HMCo #539s Altair

"[1900-02-10] Sat 10: NE [wind]. Mild & overcast. Cast lead for #539 [Altair]. ...
[1900-02-15] Thu 15: Fair [with] SSW wind. Began setting up #539 [Altair] ...
[1900-02-20] Tue 20: Very fine & mod[erate] W [wind]. Began planking #539 [Altair].
[1900-03-15] Thu 15: NW [in] AM. Calm. NE [wind] with snow[?] in evening. Finished planking #539 [Altair]. ...
[1900-04-04] Wed 4: Very fine [with] mod[erate] NW [wind] & clear. Launched #531 (Sirocco) [sic, subsequently named Shark] and 539 (Altair) in PM ...
[1900-05-02] Wed 2: Very fine & mild [with] l[igh]t S [wind &] fog in evening. Stepped mast in Altair #539.
[1900-05-17] Thu 17: Light SE wind. Overcast with some rain. Had short but satisfactory trial of Altair (539) in afternoon.
[1900-05-19] Sat 19: NE [wind] & rain about all day. ... Getting Altair [539s] & Iona [#206p] ready to leave.
[1900-05-20] Sun 20: Fair [with] light variable [wind]. Altair & Iona both sailed.
[1900-07-10] Tue 10: Very fine & clear. Mod[erate] NW to W [wind]. ... Altair [#539s] arrived from NY to fit for races at Newport.
[1900-07-13] Fri 13: Very fine [with] SW [wind]. Off in Squib [#188p] to see NYYC races at Newport. Yankee [#534s] & Altair [#539s] won. Delivered #541 Effort.
[1900-12-06] Thu 6: Fine & cool. NW [wind]. Hauled Altair [#539s] into n[orth] shop. Lifted onto cradle by 'Eva'. ...
[1901-01-04] Fri 4: Very fine & cool. ... Launched [#539s] Altair, [#541s] Effort & [#494s] Sintram from n[orth] shop after repairing, and hauled out 2 last at cove.
[1901-01-06] Sun 6: Very fine & cool. ... Hauled out Altair at the cove.
[1901-04-15] Mon 15: H[eav]y NE rain storm. Mr. Hyslop here to measure Altair.
[1901-04-18] Thu 18: Overcast [with] l[igh]t NE [wind]. Altair sailed for NY. ...
[1902-05-13] Tue 13: ... Altair [#539s, racing cutter built in 1900] left. ..." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1900 to 1902. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"... Altair [Name], 539 [Building Number], 52.4 [Rating], 45.67 [Waterline], 48.55 [L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule], 13.7 [B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule], 10.16 [d = draft of water as for Universal Rule], 955 [D = displacement in cubic foot as for Universal Rule (= 61,088 lbs or 27.3 long tons)], 3410 [Sail Area], 4300 [Sail limit Present rule], -890 [Diff.], 3520 [Sail limit Proposed rule], -110 [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.)

"The famous Seventy Foot Class of sloops came out in 1900: MINEOLA, RAINBOW, VIRGINIA, and YANKEE, the two forty-five footers SHARK and ALTAIR, [the] centerboard forty-four feet PLEASURE, [the] centerboard forty-seven feet MARCHIONESS, and about a dozen others of smaller sizes." (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. 68.)

"Captain Nat also designed the two sister yachts 'Shark' and 'Altair' in 1900. They were seventy-four feet overall, forty-five feet water line, fourteen feet three inches beam, and ten feet four inches draft. They were very similar in model and sail plan to the Seventies, but smaller. The spreaders of these yachts were well below the gaff jaws, a feature adopted later on some English yachts, for this supports the masthead better." (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. 220.)

"The schooner Mary Augusta arrived at the Herreshoff dock from Boston Tuesday [March 27, 1900] afternoon, loaded with spars for the four 70 footers [#529s Mineola, #532s Rainbow, #533s Virginia, and #534s Yankee] and the two 46 footers [#531s Shark and #539s Altair]. The spars are all of Oregon pine, and are smoothed up ready for use. They consist of lower masts, topmasts, booms, gaffs, bowsprits, spinnaker poles, clubs and yards." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, March 30, 1900, p. 2.)

"Altair, sloop 539, of Bristol.
Built at [blank] [sic, i.e. Bristol at HMCo].
31.21 gross tons, 23.21 net tons; 55.9 ft. x 14.2 ft. x 11 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, overhanging head, overhanging stern.
Surveyed and measured, March 29, 1900." (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Altair.)

"Bristol, April 5 [1900] (Special). --- Of the 46-foot water line craft ordered from the Herreshoffs, two were launched yesterday. Herman B. Duryea, of Newport, will sail one of these, which is called the Sirocco [sic, i.e. #531s Shark, owned by F. Lothrop Ames], and she will carry the New-York Yacht Club burgee. The other is for Cord Meyer, of the same club, and the name Altair has been given to the yacht. The appearance of these racers has been looked for with interest by yachtsmen at New-York, and those who were present at the launching were not disappointed in regard to the grace exhibited and the ability promised in the new craft. They are both more like the Cup defender Columbia than the four 70-foot water-line craft [New York 70s] being completed in the same yards for Newport yachtsmen.
They measure 73 feet 7 inches over all and are expected, when under sail, to measure at about 45 feet 8 inches in waterline length. Their beam is 13 feet and their draught of water will be about 12 feet 5 inches. Each boat will carry about 6.460 pounds of lead in her outside casting, which is bolted on to the keelplate, and they are of composite build, with nickel steel frames and wooden double planking. The outside planking is of hard white pine.
These boats are steered with a tiller and not with a wheel. It is expected that at least one of them, and perhaps both, will race for the challenge cup for yachts of this size which has been offered by the Eastern Yacht Club. At the time of the launchings the cradle in front of the south construction shop was used, and after both hulls were successfully floated the 70-footer Mineola [#529s], lately launched for Vice-Commodore August Belmont, of the New-York Yacht Club, was hauled up on the same ways to have her underbody repainted before being rigged to go into commission." (Source: Anon. "Altair and Sirocco Launched. The Forty-Six-Footers For Mr. Duryea And Mr. Meyer." New York Tribune, April 6, 1900, p. 8.)

"The 46-footer Altair, owned by Cord Meyer of New York, which is being rigged at the Herreshoff yards, at Walkers Cove, is nearly ready to go into commission. ..." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, April 12, 1901, p. 2.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., May 5 [1900]. --- ... The mast of the 46-footer Altair [#539s], owned by Mr Meyers of New York, was stepped yesterday, and the riggers made good progress in setting up the standing rigging. As soon as the Altair is rigged, the 45-footer Sirocco [sic, i.e. #531s Shark, owned by F. Lothrop Ames] will be rigged. ..." (Source: Anon. "Mineola Ready for Trial." Boston Globe, May 6, 1900, p. 29.)

"Cord Meyer's 46-footer Altair, recently launched at Herreshoff's, will have a very unusual rig. The spreaders, or outriggers, are abnormally low down from the mainmast head, so low that they are necessarily made larger than usual to take the slant of the rigging. The gaff may have to be guided past the spreaders with this rig, as the latter are fixed lower on the mainmast than the extreme hoist off the luff of the mainsail. This peculiar arrangement will doubtless overcome to some extent the rules of racing measurement. It is understood that the Fife cutter Kestrel and the Gardner boat Syce will be placed in the same class as the new 46-footers this year. If this be done, the new manner of rigging may preclude the giving of a time allowance to the older boats." (Source: Anon. "Yachts and Yachtsmen." New York Times, May 13, 1900, p. 19.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., May 12, [1900] ... The Altair, forty-six-footer, for Cord Meyer of New York, is a unique-looking craft with the new masthead wrinkle. She is an able-looking boat, and ought to prove fast. Her skipper, Capt. 'Tim' [sic, i.e. Lem] Miller, last season mate of the Defender, and who was on board the Columbia during the International races, arrived from New York on Wednesday [May 9, 1900] and brought four men with him. That is the number of the crew. There is no mate. Capt. Miller smiled when asked how he liked the looks of the Altair, and said that he liked her as far as he had seen her, but she is yet to have a sail. His attention was called to the long masthead with the head of the mainmast rounded instead of being partly square, nearly up as high as the peak halliard block. He thought if the drop of the spreaders marked the extent of the hoist, the boat would have an enormous topsail. This was one of the skipper's jokes, as he well knew that no boat would spread a topsail that would cover the space indicated. ..." (Source: Anon. "In The Bristol Yards. Work on the Seventy-Footers Progressing Rapidly. New Small Craft." New York Times, May 13, 1900, p. ?)

"[Abstract of register or enrollment. Pos. 36:]
Altair, sloop yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1900.
31.21 gross tons, 23.21 net tons; 55.9 ft. x 14.2 ft. x 11 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, overhanging head [bow].
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) May 14, 1900. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol.
Surrendered [license] May 29, 1900 at New York. ([Record at:] N[ational] A[rchives, Washington])." (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. Altair.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., May 19 [1900]. --- ... The 46-footer Altair, owned by Cord Meyer of New York, was given her first trial trip Thursday afternoon [May 17, 1900], and these new creations in the 46-foot class will give the older yachts a stern chase during the coming season. When under sail the Altair presented a very handsome appearance. Her mainsail peaks up to a considerable hight, and she will no doubt carry a big topsail, judging from the location of the spreaders, which are fastened just below the hounds. It was the intention to have the Altair sail for New York today. Capt Lem Miller is her skipper and he is very enthusiastic over his new charge. During the trip on Thursday Mr Meyer was on board and had a couple of friends with him. ..." (Source: Anon. "Rainbow Ready for Trial." Boston Globe, May 20, 1900, p. 25.)

"Mr. Nat Herreshoff,
Dear Sir,
I take this opportunity of letting you know how pleased I am with the 'ALTAIR' [#539s]. She exceeded my most sanguine idea of what she would be. Her beam gives her much more room than I was lead to believe. Mrs. Meyer who very seldom even goes on a sailing yatch[sic] is delighted with her.
I believe she is exceptionally fast and would be delighted to have you join me for a sail whenever you are in the vicinity of Great Neck.
The following Mr Hyslop's list of her measurements:
Length on load waterline 44.414
Length from aft end of boom to forward point of measurement 93.37
Length from fore side of foremast to forward point of measurement 38.97
Length extreme of spinaker boom 38.83
Length main gaff 32.22
Length topsail halyard block 68.18
Sailing length as per rule under 51.00
Mr Hyslop also added this following note: 'In this yatch, owing to an unpresidented[sic] peculiarity in the mast head rig, it is impossible at the present time, and until the club shall have acted upon a provision for such cases, to fill out certain lines in this certificate. I feel warranted however, after calculating the length of spars and the sail that can be carried upon them, in certifying that the yatch is fairly within the limit of the 51 ft class.
Very truly yours,
Cord Meyer." (Source: Morgan, Junius S. [Letter to N. G. Herreshoff.] Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 96 (new), 83 (old). Access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff. No date, ca May 1900.)

"The following is from the Providence Bulletin of Aug. 15 [1900]; it is corroborated by similar reports from other sources:
The two new yachts of the 51-foot racing class, Altair [#539s], owned by Cord Meyer, of New York, and Shark [#531s], owned by Lothrop Ames, of Boston, arrived at Bristol from Newport yesterday afternoon in bad condition from the rough seas they experienced in the Astor cup races of Monday. They are, if anything, in a worse condition than were the 70-footers [#529s Mineola, #532s Rainbow, #533s Virginia, and #534s Yankee] after the last race in the series sailed for the Newport cup. Both had their bows twisted very badly and lifted upward to a greater angle at the forefoot than were the 70-footers. Cocked up in the air as are their forebodies, from a point below the waterline, the stems from a point just abaft of where the forestay leads to the deck bend downward, making the twist somewhat suggestive of the form of the letter S.
Shark was hauled out on the marine railway last evening to be repaired and have extra bracing. The frames were twisted and there were indications of the rudder post having started, one of the planks was broken, and the underbody showed indications of the planks working violently as the white wood of the edges of the planks could be seen. Oakum hung out of the seams forward also.
Altair was hauled out on the Walker's Cove marine railway this morning, and was probably a trifle worse off than Shark in her underbody, Shark having had metal braces on each side of her forefoot two weeks ago, which probably made her a trifle stiffer. Altair had her stem scarf started by the strain forward so much that there was a seam open nearly its whole length a quarter of an inch in width above the scarf. The oakum hung out in strings under the forefoot, while water trickled out of the seams down toward the bottom of the lead. The absence of metal keelsons in the construction of the boats naturally makes them weak when in a seaway, working the frames out of shape and making the planks see-saw with each other when carrying sail." (Source: Anon. "The Herreshoff 51-Footers." Forest and Stream, August 25, 1900, p. 156.)

"... The development of practical interest in the larger classes of racing sloops and cutters has been unprecedented in previous years, and the most closely observed boats of the season have been the four one-design [New York] 'seventies' which Herreshoff built to measure within the newly created eighty-foot racing length class. ... Undoubtedly the fastest yachts ever built, their unseaworthiness has sounded the imperative note of warning against further advance in the way of light construction that designers have been fearing to hear in the last half dozen years. The same fault of unseaworthiness due to excessive lightness in construction has marked the two fifty-one footers Altair [#539s] and Shark [#531s], and in a lesser degree the thirty-sixes Countess [#538s] and Effort [#541s], which were launched from the Herreshoff yards this year. When the danger-mark, toward which designers have been hastening of late, has thus been reached by the foremost member of their profession, it is only natural to look for a reaction toward more safely constructed racing craft, and the season of 1900 may mark the beginning of an era in the sport wherein even the mere racing machines will obtain speed by some trick of design other than the sacrifice of rational substantiality. Necessity is the clearly proved mother of invention, and when the ingenious brains of designers forsake the absorbing search for speed by means of the minimum weight in construction they may draw nearer the lines of least resistance in the model of sailing craft. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notable Yachting Season. Development of the Larger Racing Classes Unprecedented. Herreshoff Reaches Limit. Unseaworthiness of Seventies Warns Against Further Sacrifice of Substantial Construction to Speed." New York Times, September 9, 1900, p. 22.)

"SHARK and Altair are two new Herreshoff boats built for the 51-foot class on the Sound, and it is probable that later in the season a match will be sailed between them for the Eastern Challenge Cup, as Shark is owned by Mr. F. L. Ames, of Boston, and Altair, by Mr. Cord Meyer, of New York.
Like the 70-footers of Herreshoff build they are of very poor construction, and, like their larger sisters, open up their seams, leak badly and pull their bows out of shape, every time they sail a race in any kind of a breeze. Their dimensions are: Length on deck, 74 feet; length on water line, 45 feet; beam, 14 feet; draught, 10 feet." (Source: Anon. "Shark and Altair." Rudder, September 1900, p. 354.)

"... The 51-footer Altair, owned by Cord Meyer of New York, has been given a coat of-paint at the Walker's Cove yards. ..." (Source: Anon. "Yachting Notes." Bristol Phoenix, April 25, 1902, p. 2.)

"The Hollis Burgess Yacht Agency has sold the fast Herreshoff 45-foot sloop Altair, built by Herreshoff, to Edward Manahan, of Boston.
Altair, which was formerly owned by Cord Meyer, of New York, is 74 feet over all, 14 feet 3 inches beam and 14 feet 4 inches draft. She will be sailed by Hollis Burgess next season and will be raced along the Eastern coast and in Long Island waters." (Source: Anon. "Altair to be Raced Again." Forest and Stream, September 24, 1910, p. 504.)

"For Sale --- Very fast Herreshoff composite keel sloop, 31 gross tonnage, 73 ft. 10 in. o. a., 45 ft. w. l., 14 ft. 3 in. beam and 10 ft. 4 in. draught. Built in 1900 with the usual Herreshoff construction. Flush deck with small helmsman's cockpit. This yacht has always had the best of care and everything about her is in excellent condition. She has a large cabin, with large double stateroom aft and captain's room forward. Toilet room opposite captain's room and toilet forward for crew. Large lazarette for storage of sails. Unusually complete equipment of sails. This yacht is suitable for either cruising or racing and is beautifully balanced: steering with the greatest ease. For sale at a reasonable figure. [Though not identified by name, her dimensions and year of construction indicate this can only be one of the two sisters #531s Shark or #539s Altair. The accompany photo leaves only Altair as a choice, however, as it can be identified to have been taken by N. L. Stebbins in July 1900 as neg. no. 12670.]" (Source: Burgess, Hollis (editor). Yachts and Yachting [Brokerage Annual]. Boston 1911, p. 182.)

"No. 15391 --- For Sale --- Power houseboat, 73 ft. 10 in. o. a., 45 ft. w. l., 14 ft. 3 in. beam, 8 ft. draught. Designed by N. G. Herreshoff and built by Herreshoff Manufacturing Company at Bristol, R. I. Composite construction; two tons of cement and stone ballast. White pine deck; bronze fittings; roomy cabin and one stateroom; 50- h.p. four-cylinder Holmes 6x9 1915 motor driving her 10 miles an hour. Electric lights; hot-water heating; 130-gal. gasolene tanks, 90-gal. water tanks. A splendid boat on which to spend the Summer. Would make a good tender for racing yachts, as she can tow well and has large storage space for sails, etc. May be seen near Boston by applying to Hollis Burgess Yacht Agency, 15 Exchange Street, Boston, Mass. [Note: Accompanied by a photo showing what is clearly the hull of a Herreshoff racing hull lying at a mooring complete with booby hatch and Herreshoff capstan on the foredeck, but outfitted with a large, steam yacht-like deckhouse. Her dimensions, looks, history and Holmes 6x9 1915 motor which is mentioned in Lloyd's Register of American Yachts show this to be Altair." (Source: Hollis Burgess Yacht Agency. "For Sale." Rudder, Mach 1918, p. 150.)

"The 51-foot-class sloops of 1900, Altair and her twin sister Shark [#531s] (51 being a rating and not indicative of a hull dimension), were shaped much like the larger New York 70-footers ... Although Cord Meyer, Alair's original owner, thought well enough of the boat to keep her ten years, neither the 51-footers nor the New York 70s were held in universal high regard. 'Leakabouts' were what technical editor (and subsequent big-name designer) C. D. Mower and writer W. P. Stephens called them in contemporary issues of The Rudder, accusing the boats of being poorly built and a discredit to Herreshoffs reputation. ... Note that Altair steers with a tiller, an indication of how well balanced she must have been under sail. ..." (Source: Bray, Maynard and Carlton Pinheiro. Herreshoff of Bristol. Brooklin, Maine, 1989, p. 69.)

"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:] Typewritten (carbon copy) specifications titled 'Specifications for Composite, Cutter Rigged, Racing Yacht for 51ft Class. Attached to Contract Dated Jan[uary] 8, 1900 for Mr. Cord Meyer, Shop No. 539 [#539s ALTAIR]'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.. (creator). Specifications. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_01190. Folder [no #]. 1900-01-08.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Typewritten (carbon copy) table with penciled additions listing boats built 1899/1900 with columns labeled 'Design [in pencil]', 'Shop. No.', 'Length', 'Planking', 'Delivery', 'Owner' followed by penciled data for Boat Name and Actual Delivery Date. Relevant contents:
#539s [Design] Dec. [1899] [Length:] 45ft W.L. [Planking:] Y[ellow] P[ine] [Delivery:] Con. July 1 [1900] [Owner:] C. Meyer [Act. Delivery:] May 19 [1900] (ALTAIR)." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.. (creator) and Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDW02_01290. Folder [no #]. No date (1900-02).)
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"[Item Description:] saw that #530s ELECTRA was in New York, so she is evidently all done, made me long to be in Bristol and get some early morning sails, wish I could get a glimpse of the 45 and 70 footers [#531s SHARK and #539s ALTAIR and the NY70s], miss Bristol but enjoy my work here, new system of keeping drawings as in a library, 5000 men here, great opportunity to learn methods and get experience, I miss our talks, it was a very hard strain for me to leave you all in Bristol, you have always been so kind to me, I owe what I know of vessels to you, must learn self reliance, glad to hear George [Owen] is to be married [on April 26, 1900], sorry to hear about Louis deWolf" (Source: Packard, Alpheus A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20330. Correspondence, Folder 58. 1900-04-20.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I take this opportunity of letting you know how pleased I am with the 'ALTAIR' [#539s]. She exceeded my most sanguine idea of what she would be. Her beam gives her much more room than I was lead to believe. Mrs. Meyer who very seldom even goes on a sailing yatch[sic] is delighted with her.
I believe she is exceptionally fast and would be delighted to have you join me for a sail whenever you are in the vicinity of Great Neck.
The following is Mr Hyslop's list of her measurements:
Length on load waterline 44.414
Length from aft end of boom to forward point of measurement 93.37
Length from fore side of foremast to forward point of measurement 38.97
Length extreme of spinaker boom 38.83
Length main gaff 32.22
Length topsail halyard block 68.18
Sailing length as per rule under 51.00
Mr Hyslop also added this following note: 'In this yatch, owing to an unpresidented[sic] peculiarity in the mast head rig, it is impossible at the present time, and until the club shall have acted upon a provision for such cases, to fill out certain lines in this certificate. I feel warranted however, after calculating the length of spars and the sail that can be carried upon them, in certifying that the yatch is fairly within the limit of the 51 ft class." (Source: Meyer, Cord. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_44000. Correspondence, Folder 96, formerly 83. No date (ca1900-05 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Printed measuring form filled in with pencil for #539s ALTAIR. With note 'measure at H.M.Co. dock in rain storm. Last year's rig, except throat block has been lowered to first[?] rule. Vessel has had about 1000 lbs added in strengthening'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_72830. Measuring Form. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 2), Folder B2F05, formerly MRDE15. 1901-04-15.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Replying to your favor of the 31st ult and your inquiries, I would state that to the best of my recollection the EFFORT [#552s] had considerably the best of the luck in the first round of the triangle and the ALTAIR [#539s] and HUMMA [#553s] the worst and that the ALTAIR was in no shape to show her best speed.
The measurements of your boats in the table by the new rule were taken by me from the figures furnished by you to the measurement committee in one of your letters and the rating given for EFFORT in the same was 50ft.
The measurements of the Schooners were furnished by Mr. [A. Cary] Smith from his drawings but it seems to me that these boats must measure up higher than these figures upon actual measurement although their big displacements for length reduce their ratings considerably.
The light wind at the start was favorable to the smaller boats and although it freshened up after the first round of the triangle had been sailed it was not at any time stronger than a good whole sail breeze.
Had the wind been strong from the start, I am quite certain that the YANKEE [#534s] would by the corrected time under the new rule have won and the others been placed with but one or two exceptions in the order of measurement with but little time between the winner and the last boat in the table.
I think that in order to fully appreciate how well the new rule works out, it is necessary to take into account the exact conditions which prevailed and the advantages which some of the boats obtained over the others and that with these things taken into consideration, the rule seems to me I thank you for your very interesting letter which I will show to the other members of our committee.
Wishing you a very prosperous and successful new year and trusting that your health may be maintained to accomplish satisfactorily the very great work you have in hand for the defense of the America Cup, ..." (Source: Lawton, N.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_72060. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F07, formerly MRDE15. 1902-01-02.)
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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:] 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 Transcription:] There has been a good deal of discussion lately with respect to the new measurement rule adopted by the New York Yacht Club last year and it seems to be the general impression that too high a premium has been put upon displacement and that possibly it was a mistake to have departed from the old sizes in the measurement and the rating of boats in figures so much larger than heretofore.
If it is not too much trouble for you I would like to know what you think of the following formula:
((L * sq-rt(SA)) / (3 * cube-rt(D))) * .5
With a classification of 80, 64, 52, 43 & 30, I figure that under this formula we could get the following approximate ratings:
MINEOLA [#529s], 75
NEOLA, 61
ALTAIRE [#539s], 51
ASPIRANT, 42
I would like very much to know what your views are with respect to a suggestion made to modify the present rule in the way mentioned.
[Incl NGH reply dated October 10, 1903:] If convenient it might be of interest to you to look up a letter to Mr. Cormack I wrote the latter part of October last year [see NGH response to Cormack letter dated October 21, 1902], criticizing the rules as then amended by your committee. I think you will remember that in an earlier correspondence I pointed out that the coefficient 1/5 should be changed in case the English plan of measuring sails was adapted and should be 1/6, or very near to it.
The formula in the form you presented ((L * sq-rt(SA)) / (3 * cube-rt(D))) * .5 is perhaps a little misleading to you. If the constant part is transposed, it would appear [as] (.5 * L * sq-rt(SA)) / (3 & cube-rt(D)) or 1/6 * (L * sq-rt(SA)) / cube-rt(D)) which is exactly what I had suggested in case of using the English plan of measuring sails.
I cannot agree with you that too high premium is put on displacement, and I am very sure it is not so.
Vested interests should not be consulted in this matter. I know and have seen with a good deal of satisfaction that heavier displacement and really better allround boats have done very finely indeed under the new rule. I am very sure the kick[?] is not for[?] the owner of Q[uen?] Mab[?] or any other imported[?] 60 rating or for the owner of the boat built under the new rules to beat Effort. Let the cube-rt(D) stand as it is but change the coefficient 1/5 to 1/6 so to bring the boats in the classes that they always have been, and while you are making a change, you will do well to clip the wings a little and make the limit of square root sail area 130% of L instead of 135%. I would like to say 125% but I will compromise on 130%.
Before closing I would like to extend my congratulations to the Regatta Committee for their very efficient work throughout the season, and particularly for the fin judgment in starting the final [America's] Cup race." (Source: Lawton, N.D. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_69930. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F03, formerly MRDE15. 1903-10-08.)
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"[Item Transcription:] If you can do so without too much trouble will you kindly send me as soon as practicable the measurements of the MINEOLA [#529s], HUMMA [#553s], EFFORT [#552s?], COUNTESS [#538s] and INGOMAR [#590s] under the formula (L * sq-rt(SA)) / (5.5 * cube-rt(D)) or any of the other[?] boats of these named in the place of the ones mentioned, also the area of the working topsail and of the largest clubtopsail.
I only want approximate figures as nearly accurate as possible.
The Measurement Com. of the NYY Club and the Com. on Rules require these figures to determine the questions of classification and rules to be recommended to the club for adoption at the next meeting.
I am particularly anxious to get the MINEOLA & HUMMA classes and the INGOMAR and if I could have these it would be that I would require although I would be glad to get the others as well. I am... [Incl penciled NGH reply / notes:] [Penciled table with data for MINEOLA, ALTAIR [#539s], EFFORT, COUNTESS, INGOMAR showing quarter beam length, sail area, displacement in cubic feet, and measurement using above quoted formula.]" (Source: Lawton, N.D. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_69740. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F03, formerly MRDE15. 1904-01-26.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [On HMCo stationery, marked 'Copy':] Since receiving your letter of 20th I got interested and have spent considerable time in trying to devise perfect rules to give sail area limit. I have tested a number of formula and have finally settled on one that gives very good results in any type of model.
The old rule would allow as much sail for length on a shallow boat as on a deep heavy ballasted one, which is not right if you want to protect a good cruising boat.
This becomes very apparent in working to the new rule for L is reduced and D increased[?] as compared with the older type, and plainly needs more sail for length of L.
I have taken into the formula the elements principally affecting the sail carrying power, but nothing more than is now recorded in taking measurements to obtain the Racing length, i.e.
L = ft length at 1/4 wl breadth and 1/10 of breadth above
B = ft breadth of waterline in widest place
d = ft draft of water
D = cu ft of displacement.
then
Sail area limit in rigs with topsails = 10.8 * L * 1/4 * cube-rt(B * B * d * D) in sq ft
Sail area limit in rigs without topsails = 10 * L * 1/4 * cube-rt(B * B * d * D) in sq ft
This formula is very easily worked with the aid of a slide rule or table of logarithms and gives very good results in any siye of type of model.
Here are a few of our yachts that are well known in the NYYC:
[Actual vs Limit rule]
NYYC 30s [#626s New York 30s] 1035, 1160
Newport 30s [#463s Class] 1017.5, 960
SPASM [#538s ex-COUNTESS] 1633, 1740
PLEASURE [#545s] 1808, 1830
GLORIANA [#411s] [blank], 3500
SHARK [#531s] and ALTAIR [#539s] 3410, 3480
YANKEE [#534s] 6945, 7030
QUEEN [#657s] 11000, 12000
As a penalty I would add to Racing length, twice the excess of sq rt of sail area over the sq root of sail limit by rule." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter (copy) to Cromwell, Oliver E. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_68390. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F02, formerly MRDE15. 1907-03-24.)
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"[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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"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Penciled table listing OA, LWL, QBL, %, L = LWL + 1/2(QBL-.93LWL), and Mian[?] for Buzzards Bay 15 [#503s], KILDEE [#460s], DELIGHT [#679s], NYYC 30 [#626s], SENECA [#670s], SPASAM [#538s], NEITH [#665s], GLORIANA [#411s], ALTAIR [#539s], AVENGER [#666s], DORIS [#625s], WINSOME [#664s] class, MINEOLA [#529s] class, INGOMAR [#590s] and QUEEN [#657s]. With three formulas for L, one by 'NGH proposed', the other by Louis M. Clark and the third by NGH [apparently the old one]. On verso of printed receipt card by Callender, McAuslan & Troup Co. Undated, the latest of these boats is from 1908 suggesting this to have been prepared for the Universal Rule revision of 1908." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01780. Folder [no #]. No date (1908).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections titled 'ALTAIR #539. Taken off June 24, 1909 for Measurer Hallock. NYYC to his floatation vis. Length o.a. 73.40[ft]. Forward overhang 13.32. Aft overhang 13.06. [Sum] 26.38. L.w.l. 47.02[ft]. Displ[acement as figured 1017cuft [= 65088lbs]'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_04470. Folder [no #]. 1909-06-24.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Penciled card:] Dear Nat
In Newport Race DORELLO [designed by George Owen and built in 1908] corrected time was 5-21-59
AURORA [#667s] 4-58-45
W B Duncan Jr
over
Annual Regatta
AURORA 4-52-48
DORELLO 5-25
ALTAIR [#539s] 5-30
The only place she beat us was in run [from] Glen Cove to Newport [at the cruise of the NYYC]. Undated (this apparently relates to the Annual Regatta of the NYYC on July 10, 1909)." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler Jr. Correspondence (penciled card) to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01490. Folder [no #]. No date (1909-07-10 or later ?).)
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"[Item Description:] wishes for health improvement, Bermuda will be paradise, reference to article on Bermuda in Rudder by Burgess, hotel recommendation, promoting 1911 Boston - Bermuda race, #698s VAGRANT will race, have just sold #512s VIRGINIA and will now helm #539s ALTAIR" (Source: Burgess, Hollis. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_04370. Correspondence, Folder 15, formerly 107. 1911-03-20.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #539s Altair even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. "Specifications for Composite, Cutter Rigged, Racing Yacht for 51ft Class. Attached to Contract Dated Jan[uary] 8, 1900 for Mr. Cord Meyer, Shop No. 539 [Altair]." No place [Bristol], January 8, 1900. (1,713 kB)
  Document is copyrighted: Yes, used with permission. Copyright holder: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Detailed vessel specifications for #539s Altair.

• Altair (HMCo-made index card)
• Altair (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: Altair
Type: Cutter
Length: 45'
Owner: Meyer, Cord

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

• Altair
• 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: Altair
Type: 45' cutter
Owner: Cord Meyer
Year: 1900
Row No.: 27

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: Jan
Day: 8
Year: 1900
E/P/S: S
No.: 0539
Name: Altair
LW: 45'
B: 14'
D: 10' 3"
Rig: Cutter
K: y
Ballast: Lead O.
Amount: 14500.00
Last Name: Meyer
First Name: Cord

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.

"Altair was converted into a motor yacht in 1915 when her lead keel was removed and a Holmes gasoline engine was installed." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. October 20, 2015.)

"Built in 86 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $169/day, 710 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"[Sail area info.]" (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.)

"[Displacement (954.5 cubic feet = 61,088lbs).]" (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.)

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