anon. "Notes From the Week's Log." Boston Globe, June 25, 1916, p. 58.)

"June 30th, 1919,
My dear Mr. Nat:
Your two yawls the SPALPEEN [#481s] and the PETREL [#510s], the latter my brother-in-law's [James Jackson's] boat, are both going on the Eastern [Yacht Club's] cruise, and we propose to race against each other.
The owners have asked me to get you to give us an approximate rating under the present rules that we can fairly race by. If you can send me this figure some time before the Fourth of July at my address at Monument Beach, I will be greatly obliged to you.
I hope to get to Bristol before the Fourth, but as it is doubtful, I am writing you.
Yours very truly [R.W. Emmons Jr.]
[Incl. NGH pencilled notes:]
SPALPEEN #481 - 1896 [year]
71ft 9in deck. 73ft 3in O.A. 56ft 0in w.l. 8ft 0in draft. 1217.5 disp[lacement in cubic feet] 10.70^3
2405 sail area. 49.1^2
Approx Rating .90 * .18 * ((wl*sq-rt(S)/cubic-rt(D)) = .162 * ((56*49.1)/10.7) = 41.7
PETREL #510 - 1899 [year]
76ft 6in O.A. 56ft 0in w.l. 14ft 4in beam. 9ft 2in draft. 1386 disp[lacement in cubic feet] 11.18^3
3120 sail area. 55.8^2
Approx Rating .93 * .18 * ((56*55.8)/11.18) = 46.8
[Incl. NGH pencilled draft reply:]
Dear Bob. I have no record of either of these old boats being measured by the Universal Rule, as they both antidate[sic] it. By figuring from the original designs the ketch SPALPEEN w[ou]ld rate 41.7 and yawl PETREL 46.8.
I really think there should bemore difference as SPALPEEN is underrigged, being originally designed as an auxiliary with steam engine, is different in beam for a sailing craft and has more wetted surface in proportion than PETREL. However, if [next word underlined] you would go in SPALPEEN perhaps there might be interesting racing, otherwise I am afraid not.
Sincerely yours, Nat." (Source: Emmons, R.W. [Letter to N. G. Herreshoff (incl. draft reply by NGH.] Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 79 (new), 71 (old). Access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff. June 30, 1919.)

"... The auxiliary yawl Petrel, built a number of years ago by Herreshoff for H. Van Rensselaer Kennedy, N. Y. Y. C., arrived at Bristol, R I. from the Eastern Yacht Club cruise last Monday. Her owner, James Jackson of Boston, had the Petrel hauled out for a general overhauling and when she is again put overboard Mr Jackson will start on an offshore cruise. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes From The Week's Log." Boston Globe, August 3, 1919, p. 49.)

"No. 371 --- For Sale --- The only available high-grade auxiliary yawl of this size. 76 ft. over all, 56 ft. water-line, 14.5 ft. beam, 9 ft. draught, 25 tons outside lead ballast. Designed and built by Herreshoff. Wood construction. 25-h.p. four-cylinder Standard engine forward of owner's quarters. Sails practically new. Comfortable accommodations, including large double stateroom, main saloon and passageway berth. At slight expense can be altered, giving additional single stateroom. Completely equipped, including launch and dinghy. In Fall 1919 boat thoroughly overhauled and placed in perfect order. Pronounced good for twenty years to come by Herreshoff. Apply John G. Alden. 148 State Street, Boston, Mass. [Note: Though not identified by name, her dimensions and rig and the accompanying photo be Stebbins, neg. no. 16369, identify her clearly as Petrel #510s.]" (Source: Anon. "For Sale." Rudder, March 1920, p. 65.)

"... The Herreshoff yards are well clear of pleasure craft at present. The yawl Petrel, James Jackson, owner, is fitted and sailed last Thursday for a cruise. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes from the Week's Log." Boston Globe, June 13, 1920, p. 52.)

"... Four new knockabouts of the Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 12-foot class were delivered to their owners last week. The little racers were towed from Bristol to Buzzards Bay by James Jackson's auxiliary yawl Petrel [#510s], leaving the Narragansett Bay Harbor Saturday [June 12, 1920] morning. ... Six of the 12 1/2-footers, built for yachtsmen at Marion and Buzzards Bay, were taken in tow by the power yawl Petrel, James Jackson, owner, last Monday [June 14, 1920] from Bristol. The Petrel, in command of Capt S. H. Gray, with the six small racers of the Buzzards Day 'children' class, made good time and stood in under the land in a northeaster for shelter as the trip was progressing between Brentons Reef and Gay Head. ...[Note: It is impossible to reconcile these two little news items which were part of the same article. Were these 12 1/2-footers delivered to Buzzards Bay in two batches? Note also that only eight 12 1/2s were built for the 1920 season: #829s Falcon, #839s Sheldrake, #840s Opitsah, #841s Mistral II, #842s Jabberwock, #843s Bullrush, #847s Penguin, and #848s Doodle Bug.]" (Source: Anon. "Notes from the Week's Log." Boston Globe, June 20, 1920, p. 51.)

"No. 371 --- For Sale --- Bargain. One of handsomest and fastest Herreshoff yawls of this size. 76x56x14x9'. One double stateroom, one single if desired; 3 berths in main cabin; large galley and forecastle. 24 h.p. Standard engine now at factory for overhauling. Hull put in best possible condition last year. Sails, rigging and equipment excellent. Speed under power 7 miles. Apply John G. Alden, 148 State Street, Boston. [Note: Though not identified by name, her dimensions and rig identify her clearly as Petrel #510s.]" (Source: Anon. "For Sale." Rudder, March 1921, p. 69.)

"FOR SALE --- Herreshoff Yawl, 76 ft., 56 ft., 14 ft., 9 ft. Splendid condition. Has recently been completely overhauled. [Note: Though not identified by name, her dimensions and rig identify her clearly as Petrel #510s.]" (Source: Anon. "For Sale." Rudder, June 1922, p. 70.)

"The Director of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection having authorized on the 18th day of April, 1936, under the provisions of the Act of Congress of February 19, 1920, a change in the name of the Gas [sic] Yacht, Oriana III, tonnage 32 tons gross, Richard Harte, Owner, to that of Vayu, public notice is hereby given of such change in name in compliance with the laws of the United States relating thereto. Joseph A. Maynard, Collector of Customs." (Source: Anon. "Legal Notices." Boston Globe, April 23, 1936, p. 31.)

"At Gibson Island the following accessions to the fleet are reported: Richard Harte of Parkersburg, W. Va., has purchased the 76-foot auxiliary ketch Vayu; ..." (Source: Hoster, Ted. "Activity on Chesapeake Bay." Yachting Vol 59-60, 1936, p. [95?].)

"... Recent brokerage by Belknap & Paine, Inc, E. Arthur Shuman, includes ... the 76-foot ketch Astarte, Ex-Doris [#625s], to Parkman D. Howe of Boston, and Howe's 10-meter Shawara to Frederick J. Dion of Salem. The Astarte, which will be remembered as the first craft built to the Universal Rule, will be converted under Frank Paine's direction to a ketch rig similar to that given Richard Harte's ketch Vayu [#510s ex-Petrel] this season. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes from the Week's Log." Boston Globe, October 11, 1936, p. A24.)

"Marblehead, July 1 [1938] --- As the Eastern Yacht Club prepares for its annual cruise down East, it is learned that Chandler Hovey has chartered the 76-foot ketch, Vayu, to serve as flagship for the cruise. The Vayu, owned by Richard Harte of Nahant, was designed by Nathaniel G. Herreshoff in 1899 and in 1936 was altered to its present day rig by Frank C. Paine. ..." (Source: Anon. "Hovey Charters Vayu As Cruise Flagship." Boston Globe, July 2, 1938, p. 8.)

"... Although the weather has been far from encouraging for yachting, local brokers report some activity and a few sales. E. Arthur Shuman Jr., Inc., has recently sold ... the 76-foot yawl Huntress [#625s ex-Doris] from Parkman D. Howe of New Bedford to Richard Harte of Nahant, and the 56-foot cutter Susan Prentice Reed, a Camper and Nicholson creation of 1935, from Leo Dion of Salem to Parkman D. Howe. Dick Harte, former tennis star, has sold his ketch Vayu [#510s ex-Petrel] to Capt Fred Mix. ..." (Source: Fowle, Leonard M. "From the Week's Log." Boston Globe, April 28, 1940, p. B20.)

"N/A"

"[Item Transcription:] Typewritten (carbon copy) table titled 'Memorandum' with penciled additions listing boats built 1898/1899 with columns labeled 'No.', 'W.L.', 'Rig', 'To deliver', followed in some cases by penciled data for Boat Name and Actual Delivery Date. Relevant contents:
#510s PETREL [W.L.:] 56ft [Rig:] Yawl. Keel. [To deliver:] About May 15 [1899]. [Note:] Flush deck. Cruiser." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.. (creator) and Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Memorandum. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_01300. Folder [no #]. No date (1898-04 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] A very good friend of mine H.V.R. Kennedy [who will soon contract for #510s PETREL] was talking boat to me sometime since and I strongly urged him to talk with you before making up his mind. Today he tells me he is going to see you for w[hic]h I am much pleased. His ideas are not laye[?], but I am sure you will understand them after[?] than others. I hope you will see him entirely[?] yourself & by doing what you can for him oblige...
P.S. Sat[urday] [in] a.m. had a little girl w[eigh]t 9lb 9oz wereplud[?] her myself - all well" (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_37640. Correspondence, Folder 74, formerly 77. 1898-10-31.)
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"[Item Description:] My friend E. D. Morgan has suggested seeing you about a boat I think of building [this will be #510s PETREL]." (Source: Kennedy, H.V.R. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19870. Correspondence, Folder 54. (1898)-11-01.)
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"[Item Description:] I received your plans this morning for cruising yawl [this will be #510s PETREL], in the main they are about what I want in way of a boat" (Source: Kennedy, H.V.R. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19880. Correspondence, Folder 54. (1898)-11-11.)
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"[Item Description:] I had quite a talk with your brother on Friday and we decided on making the boat [#510s PETREL] three feet longer on LWL to get more room, also fitting a stateroom forward on starboard instead of after room with companionway from cockpit, storm or jibheaded mizen should be added, not sure about butternut as it is too dark, please send cabin and sail plans" (Source: Kennedy, H.V.R. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19900. Correspondence, Folder 54. (1898)-11-20.)
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"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan N/A (076-002) (not in Hart Nautical Collections and marked 'crossed from book' on HMCo-made plan index card). Blueprint general arrangement plan with interior arrangement plan, sailplan and inboard profile titled 'General plan for 56 ft. w. l. Cruising Yacht [this will be #510s PETREL]. Scale 1/4. Nov[ember] 28, 1895'. Marked in pencil 'Not used'. With other penciled notes." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0053. WRDT08, Folder 6, formerly MRDE10. 1898-11-28.)
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"[Item Description:] stove next to guest stateroom [on #510s PETREL plan] a mistake, ice box to be put on starboard, prefer oil to coal stove, can you find out where #481s SPALPEEN is laid up and whether Mr. Riddle would let me look her out?" (Source: Kennedy, H.V.R. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19920. Correspondence, Folder 54. (1898)-12-08.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections and displacement curve titled 'No. 510 [#510s PETREL]. 56ft w.l. yawl. Final. Jan[uary] 11 1899. (Lead 43100lbs, 32.65ft aft'. With calculations arriving at a displacement of 1368cuft = 88100lbs =44 tons and wetted surface = 980sqft. On verso a second set of penciled pantograph hull sections titled '#510. 1st trial' with no further notes or calculations. " (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_04690. Folder [no #]. 1899-01-11.)
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"[Item Description:] how is my boat [#510s PETREL] getting on?, went to Philadelphia and looked over #481s SPALPEEN and got some useful hints" (Source: Kennedy, H.V.R. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19940. Correspondence, Folder 54. 1899-01-13.)
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"[Item Description:] it will be necessary for me to have my boat out very early in the season and therefore I must give up your doing the greater portion of the work upon her, nevertheless, it may be possible, after such work as is to be done here is finished, to send her on to you and let you see what you can do about her steering gear, I have seen the plan for Mr Kennedy's boat [#510s PETREL] and think she ought to be a very nice one, but I am not up to building a boat just now. [At the time he wrote this letter, Belmont did not own any HMCo-built boats. Was he storing his Burgess-designed and Lawley-built 40-footer MARIQUITA at HMCo?]" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39290. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-01-30.)
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"[Item Description:] want the jibs [apparently for #510s PETREL] set flying, let me know when you have the boat set up and I will come" (Source: Kennedy, H.V.R. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_19860. Correspondence, Folder 54. (1899)-02-20.)
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"[Item Description:] having raced under the rules of the Club, will you kindly send to this office, at your convenience, a model of #510s PETREL" (Source: Oddie, J.V.S. (secr. NYYC). Letter to Kennedy, H.V.R. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34410. Subject Files, Folder 42, formerly 32. 1899-08-29.)
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"[Item Description:] I hardly had time to thoroughly digest the specifications of both my boats [#529s MINEOLA and #203p SCOUT] when I saw a few things which will materially change the plans, ventilation, electric bells, starboard gangway not varnished, I do not like #510s PETREL's cutter, was out on PETREL yesterday + she creaks as bad as ever, try to avoid this with butternut in the interior, prefer hatches of butternut like #499s COLUMBIA, 26th Sept is a good date to try & close the class up, how quickly could you build the steam launch [SCOUT]?, this autumn?" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39320. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-09-03.)
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"[Item Description:] received the blue print of my new [#529s] MINEOLA, prefer saloon forward of state rooms, will you discuss my plan with your brother John [JBH] who is ingenious about these matters & also talk to Mr. Morgan?, #510s PETREL's storm locker, detachable frame with glass for charts on deck, doors, desk in saloon, glass locker, saloon table, is pantry big enough?, when can I have a drawing of the lines of the boat?, when can you give me plans of the new steam launch [#203p SCOUT]?" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39340. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-09-05.)
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"[Item Description:] Will you be kind enough to have model of [#510s] PETREL made to satisfy enclosed circular from NYYC and have it forwarded by express to Mr. Oddie [see letter dated 1899-08-29 from Oddie to Kennedy]." (Source: Kennedy, H.V.R. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20010. Correspondence, Folder 54. (1899)-09-08.)
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"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.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Order book with carbon copy duplicates of instructions given by NGH. Relevant contents:
§8: Work Order '[For] Nos. 499 [#499s ] and 510 [#510s ]. [When wanted] Soon as possible, from the J. B. Carr Co. Troy … close link cable … Tested ... & certified.' (1899-04-15)
§9: Work Order '[For] Nos. 499 [#499s ] and 510 [#510s ]. [When wanted] Soon as possible, from Hazard Mfg Co. … Galv[anized] plow steel rope … Galv. crucible steel rope …' (1899)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Order Book. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE07_01320. Folder [no #]. 1897-01 to 1905.)
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫ ⑬ ⑭ ⑮ ⑯ ⑰ ⑱ ⑲ ⑳ ㉑ ㉒ ㉓ ㉔ ㉕ ㉖ ㉗ ㉘ ㉙ ㉚ ㉛ ㉜ ㉝ ㉞ ㉟ ㊱ ㊲ ㊳ ㊴ ㊵

"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink and) table / design rule titled 'Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule' and signed 'Nath'l G. Herreshoff. Bristol R.I. July 16, 1907'. With formula 'Sailarea not more than C * B * (L * d * D)^.025 in which C = constant depending on rig, as follows: Sloops & Yawls not carrying topsails C=8.75. Full rigged Sloops C=9.8. Full rigged Schooners and Yawls C=9.3. L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule. B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule. d = draft of water as for Universal Rule. D = displacement as for Universal Rule. The following are examples of application of the above formula to some well known yachts designed by the author. Measurements for Universal Rule'. Followed by tabulated data showing Building Number, Rating, Waterline, L, B, d, D, S, Sail limit Present rule, Diff., Sail limit Proposed rule, Diff., and Notes for Buzzards Bay 15 [#503s class], KILDEE [#460s], SIS [#536s], DOROTHY Q [#668s], SENECA [#670s], N.Y.Y.C. 30 [#626s class], NEWPORT 30 [#463s class], ELECTRA [#530s], SPASM [#538s], PLEASURE [#545s], NEITH [#665s], DELIGHT [#679s], GLORIANA [#411s], ALTAIR [#539s], AVENGER [#666s], DORIS [#625s], WINSOME [#664s class], IROLITA II [#658s], YANKEE [#534s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RELIANCE [#605s], PETREL [#510s], QUEEN [#657s], INGOMAR [#590s], WESTWARD [#692s], AND [KATOURA] [#722s]. [In an article in the March 5, 1905 Boston Globe (p40), N. G. Herreshoff argued that unless there be a stricter limit on sail area in the present Universal Rule, there would be only few cruising yachts racing. This formula is apparently an attempt to address the above issue. See elsewhere for complete spreadsheet transcription.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00080. Folder [no #]. 1907-07-13.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) rating rule titled 'Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule' and signed 'Nath'l G. Herreshoff. Bristol R.I. July 16, 1907'. With formula 'Sailarea not more than C * B * (L * d * D)^.025 in which C = constant depending on rig, as follows: Sloops & Yawls not carrying topsails C=8.75. Full rigged Sloops C=9.8. Full rigged Schooners and Yawls C=9.3. L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule. B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule. d = draft of water as for Universal Rule. D = displacement as for Universal Rule. The following are examples of application of the above formula to some well known yachts designed by the author. Measurements for Universal Rule'. Followed by tabulated data showing Building Number, Rating, Waterline, L, B, d, D, S, Sail limit Present rule, Diff., Sail limit Proposed rule, Diff., and Notes for Buzzards Bay 15 [#503s class], KILDEE [#460s], SIS [#536s], DOROTHY Q [#668s], SENECA [#670s], N.Y.Y.C. 30 [#626s class], NEWPORT 30 [#463s class], ELECTRA [#530s], SPASM [#538s], PLEASURE [#545s], NEITH [#665s], DELIGHT [#679s], GLORIANA [#411s], ALTAIR [#539s], AVENGER [#666s], DORIS [#625s], WINSOME [#664s class], IROLITA II [#658s], YANKEE [#534s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RELIANCE [#605s], PETREL [#510s], QUEEN [#657s], INGOMAR [#590s], WESTWARD [#692s], AND [KATOURA] [#722s]. [In an article in the March 5, 1905 Boston Globe (p40), N. G. Herreshoff argued that unless there be a stricter limit on sail area in the present Universal Rule, there would be only few cruising yachts racing. This formula is apparently an attempt to address the above issue. See elsewhere for complete spreadsheet transcription.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Handwritten Rating Rule. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00260. Folder [no #]. 1907-07-16.)
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"[Item Description:] Blueprint table titled 'Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule' and signed 'Nath'l G. Herreshoff. Bristol R.I. July 16, 1907'. With formula 'Sailarea not more than C * B * (L * d * D)^.025 in which C = constant depending on rig, as follows: Sloops & Yawls not carrying topsails C=8.75. Full rigged Sloops C=9.8. Full rigged Schooners and Yawls C=9.3. L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule. B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule. d = draft of water as for Universal Rule. D = displacement as for Universal Rule. The following are examples of application of the above formula to some well known yachts designed by the author. Measurements for Universal Rule'. Followed by tabulated data showing Building Number, Rating, Waterline, L, B, d, D, S, Sail limit Present rule, Diff., Sail limit Proposed rule, Diff., and Notes for Buzzards Bay 15 [#503s class], KILDEE [#460s], SIS [#536s], DOROTHY Q [#668s], SENECA [#670s], N.Y.Y.C. 30 [#626s class], NEWPORT 30 [#463s class], ELECTRA [#530s], SPASM [#538s], PLEASURE [#545s], NEITH [#665s], DELIGHT [#679s], GLORIANA [#411s], ALTAIR [#539s], AVENGER [#666s], DORIS [#625s], WINSOME [#664s class], IROLITA II [#658s], YANKEE [#534s], CONSTITUTION [#551s], RELIANCE [#605s], PETREL [#510s], QUEEN [#657s], INGOMAR [#590s], WESTWARD [#692s], AND [KATOURA] [#722s]. [In an article in the March 5, 1905 Boston Globe (p40), N. G. Herreshoff argued that unless there be a stricter limit on sail area in the present Universal Rule, there would be only few cruising yachts racing. This formula is apparently an attempt to address the above issue. See elsewhere for complete spreadsheet transcription.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Blueprint Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0169. WRDT08, Folder 16, formerly MRDE06. 1907-07-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Enclosed please find the Proposed Amendments to the Racing Rules adopted by the Conference last Thursday, also Mr. Poor's letter as Secretary of the Committee. If you will send me what you think is a good definition of a 'yawl', I will present it to the other members of the Committee. I felt all along, that if they had left the entire matter of changing the rules in your hands, the universal rule in this country would have been much better off. While I did not make the above statement in the exact words at the conference, I expressed my feelings to that effect.
I think you will see Mr. Rumrill [whose contract for #685s ADVENTURESS will be signed December 19, 1908 ]in person either Monday or Tuesday, if not before. Incl NGH draft reply: I didn't get your[?] letter until this a.m[?].
Have looked over draft of amendments and have penciled lightly a few notes in places that may need some attention.
About definition of yawl. I will suggest a group of definitions:
Schooner: A fore & aft rigged vessel with two or more masts and generally with bowsprit, carrying the largest sail on aftermost mast.
Ketch: A fore & aft rigged vessel with two or more masts and generally with bowsprit having the aftermost mast stepped forward of rudder and its sail smaller than the mainsail.
Yawl: A fore & aft rigged vessel with two or more masts and generally with bowsprit having the aftermost mast stepped aft the rudder and carrying a small sail.
Sloop: A fore & aft rigged vessel with one mast and bowsprit.
Knockabout: A small sloop rigged vessel without bowsprit and generally without topmast.
Catboat: A small vessel having one mast stepped near the bow, carrying a mainsail only.
I thank you for your kind consideration of me, but I don't aspire to any such position. My feeling is to see the most perfect rules in force, but I am afraid the present changes are not all what they should have been.
Dec 15 [19]08. I find QUEEN's [#657s] mast is 54% of w.l. IROLITA [#658s] sch[ooner] rig is also 54% and INGOMAR [#590s] 56%. In her case the mast had to be placed aft of proper position to get the saloon forward of it that Mr Plant wanted, rig being a secondary consideration. The only ketch we have built (SPALPEEN [#481s]) the main boom[?] is 60% of w.l. The mizzen mast is stepped forward of cockpit in which the tiller reaches a little way into. I consider the rig a normal one and well suited for a cruising boat. The last yawl we have built (PETREL [#510s]) has mainsail 40% of S and mizzen over 10% of S. The rig is good proportion[?] for cruising yacht, with mizzen larger enough to be of use with mainsail off.
I can see no sense in ruling against such a rig as QUEEN or IROLITA, or any rig that proves censenwi[?] and fast, and the masts stepped inbound enough that they can be held and not strain the vessel. The practical difficulty with most yawls is in straining the stern of the vessel. To overcome that they might rule that the section of the hull where mizzen is stepped must not be less than say 1/2 B in width or 1/6 B in depth, with area of mizzen not more than 1/10 S. I would suggest that instead of the limitation proposed that the Measurer report any abnormal rig to a committee who should decide on its merits and also on handicap to be revised[?] from a standard[?] sloop.
[With table:]
Allowance for rig
Sloops & knockabouts 100% of rating
Yawls 2 masts 93% of rating
Schooners 2 masts 90% of rating
Ketch 2 masts 86% of rating
Yawls 3 masts 81% of rating
Schooner 3 masts 81% of rating
Ketch 3 masts 77% of rating" (Source: Emmons, Robert W. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_69450. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F02, formerly MRDE15. 1908-12-05.)
① ②

"[Item Transcription:] Your two yawls the SPALPEEN [#481s] and the PETREL [#510s], the latter my brother-in-law's [James Jackson] boat, are both going on the Eastern cruise, and we propose to race against each other.
The owners have asked me to get you to give us an approximate rating under the present rules that we can fairly race by. If you can send me this figure some time before the Fourth of July at my address at Monument Beach, I will be greatly obliged to you.
I hope to get to Bristol before the Fourth, but as it is doubtful, I am writing you.
[Incl. NGH penciled notes:]
SPALPEEN #481 - 1896 [year]
71ft 9in deck. 73ft 3in O.A. 56ft 0in w.l. 8ft 0in draft. 1217.5 disp[lacement in cubic feet] 10.70^3
2405 sail area. 49.1^2
Approx Rating .90 * .18 * ((wl*sq-rt(S)/cube-rt(D)) = .162 * ((56*49.1)/10.7) = 41.7
PETREL #510 - 1899 [year]
76ft 6in O.A. 56ft 0in w.l. 14ft 4in beam. 9ft 2in draft. 1386 disp[lacement in cubic feet] 11.18^3
3120 sail area. 55.8^2
Approx Rating .93 * .18 * ((56*55.8)/11.18) = 46.8
[Incl. NGH penciled draft reply:]
Dear Bob. I have no record of either of these old boats being measured by the Universal Rule, as they both antidate[sic] it. By figuring from the original designs the ketch SPALPEEN w[ou]ld rate 41.7 and yawl PETREL 46.8.
I really think there should be more difference as SPALPEEN is underrigged, being originally designed as an auxiliary with steam engine, is different in beam for a sailing craft and has more wetted surface in proportion than PETREL. However, if [next word underlined] you would go in SPALPEEN perhaps there might be interesting racing, otherwise I am afraid not.
Sincerely yours, Nat" (Source: Emmons, Robert W. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39230. Correspondence, Folder 79, formerly 71. 1919-06-30.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I thank you very much indeed for your letter received just before I sailed on the Eastern cruise, giving me rating of my brother-in-law, Jackson's 'PETREL' [#510s].
The old 'PETREL' sailed very well on the cruise with her new sails, and when we got a good, strong breeze and a beat to windward from Boothbay to Port Clyde, we easily caught and passed the 'SQUAW' [#804s] and another 40 footer, as well as beating such schooners as 'SHIYESSA' of the 62 foot schooner class and Batchelder's 'DORELLO','now rigged as a yawl, and we even got two runs away from the N.Y. 30 footer 'ALERA' [#626s], after giving full time allowance.
I was much surprised to see a boat 20 years old sail so well. There were a number of men who were greatly impressed with the performance of the schooner 'VAGRANT' [#698s], now 'QUEEN MAB', and think she is an ideal type for men whose means are limited. The only thing I can see that might be improved upon with one who wanted to save in the number of crew when racing, is a yawl rig which might be preferable and faster than a schooner, while requiring less men to handle the sails." (Source: Emmons, Robert W. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39250. Correspondence, Folder 79, formerly 71. 1919-07-15.)
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"[Item Description:] Brokerage listing (File No. 1032) for #510s VAYU ex-ORIANA III ex-PETREL. Dimensions, particulars (Rig: Auxiliary Ketch (Gaff Topmast), Rebuilt: 1929-31, Engine: 1 gas 6 cyl. with reduc. gear, Universal from 1932). Remarks: '1931 - New teak decks; chain plates; completely renovated below decks. Also new batteries and new Nevins built 10ft tender. Running rigging Italian hemp. New wardrobe and lockers in after stateroom. All work done by Nevins. 1933-34 Decks re-caulked; topsides and bottom painted; engine overhauled; new toilet in after stateroom; boat completely outfitted'." (Source: Belknap & Paine, Yacht Brokers (creator). Broker Listing. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.111. Box HAFH.6.3B, Folder Brokers Listings. No date (1937 ???).)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #510s Petrel even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Petrel (HMCo-made index card)
• Petrel (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: Petrel
Type: Yawl
Length: 56'
Owner: Kennedy, H. V. R.

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

• Petrel
• Inanda ex-Petrel
• Oriana III ex-Petrel
• 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: Petrel
Type: 56' yawl
Owner: H. VanR. Kennedy
Year: 1899
Row No.: 521

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.

Year: 1899
E/P/S: S
No.: 0510
Name: Petrel
LW: 56'
B: 14' 3"
D: 9' 2"
Rig: Yawl
K: y ?
Ballast: Lead [sic, i.e. Lead outside]
Amount: 16000.00
Last Name: Kennedy
First Name: H. VR

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.

"In 1940 Richard Harte of Parkersburg, W. Va. owned #510s Petrel as well as #625s Doris, both named Vayu at the time. The same year he sold Petrel Frederick A. Mix and Everett Dumore of Boston, but he would continue to own Doris until 1951." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. November 25, 2013.)

"The HMCo-made index card for Petrel reports her as "Destroyed by fire" [not date given], but this cannot be confirmed." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. December 14, 2014.)

"[Was loaned by her owner to the U.S. Coast guard and performed submarine search duty as a Coast Guard Coastal Picket Patrol in 1942 with the registration number CGR-2548.]" (Source: Wilbur, John. Private Email Communication with Evelyn Ansel, Curator Herreshoff Marine Museum, January 2022.)

"Built in 93 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $172/day, 941 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"[Sail area 3120 sq ft info. But note that Herreshoff, N. G. 'Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-area in Yachts when measured by the Universal Rule Formula.' Bristol, R.I., July 13, 1907. Original handwritten document held at the Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol, R.I. states a sail area of 3443 sq ft. ]" (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. Draft reply to letter by R. W. Emmons dated June 30, 1919. Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 79 (new), 71 (old). Access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"Displacement 1386 cubic feet (88,704lbs) as per Herreshoff, N. G. Draft reply to letter by R. W. Emmons dated June 30, 1919. Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 79 (new), 71 (old). Access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff."

"Displacement 1368 cubic feet (87,552lbs) as per Herreshoff, N. G. 'Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-area in Yachts when measured by the Universal Rule Formula.' Bristol, R.I., July 13, 1907. Original handwritten document held at the Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol, R.I. "

"Displacement 'about 1435 cu.ft. = 91800lbs' as per plan 076-007 (HH.5.5474)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. September 2, 2020.)

Sunk apparently after a collision on January 1, 1948.

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