HMCo #659s Skiddoo

"[1906-02-22] Thu 22: Have order (#659) for 21' wl [Sonder] boat [Skiddoo] for H. M. Sears to race for the Roosevelt Cup." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1906. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"No. 659 [#659s].
March 12, 1906.
21' w.l. keel racing yacht.
Frame spaces 9".
Sheer height given is to under side of deck.
Deduct in making moulds
for planking 5/8"
for timbers 1" except [frames] # 21 to 28 inclusive 1" at head and increase 1/8" per ft.
Keel 1 5/8" thick (with 1 1/4 above rabbate).
Stem sided 2 1/4".
2 1/2 in 6'-5" round of Beam.
Transom 11/16" thick." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. [Penciled note in Offset Booklet HH.4.152.] March 12, 1906. Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection, MIT Museum, Cambridge, MA.)

"Of the smaller sailboats built by the Herreshoff Company during these years were the sonder boats 'Skiddoo,' built for Herbert M. Sears; 'Alarm,' built for Max Agassiz; 'Toboggan,' built for R. W. Emmons; and 'Bibelot,' built for Harry Paine Whitney." (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. 271.)

"The two boats [#659s Skiddoo and #660s Chewink VI] ordered by members of the Eastern Y.C. from the Herreshoff Mfg. Co., of Bristol, are under construction and will be completed in time for the trial races." (Source: Anon. "Herreshoff Sonderklasse Boats." Forest and Stream, June 9, 1906, p. 919.)

"A fifteen foot water line racing sloop, called the 'Skiddoo,' was put into the water from the Herreshoff shops yesterday afternoon. The boat was built for Herbert M. Sears and she will be entered in the trial races for the German-American Cup in Marblehead this summer." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, June 1, 1906, p. 2.)

"...the Skidoo, owned by Mr Sears, was launched on Thursday last [May 31, 1906], and is expected to reach Marblehead in tow from Bristol next Wednesday. ...
Much interest has attached to the Herreshoff boats, and this was increased rather than lessened, by the launch of the Skidoo, and a ridiculous press dispatch sent out from Bristol about it. This represented the boat as 15 feet water line and 20 feet over all, with tumble-home bow, forming, as near as could be judged from the description, a sort of turtle-back.
Mr Sears informs the Globe that the boat is in no way a freak, and that her overall length is between 34 and 26 feet. This indicates that Mr Herreshoff has not gone to extremes in his design, as some of the local designers have. Indeed, the Bristol designer informed the Globe yachting editor before he received the two orders for the class, that he believed the moderate boat had the best chance of winning under the German rule.
As everybody has been tolerably well informed regarding the boats building here to the rule, there will be considerable tip-toeing when the Herreshoff boat, built under the veil of secrecy, as are all Herreshoff craft, arrives off Marblehead and gets up her muslin for the first time." (Source: Anon. "Sonder Class is Complete." Boston Globe, June 3, 1906, p. 45.)

"The small racing sloop 'Skiddoo,' which was somewhat damaged in races at Marblehead last week has been brought here and taken into the Herreshoff shops to have her bow straightened and be otherwise strengthened." (Source: Anon. "Notes and News of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, July 10, 1906, p. 2.)

"The Herreshoff-designed Chewink VI showed a change in the form of her bow, and had an appearance of being out of condition generally. The other Herreshoff boat, Skiddoo, weighed 1,200 pounds more than the required minimum for the class [5,280 vs. the allowed 4,035 pounds], and appeared to be handicapped by the extra weight in the light weather. [Both #659s Skiddoo and #660s Chewink VI were unsuccessful and quickly eliminated from the trial races for the German-American Sonder-class races held in August 1906 off Marblehead.]" (Source: Thompson, Winfield M. "Germany vs. America." Rudder, October 1906, p.567-568.)

"No. 3473. For Sale. A dandy little Herreshoff knockabout. Just the boat for day sailing or racing as she is easy to handle, fast, and absolutely non-capsizable. 34ft. o.a., 20ft. w.l., 7ft beam, and 5ft draught. Built in the usual Herreshoff manner with cedar planking, brass screw fastenings, etc. 2,000lb of lead on keel; sails made by Herreshoff. Boat and outfit in perfect condition. Can be seen near Boston. Very reasonable price. Apply to Hollis Burgess Yacht Agency, 15 Exchange Street, Boston, Mass. [Though not identified by name the accompanying photo is identical with Jackson's neg. no. 2204 which shows Skiddoo.]" (Source: Anon. For Sale Ad. Rudder, March 1903, p. 218.)

"... The Hollis Burgess Yacht Agency reports the sale of the ... Herreshoff sonder boat Skidoo, owned by W.O. Gay, to J. H. Smith, Jr., of New York. The Skidoo left Marblehead for Casco Bay last week, and will be used there during the summer. ..." (Source: Anon. "Yachting Notes." Boston Herald, June 12, 1910, p. 11.)

"... The Sonder class sloop Skiddoo, owned by J H Smith Jr of New York, has been sold to Dean K James of Cohasset ... through the Hollis Burgess yacht agency. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes from the Week's Log." Boston Globe, April 23, 1911, p. 61.)

"No. 10977 --- For Sale --- A dandy little Herreshoff knockabout. Built for the sonder class. Just the boat for day sailing or racing as she is easy to handle, fast and absolutely non-capsizable. A very good sea-boat as she is sharp forward and has moderate overhangs. 34 ft. o. a., 20 ft. w. l., 7 ft. beam, 5 ft. draught. Built in the usual Herreshoff manner with cedar planking, brass screw fastenings, etc. 2,000 lb of lead on keel; sails made by Herreshoff. Will attract attention wherever she goes because of her speed and graceful lines. Boat and outfit in perfect condition. Can be seen near Boston. Bargain price takes her as owner has another boat. Apply to Hollis Burgess Yacht Agency, 15 Exchange Street, Boston, Mass. [Note: Though not identified by name, the accompanying photo identifies the boat clearly as Skidoo.]" (Source: Anon. "For Sale." Rudder, March 1914, p. 158.)

"The first three in each class were as follows: Class I. Windermere [#480s] (perennial winner), Philip Dorticos, Portland Y.C. ; Maimiti [#659s], John Zaugg, Mere Point Y.C; ..." (Source: Anon. [No Title?] Yachting, 1940, vol. 68, [p. 95].)

"N/A"

"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) letter on 'Curtis & Sanger, Stock and Note Brokers, 53 State Street, Boston' stationery:] My dear Mr. Herreshoff,
I enclose restrictions of a class of boats which is to be built for racing off Marblehead this Summer. I have decided to race with them, and as I want the fastest boat I come to you for assistance. Crowninshield and Boardman are each designing boats for the class, and Crowninshield was anxious to design my boat [#659s SKIDDOO], but I want the best.
There are probably to be two sets of races; one for a cup offered by the German Emperor, which challenge has not yet been actually received; the other for a perpetual challenge cup known as the 'Quincy Cup; which last race is assured. In the 'Quincy Cup' race we are to be allowed hollow spars [p. 2] so I shall want you to figure on a set of both hollow & solid [spars]. I presume that the measurement of the boat, when her hollow spars are in, would be slightly different from with the solid, but you no doubt can arrange some schemes to correct that.
The sail measurements, as you will see, are according to the Deutscher Segler Verband. If you have not these rules, I can get a translation of them from a friend here, and send it to you, but I think you probably have them.
I start for a three month's trip in Europe two weeks from today, and should like to get everything arranged before I leave. I should like the boat ready for delivery surely[?] June 1st [1907], and would arrange to have my man receive her in Bristol that day. Would it do her any injury to be towed around the Cape carefully by my steam launch 'HOPE' with Capt. Nickerson? If in your opinion it would to the slightest harm of course she could be sailed around.
Please let me hear from you as to price etc. just as soon as possibly, as my time before leaving is so limited.
Yours very truly, ..." (Source: Sears, Herbert. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00270. Folder [no #]. 1906-02-14.)
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"[Item Description:] Printed regatta circular leaflet titled 'Season of 1906. The Roosevelt Cup. German-American Races. Marblehead' and specifying 'General Conditions', 'American Conditions', 'Measurement', 'Displacement', 'Construction', 'Rig', 'Certificate', 'Crew', 'Conditions Governing the Races', 'Eastern Yacht Club Prizes', 'Courses and Dates of the Races' and 'Entries' for the upcoming Sonder Class Races. Ending with 'Season 1907. The Emperor William II. Cup. German-Americn Races. Kiel, Germany. His Majesty, the German Emperor, has offered a cup for competition at Kiel, Germany, in the year 1907, under the joint auspices of the Kaiserlicher and Eastern Yacht Clubs. he conditions will be announced later.' On verso 'Kiel, Boston, February, 1906. To Secretary of [blank]. We have the honor to herewith submit to you the preliminary terms of a race for a Cup given under the auspices of the President of the United States of America ...'. (Probably sent by Herbert Sears [for whom #659s CHEWINK will soon be built] with letter dated February 14, 1906.)" (Source: German-American Race Committee (creator). Printed Regatta Circular. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00590. Folder [no #]. 1906-02-14.)
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"[Item Description:] Mimeographed racing rule beginning with '1. General Conditions. The races are open to all German yachts which are selected by the Kaiserlicher Yacht Club and to all American yachts selected by the Eastern Yacht Club; provided, however, that each yacht must be designed, built and all sails and fittings made in the country to which such yacht belongs. ...'. Undated (probably sent by Herbert Sears [for whom #659s CHEWINK will soon be built] with letter dated February 14, 1906)." (Source: German-American Race Committee (creator). Racing Rule. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00750. Folder [no #]. No date (probably sent 1906-02-14).)
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"[Item Description:] Printed pamphlet titled 'Extract From the Rules of the German Yacht Racing Association (Deutscher Segler Verband)' and describing in detail how to measure area of different sails. With printed sketch. Undated (probably sent by Herbert Sears [for whom #659s CHEWINK will soon be built] with letter dated February 14, 1906)." (Source: German-American Race Committee (creator). Printed Pamphlet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00820. Folder [no #]. No date (probably sent 1906-02-14).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections with pinpricks titled 'No. 659 [#659s SKIDDOO]. Scale 1/2[in]. For 21ft w.l. = 6.5 Breadth + 4.5 Draft = 32 [Sonder Class Rule] Roosevelt Cup boat. M[ar]ch 2, 1906'. With six displacement curves, two of which are '#659' and 'Dec 1 1908 [possibly for #684 ALARM penciled in at a later date]', respectively. With calculations arriving at a total displacement of 90.2cuft = 5770lbs and a wetted surface of 161sqft." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_01720. Folder [no #]. 1906-03-02.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph lead sections titled 'No 659 [#659s SKIDDOO]. Lead. Scale 1/4 size. M[ar]ch 16, 1906'. With calculations and note 'Required. 3450lbs with c.g. .532 of wl' and concluding with 3250lbs and note '(200lbs under w[ei]g[h]t)'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Lead Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_07930. Folder [no #]. 1906-03-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Order book with carbon copy duplicates of instructions given by NGH titled 'Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Orders from N.G. Herreshoff'. Relevant contents:
§69: Work Order [For] #659s, #660s. [When wanted] May 15. Rigging [2 pages] (1906-03-22)
§71: Work Order [For] #659s, #660s. [When wanted] May 15. Blocks (1906-03-22)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Order Book. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE08_03460. Folder [no #]. 1900-02 to 1909-10.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #659s Skiddoo even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Skiddoo (HMCo-made index card)
• Skiddoo (MIT Museum-made index card)
• Skiddoo and other Sonder class (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: Skiddoo
Type: J & M
Length: 21'
Owner: Sears, Herbert M.

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

• Skiddoo
• Elfin ex-Skiddoo
• Clytie ex-Skiddoo
• 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: Skiddoo
Type: 20' sloop, sonder boat
Owner: Henry M. Sears
Year: 1906
Row No.: 635

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: Feb
Day: 20
Year: 1906
E/P/S: S
No.: 0659
Name: Skiddoo
LW: 21'
B: 6' 5"
D: 4' 6"
Rig: J & M
K: y
Ballast: Lead O.
Amount: 2100.00
Last Name: Sears
First Name: H. M.

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.

"Unsuccessful contender for the German-American Sonder-class races, held in August 1906 off Marblehead." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 17, 2010.)

"Sail number 13 as per Boston Globe, August 15, 1906, p. 8." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 17, 2010.)

"Skiddoo was initially white, but painted black during the elimination trials." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 17, 2010.)

"Sonderklasse Rule boats were the result of a German measurement rule that limited the sum of a boat's waterline length, beam, and draft to 32'. In addition, the sail area was fixed at 550 square feet, the displacement had to be at least 4,035 lbs, the boat was to be single-planked with a minimum plank thickness of at least 5/8", and the boat could not cost more than $2,400." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 26, 2015.)

"Built in 100 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $21/day, 58 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"Sail area (550sq ft) as per Sonderklasse rule limit." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 26, 2015.)

"[Displacement (5280 lbs).]" (Source:Boston Globe, August 15, 1906, p. 8.)

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