HMCo #663s Istalena

"[1909-04-20] Tue 20: Launch[ed] #685 Adventuress and haul[ed] Istalena [#663s] into shop to recast lead [keel].
[1909-05-05] Wed 5: Launched Istalena [#663s] with new lead [keel] on and hauled Winsome [#664s] into shop.
[1915-05-29] Sat 29: Fair [with] l[ight and] variable [wind in] AM. SE [in] PM. Katoura [#722s] sailed about 6:30. Tried Istalena [#663s] (now Irolita) under sail in AM and she left in PM. Take ride in #2196 Stanley [steam car] in PM [with] Agnes & Sally. 26.3 miles." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1909 to 1915. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"Nos. 663 and 664, 666[sic, i.e. 667] [#663s, #664s, #667s].
Frame spaces 16".
Deduct for planking 1 5/8.
Sheerline (S) is to top of deck.
Deduct for decking 1 5/8".
Top of lead see [frame] nos 32 & 42.
Thickness of keel 6 1/2".
Rabbate above bottom of keel 3".
Crown of deck 6" in 16' 0"." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. [Penciled note in Offset Booklet HH.4.154.] Undated (October 1906). Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection, MIT Museum, Cambridge, MA.)

"... Winsome [Name], 664+ [Building Number], 57 [Rating], 62.66 [Waterline], 54.7 [L = length at 1/4 beam as for Universal Rule], 16.18 [B = breadth of waterline as for Universal Rule], 10.75 [d = draft of water as for Universal Rule], 1,884 [D = displacement in cubic foot as for Universal Rule (= 120,576 lbs or 53.8 long tons)], 5012 [Sail Area], 5320 [Sail limit Present rule], -308 [Diff.], 5110 [Sail limit Proposed rule], -98 [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.)

"[In] the year 1907, the popular sixty-three foot class [N.Y.Y.C. 57 Footer Class] of sloops was built. They were ISTALENA, AURORA, and WINSOME." (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. 71.)

"In 1907 Captain Nat designed the one-design class of N.Y.Y.C. fifty-seven-footers which were remarkably handsome vessels. They were eighty-five feet three inches O.A., sixty-two feet eight inches W.L., sixteen feet beam, and ten feet ten inches draft, and listed below are the names of the yachts and owners:
'Aurora'; Cornelius Vanderbilt
'Winsome'; Henry F. Lippitt
'Istalena'; George M. Pynchon
As they came out they were able, easily handled sloops, but their owners, who were used to more comparative sail area with yachts built under the old rule decided to have the sail area increased. This jumped their rating up to 65, and besides making it harder for them to save their time on other yachts, in my opinion it made them less desirable yachts. The 'Winsome,' now rigged as a yawl, is still in commission, and in 1950 was the handsomest yacht that visited Marblehead Harbor during the year." (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. 270.)

"The largest one-design yachts that we had under the Universal Rule were Aurora [#667s], Istalena [#663s] and Winsome [#664s]. They came out in 1907 when Cornelius Vanderbilt was commodore of the New York Yacht Club. Mr. Vanderbilt owned Aurora, George M. Pynchon owned Istalena, and Harry F. Lippitt owned Winsome. These yachts were composite construction with a L.O.A. 85' 3"; L.W.L. 62' 8"; beam 16' 7"; draft 11'. When they came out they rated 57', but their owners, all of whom had larger yachts under the old rule, thought that they would like to carry more sail, so at considerable expense the draft of these yachts was increased with more lead, and their sail area increased so that they then rated 65', and had less chance of winning races for their rating was increased more than their speed. However, they were nice looking craft... Unfortunately [Aurora] was destroyed in the fire at City Island together with Queen [#657s] and other fine yachts. Istalena ... was acquired by E. W. Clark who had her changed to a schooner. Winsome was subsequently changed to a ketch... While both Istalena and Aurora had won Astor Cups, it is likely the smaller sloop Avenger [#666s] took from them three or four Astor Cups, and a great many other prizes." (Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. An Introduction to Yachting. New York, 1963, p. 169-170.)

"... It has been announced ... that Commodore Vanderbilt had joined the class of 57-footers [by ordering #667s Aurora], two of which are being built at Bristol, by the Herreshoffs. These two sloops are one for Mr. Harry F. Lippitt [#664s Winsome], the other for Mr. Geo. M. Pynchon [#663s Istalena]. ... " (Source: Anon. "Yachting News Notes." Forest And Stream, January 26, 1907, p. 145.)

"The two yachts, rating at 57ft., built from the same design, by Mr. N. G. Herreshoff, are now nearing completion at Bristol. The ownership of the yachts was decided by lot. Mr. Geo. M. Pynchon has named his vessel Istalena [#663s], from the Indian, White Water Lily. Mr. Henry F. Lippit has named his vessel Winsome [#664s].
A third boat [#667s Aurora] identical with the above boats is being built for Commodore Vanderbilt, of the New York Y. C. These boats are about the same length as Neola and Wetamoe, but longer on the waterline. The accommodations consist of three staterooms and a berth in the steerage, large saloon, captain's cabin and forecastle for nine men." (Source: Anon. "Yachting News Notes." Forest and Stream, March 2, 1907, p. 344.)

"Herreshoff has practically completed all four of the new racing cutters that he is turning out for the coming season and is only awaiting open weather to fit them out. George M. Pynchon's new 57-footer Istalena [#663s] is stored in the Walker's Cove yard, and her lines indicate power and speed. She will probably measure on the waterline a trifle over 60 feet.
Harry F. Lippitt's Winsome [#664s] is finished in the north shop, and Commodore Vanderbilts boat [#667s] nearly as far advanced in the south shop. The Vanderbilt boat will be called Rainbow [sic, she was eventually called Aurora], like his 70-footer.
Not such marked progress has been made on Robert W. Emmons, third's, new 48-footer [#666s Avenger], but she is well enough along to be ready for delivery by June 1 as planned." (Source: Anon. "New Herreshoff Racers. All the Boats Building at Bristol Are Nearing Completion." New York Times, March 19, 1907, p. 6.)

"The 57-foot racing sloop, built at the Herreshoff boat shops for George M. Pynchon of the New York Yacht Club, will be launched from the Walker Cove marine yard this afternoon. The craft will be fitted out for her trial trips next week." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, April 12, 1907, p. 2.)

"[Abstract of register or enrollment. Pos. 471:]
Istalena, sloop yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1907.
49.39 gross tons, 30 net tons; 67.8 ft. x 16.8 ft. x 10.3 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, one mast, overhanging head [bow].
Enr[olled] and Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) Apr. 29, 1907. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol.
Surrendered [license] May 23, 1907 at New York. ([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. Istalena.)

"Wednesday afternoon George M. Pynchon's new 57-foot racing sloop, the Istalena, was given her initial trial spin in the bay. On board the yacht were her owner, George M. Pynchon, and his son of New York; Henry P. Lippitt, owner of the Winsome [#664s], a sister boat to the Istalena; Walter K. Storges of Providence; Capt. Harry P. Haff, Foreman Asa W. Hathaway of the sailmaking department, Capt. Edward Nelson, his crew of 11 men, and the designer, Capt. Nathaniel G. Herreshoff. The trial spin started at 1.30 o'clock in the afternoon and lasted two hours. The owner expressed entire satisfaction with his new boat after the trial.
The Istalena was built at the Herreshoff boat shops the past winter, and is one of the trio of new Herreshoff-designed racing sloops of the same model for participating this summer in the events at Larchmont, Oyster Bay, Newport and the summer circuit, including the annual cruise of the fleet of the New York Yacht Club.
She is a fine looking boat and her general dimensions are as follows: Eighty-five feet over all, 62 feet on the waterline, 16 feet beam and 11 feet draught." (Source: Anon. "New Craft Has Trial Spin." Bristol Phoenix, May 3, 1907, p. 2.)

"Istalena [#663s], Mr. George M. Pynchon's new 57-rater, the first of the new New York Y. C. one-design boats, built by Herreshoff, to be launched, was given a trial sail about Bristol Harbor on Thursday, May 2 [1907], and in the light breezes that prevailed at that time she proved very satisfactory not only to her owner, but also to Mr. H. F. Lippitt who will own the second boat Winsome [#664s], as she is called, when she is put over about May 20. Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt will receive his, the Aurora [#667s], the third of this class and last one now building, about June 1.
All three are expected to meet for their first contest in the New York Y. C. spring regatta on June 13 at Glen Cove. They are typical Herreshoff in appearance, the only difference from ordinary is the extremely long lower mast and very short topmast and bowsprit." (Source: Anon. [No title.] Forest and Stream, May 11, 1907, p. 742.)

"The one-design Herreshoff yachts, Aurora [#667s], owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt; Istalena [#663s], owned by G. M. Pynchon, and Winsome [#664s], owned by H. F. Lippitt, are to have some changes made that will put them in Class J instead of Class K, where they have so far raced. These changes will increase the sail area of the yachts, naturally making them faster, and what will be more satisfactory to their owners, they will get away from Avenger, which yacht, on account of the difference in size, received so much allowance that she was invariably a winner.
Under the new rules yachts are allowed more draft, and the lead of these three yachts is to be lowered and altered slightly, and this will enable them to carry more sail. Herreshoff is to make the changes and has already started work on Istalena. The keel of that yacht has been removed. About a ton of lead is to be added to the outside ballast, and this will be bolted on again in a few days. The other two ---Aurora and Winsome --- are to be taken to Bristol at once, and all three will be ready for racing as soon as the season opens. W. Butler Duncan, Jr., is to have charge of Aurora this year, and these three yachts will again furnish some fine sport. [J-class was not always 76-foot rating. Back in 1908 the J-class was for yachts rating 65-foot and over, while the K-class was for yachts of more than 55-foot rating. By increasing sail area the three yachts increased their rating and moved from K to J-class in 1909, thus avoiding Avenger.]" (Source: Anon. "To Improve 57-Footers." Forest and Stream, May 1, 1909, p. 706.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., May 1 [1909] --- ... Rapid is the work in the Herreshoff shops in remolding the lead keel of the Istalena [#663s] of the 57-rating class, owned by George M. Pynchon of New York. Soon the lead will again be attached to the hull, and then the same procedure will be followed in fixing up the Aurora [#667s] of the same class, owned by Ex-Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. The latter boat was towed here from New London last Tuesday [April 27, 1909], and was immediately stripped to wait her turn for the remolding process." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, May 2, 1909, p. 45.)

"Bristol, R.I. May 15 [1909]. - Remodeling of the 57-foot class of sloops, Istalena [#663s], Aurora [#667s] and Winsome [#664s], is half completed at the Herreshoffs and in another 10 days each of the boats will be ready to take part in the racing in the 60-foot rating class with Neola and Effort. The Istalena, owned by George M. Pynchon of New York, is the first of the fleet to be remodeled, and on Monday [May 10, 1909] had the new and deeper keel bolted on.
When set afloat Istalena looked as though she was carrying a cargo and was below the mark. It is true that the craft is a few inches deeper in the water which means a longer waterline and a greater draft. To meet these new conditions Herreshoff will give the boats extra sail area which calls for a longer topmast, gaff and bowsprit, while the lower masts will remain the same length. The Aurora, owned by Commodore Vanderbilt, is now being fitted over like the Istalena." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, May 16, 1909, p. 41.)

"BRISTOL, R I, July 17 [1909] --- ... The Istalena of the 57-foot class was hauled out at Herreshoff's the latter part of last week to repair damages caused by hitting a rock off Point Judith in the race from Glen Cove to Newport. A piece of lead about 200 pounds in weight was gouged out of the keel midway between the stem and stern and wood inserted in its place in order that the yacht could get away to resume racing." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, July 18, 1909, p. 38.)

"The record this season of the 65-footers is a remarkable one. In twenty-eight races these yachts met, and in all they sailed 1,038 miles, and at the end of the season minutes only separated them. It is the third year of these yachts, and they are better now than they ever were, and some are of the opinion that they are faster than any yachts afloat under the present rule. ...
There are three in this class, Cornelius Vanderbilt's Aurora [#667s], G. M. Pynchon's Istalena [#663s] and H. F. Lippitt's Winsome [#664s]. ...
Before the season started some radical changes were made in the yachts. Their lead keels were removed, more lead was added and the lead was remoulded and then bolted on again, giving them more ballast and more draft. This enabled them to carry more canvas. Early in the season they were rather unfortunate because of their long, thin topmasts, and six were carried away before the cruise of the New York Y. C. Just before that cruise Herreshoff put on topmasts of Oregon pine and lengthened the spreaders. New rigging of plow steel wire was substituted for the old rigging, and after that, in spite of several hard blows they experienced, they did not have an accident. ..." (Source: Anon. "The 65-Footers." Forest and Stream, October 16, 1909, p. 622.)

"BRISTOL, R I. April 30 [1910] --- ... Ex-Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt's 57-foot racing sloop Aurora [#667s], arrived here in tow from New York last Monday morning, to be improved and fitted out at Herrshoff's for the summer. The craft was hauled out on the marine railway at the shops the same day she arrived, and is to have strengthening braces of steel attached fore and aft before she is ready for her racing rig. The Istalena [#663s], of the same class, owned by George M. Pynchon, which won the king's cup last summer, is also to be strengthened in hull before she leaves here." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, May 1, 1910, p. 57.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., Sept 13 [1913] --- ... The racing sloop Istalena, which was not in use this season, but lay at anchor off Herreshoff's, is to be hauled out for the Winter at Walker's Cove. ..." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, September 14, 1913, p. 53.)

"E. Walter Clark ... has the largest fleet of racing yachts owned by any one man in this country. Lately he has purchased the cup sloop Defiance ... and also the 65-foot sloop Istalena [#663s], which was owned by George M. Pynchon. In addition he ownes the 90-foot schooner Irolita [#657s ex-Queen], which he has raced for several seasons ... Just what Commodore Clark intends to do with all these yachts is not known at present. It is said that he intends to change the Istalena to schooner rig. ... This sloop was one of the trio built by Herreshoff in 1907 ..." (Source: Anon. "Yachts And Yachtsmen; E. Walter Clark's Big Fleet." Boston Daily Globe, December 6, 1914, p. 53.)

"In April Herreshoff will start changing the 57-foot sloop Istalena, recently-purchased by E. Walter Clark from George M. Pynchon, over to schooner rig. This means the end of the one-design 57-foot sloop class, which gave fine racing from 1907 to 1912, when the 50-footers were brought out." (Source: Anon. "Notes from the Week's Log." Boston Globe, December 13, 1914, p. 53.)

"A good part of the racing gear of the [George Owen-designed former America's Cup defense candidate] Defiance is to be utilized in changing the rig of the former 57-foot sloop Istalena into a two-sticker. This yacht was also purchased by Commodore Clark in the Fall [of 1914] from George M. Pynchon, and is now at Herreshoff's being changed into a schooner. One of the two masts of the Defiance is to be used as a mainmast on the Istalena." (Source: Anon. "Yachts and Yachtsmen. Cup Sloops go to Junk Heap." New York Times, January 10, 1915, p. 52.)

"Work has been started at Bristol of transforming the sloop Istalena [#663s], purchased last Fall by E. Walter Clark from George M. Pynchon, to schooner rig. This craft will be renamed Irolita by Commodore Clark, while his big schooner Irolita [#657s] will go back to her original name of Queen, under which she was known when raced by her first owner, the late J. Rogers Maxwell." (Source: Anon. "Notes from the Week's Log." Boston Globe, March 14, 1915, p. 61.)

"... The New York Yacht Club one-designed 60-foot class of sloops, built by Herreshoff in 1907, is well broken up. The Aurora [#667s], owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt, is the only one of the three that has not changed hands. The Winsome [#664s] was recently purchased by Philip H. Johnson of Philadelphia and the Istalena [#663s] is now the schooner Irolita, having come into the hands of E. Walter Clark last Fall. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes from the Week's Log." Boston Globe, June 6, 1915, p. 62.)

"The schooner Irolita, formerly the 65-foot sloop Istalena, which, though put overboard by Herreshoff early in the Summer, was not in commission, is to be hauled out for Winter storage at the Walkers Cove Yard." (Source: Anon. "Yachts and Yachtsmen." Boston Globe, October 21, 1917, p. 39.)

"Speaking of big sloops, it is a decided question if they ever will be popular in American yachting. There is no getting away from the fact that they cost too much to be even playthings of millionaires. Some years ago a class of fairly large sloops was built for members of the New York Club. Originally they were called the fifty-seven footers. A change in the measurement rule gave them the name of sixty-five footors and they were raced under that title for several years.
The yachts were the Aurora [#667s], Winsome [#664s] and the Istalena [#663s]. Although of similar design, the statement would hardly seem possible if the craft were anchored together today. G. M. Pynchon' s Istalena was the first to be changed. In 1914 the yacht was purchased by B. Walter Clark of Philadelphia, who changed the sloop into a schooner and called her Irolita. A year or so later Cornelius Vanderbilt sold Aurora. The lead was taken off the craft in 1917 and a new keel recast. The change gave the sloop considerable more freeboard. Today she is owned by K. Isburgh, who has a summer home at South Dartmouth. She now has a short rig and no top-mast. These changes also disguise the craft.
Schater [sp?] Harry Lippitt' s Winsome, third of the trio, is now an auxiliary. She is owned by Charles H. W. Foster of Boston. Except for a shortened boom, the Winsome has her original rig but the auxiliary engine has brought her down into the water for a shorter freeboard. As she sits in the water Winsome hardly looks a sister ship to the Aurora, and neither would be taken as similar craft to the schooner Irolita." (Source: Anon. "Regarding the Old 65-Footers." Brooklyn Daily Eagle, August 10, 1919, p. 4.)

"For sale. Well known Herreshoff, flush deck keel schooner yacht; 85ft overall, 63 ft. waterline, 16 ft. 7 in. beam, 11 ft. draft. Splendid craft for combined cruising and racing. Winner of numerous cups. Exceptionally good accommodation; three staterooms, saloon, two toilets. In excellent condition; has had careful upkeep. Low figure will be accepted for prompt disposal. For further particulars apply to Cox & Stevens, Cunard building, 25 Broadway, New York. Telephone 2700 Whitehall. [Though not identified by name, this is clearly a reference to #663s Irolita ex-Istalena which can be identified both by her dimensions and sail number D10 on the accompanying photo which shows her as a gaff-rigged schooner." (Source: Anon. [Sale advertisement.] Rudder, March 1922, p. 63.)

"... Reports from Bristol state that the schooner Irolita is to be out this season for the first time since 1916. Irolita was formerly the cutter Istalena, built in 1907 for George M. Pynchon. She came into the hands of E. Walter Clark of Philadelphia in 1915 who had her rig changed to that of a schooner. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes From The Week's Log." Boston Globe, May 7, 1922, p. 55.)

"... Walter Clark's schooner Irolita is to have a larger sail spread than last year. Her masts have been lengthened about five feet, and she left Herreshoff's last week for City Island, where a new suit of racing sails will be bent on. The Irolita has been entered for the races and cruising runs of both the New York and Eastern Yacht Clubs. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes From The Week's Log." Boston Globe, June 3, 1923, p. 71.)

"... The schooner Irolita, while badly damaged by fire, will be put into shape as soon as possible for racing. An acetylene lighting plant had been installed, and when the gas was lighted to see how it worked something went wrong, it spurted out fire which soon burned out the interior. Luckily the fire did not hurt the spars or sails, but burned out the quarters below deck. It would take some time to refurnish and refit, and so Commodore Clark has ordered temporary work to be done as hurriedly as possible. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes From The Week's Log." Boston Globe, June 24, 1923, p. 71.)

"... Before E. Walter Clark's racing schooner Irolita was laid up in September at Herreshoff's, Bristol, there was a report among the racing schooner owners that she would be given a jib-headed mainsail rig for the 1924 season. For the 1923 racing the Irolita was back with her high rig of her first season after being changed from sloop to schooner. Even with the increased sail spread she was not a match for either the Wildfire [#891s] or the Queen Mab [#698s ex-Vagrant], and Capt Clark seemed anxious to increase her speed for 1924. ..." (Source: Anon. "Notes From The Week's Log." Boston Globe, October 21, 1923, p. 49.)

"R. H. I. Goddard of the New York Yacht Club has purchased from E. Walter Clark of Philadelphia the 53-foot waterline schooner Irolita. This schooner was originally the cutter Istalena, one of the one-design 57s built by Herreshoff in 1907 for members of the New Yacht Club. First owned by George M. Pynchon, she was altered to schooner rig after being bought under E. Walter Clark's colors in 1915. She is composite built, flush deck, 85 feet 3 inches overall, 62 foot 8 inch waterline, 16 foot 10 inch beam and 11 foot draft." (Source: Anon. "Yachts And Yachtsmen." Boston Globe, October 30, 1927, p. A62.)

"... R. H. I. Goddard of Providence, who bought the schooner Irolita from E. Walter Clark last year, will soon have her overboard. The Irolita has not been in commission for a couple of years. Formerly the New York 57 Istalena, she was discarded by Commodore Clar when he bought the former America Cup defender Resolute [#725s]. The schooner has been renamed Ramallah and will come out with black topsides, a white boottop and bronze bottom, maker her rather a handsome yacht. ..." (Source: Anon. "Yachts and Yachtsmen." Boston Globe, May 13, 1928, p. B27.)

"Many yachts are being laid up at the Herreshoff Company's yards at Walker's Cove. ... The schooner yacht Ramallah [#663s], owned by Robert H I Goddard, is also to be laid up at Herreshoff's. The Ramallah was formerly the Irolita. ..." (Source: Anon. "Many Yachts Being Laid Up For Winter. Herreshoff Company and S. C. Wardwell Busy Storing Boats At the Yards in This Town." Bristol Phoenix, October 5, 1928, p. 1.)

"... Col R H I Goddard's auxiliary schooner Ramalla is being scraped down [at HMCo] to the wood for refinishing ..." (Source: Anon. "Aluminum Furniture For Yacht Weetamoe." Bristol Phoenix, April 21, 1930, p. 3.)

"In spite of the exigencies of the times, hammers are clattering, saws are buzzing and brushes are busy at the Herreshoff Yard at Bristol, Rhode Island, getting old and new yachts and equipment in ship-shape for the coming boating season. ... Dr. Seth Milliken's auxiliary yawl 'Thistle' [#1078s] is tied to a slip where she is receiving final touches before getting under way for vacation cruising. ... Mr. R H I Goddard's black schooner 'Ramallah' [ #663s ex-Istalena] will also see service having been completely refinished during the Winter. ..." (Source: Anon. "Herreshoff Shops Hum with Boating Season Activities." Bristol Phoenix, May 17, 1932, p. 1.)

"1927. ... R. H. I. Goddard bought the Irolita [ex #663s Istalena] from E. W. Clark, owner of the Resolute [#725s], and named her Ramallah. ..." (Source: Davis, Jeff. Yachting in Narragansett Bay. Providence, 1946, p. 36.)

"Besides the preliminary work on the cup defender to be built for the syndicate of the New York Yacht Club members, headed by Commodore E Walter Clark, there is considerable work in progress on smaller boats at the Herreshoff shops. Many yachts are being stored in the Walker's Cove yards and alongside the North Shop. Col R H I Goddard's schooner Ramallah [#663s ex-Istalena] is hauled out on the north side of the shops, with the yacht Constance [designed by Gardner and built by Lawley in 1913], formerly Flying Cloud, is alongside of the Ramallah. ..." (Source: Anon. "Busy Times At Herreshoff Boat Shops." Bristol Phoenix, October 4, 1929, p. 4.)

"R.H.I. Goddard’s schooner the Ramallah hauled out of her cradle in the south yard, stayed right through the storm while the sides of the big storage sheds, a board or two at a time as the waves ripped them off, small boats and big spars that had been placed under cover, went swirling past her, over stone walls and the street into the fields between Hope and High Streets until they fetched up three or four hundred feet inland. ..." (Source: Bristol Phoenix, September 30, 1938. Quoted in: Simpson, Richard, V. "The Great Hurricane and Tidal Wave of 1938: Scenes of the Disaster in Rhode Island's East Bay." Roger Williams University, Bristol, 2012. http://docs.rwu.edu/hurricane_1938/1, retrieved April 12, 2014.)

"... The yachts Ramallah, owned by R. H. Ives Goddard of Providence, and Maripeg, ..., were launched yesterday afternoon at the Thames shipyard after winter storage. ... " (Source: Anon. "Marine News." The New London Day, May 25, 1948, p. 14.)

"The schooner Ramallah, which has been a familiar sight in Bristol for many years, is to be scrapped. She was one of a class of three racing sloops designed by N. G. Herreshoff and built by the Herreshoff Mfg. Co., in 1907, for three prominent members of the New York Yacht Club.
Her dimensions are: length overall 85ft3in; waterline 62ft8in beam 16ft10in; draft 11ft. Construction was composite, i.e. wood planking and steel frames. Ramallah's original name was Istalena and she was built for George Pinchion [sic, ie. Pynchon]. After several years of keen racing the class was disbanded and Istalena was bought by Walter Clark of Philadelphia who changed her name to Irolita. He also changed her to a schooner, having Mr. Herreshoff design the new rig. Mr Clark raced her for a few years until he bought the cup defender Resolute and changed her to a schooner. At that time (1927) he sold Irolita to Mr R H Ives Goddard of Providence who changed her name to Ramallah retaining the schooner rig; but adding an auxiliary power plant, as he intended using her solely for pleasure sailing and cruising.
With the exception of last year and the war years 1942 to 1946, she has been in commission every season and Bristol has been her home port. Instead of selling her he prefers for sentimental reasons to scrap her, Mr Goddard stated. [Ramallah was subsequently listed under a new owner in the U.S. List of Merchant Vessels, suggesting that she was not scrapped at the time.]" (Source: Anon. "Ramallah to be Scrapped." Bristol Phoenix, July 15, 1949, p. 3.)

"I spoke with Tom Goddard yesterday, grandson of one of the owners of #663 RAMALLAH (ex-ISTALENA). He was kind enough to provide a copy of an extremely informative letter written by his father to the then-new owner of the boat, Herbert Smith. In the notes accompanying the letter, we see that the boat was eventually scuttled by Mr. Smith in September, 1973 off the coast of Puerto Rico. ..." (Source: Nagy, Steve. [Contribution to the Herreshoff Forum, dated September 9, 2009.] http://www.herreshoffregistry.org/forum/index.php?topic=111.msg851, retrieved May 3, 2016.)

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Steering wheel cover plate design including name, hull no, and year for #663s ISTALENA." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Steering Wheel Cover Plate Design. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.132. Box HAFH.6.4B, Folder Steering Wheel Cover Plates. No date (ca1906).)
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"[Item Description:] Re new class of racing sloop we talked about yesterday (NY57 class of three consisting of #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for C. Vanderbilt), for me and my friend Lippitt, very important to make offer for complete boat including everything" (Source: Pynchon, George M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23840. Correspondence, Folder 70. 1906-07-24.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled (carbon copy) preliminary plan with inboard profile marked 'A' and titled 'Preliminary Sketch for Sloop yacht to rate about 52 1/2. Approx 82ft on deck, 60ft w.l., 16 1/2ft beam, 10ft 5in draft. For Mr. Pynchon by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Aug[ust] 31, 1906. Scale 1/8in'. (NY57 class, #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for Vanderbilt)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Preliminary Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_00100. Folder [no #]. 1906-08-31.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled preliminary plan with inboard profile titled 'Preliminary Sketch for Sloop yacht to rate about 52 1/2. Approx 82ft on deck, 60ft w.l., 16 1/2ft beam, 10ft 5in draft. For Mr. Pynchon by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Aug[ust] 31, 1906. Scale 1/8in'. (NY57 class, #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for Vanderbilt)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Preliminary Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01710. Folder [no #]. 1906-08-31.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Penciled tabulated data with cost estimates varying with building method and number of boats built:]
Wood [$]24500 for 2 75% off
Composite [$]25000 [for 2] 50% [off]
Steel [$]26000 [for 2] 50% [off]
T[obin] B[ronze] plate [$]28000 [for 2] 50% [off]
[Filed with preliminary sketches for the NY57 class (#663s ISTALENA, #664s WINSOME, #667s AURORAt) which were composite-built and cost $24500 each, suggesting that this note refers to this class. Undated, the preliminary sketches were from early September 1906.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Cost Estimate. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01660. Folder [no #]. No date (1906-09 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Re new class of racing sloop (NY57 class of three consisting of #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for C. Vanderbilt), like the profile you sent, is there enough sail area for racing at the head of Long Island Sound, is it possible to slightly increase headroom, interior arrangement can be improved somewhat, I liked the arrangement in IROLITA [#591s or #658s?] better, need nine berths in forecastle, crew of eleven, talked with Lippitt on the phone and can safely say you will get a contract provided the price is satisfactory, suggest if you will be down with #215p ROAMER that we all meet" (Source: Pynchon, George M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23860. Correspondence, Folder 70. 1906-09-04.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled (carbon copy) preliminary plan with inboard profile marked 'B' and titled 'Preliminary Sketch for Sloop yacht of about 54 rating. 82ft oa, 60ft w.l., 16 1/2ft beam, 10ft 5in draft. For Mr. Pynchon by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Sept[ember] 6, 1906. Scale 1/8in'. (NY57 class, #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for Vanderbilt). With list of particulars and rating data. Marked in upper right corner 'B'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Preliminary Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_00120. Folder [no #]. 1906-09-06.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled preliminary plan with inboard profile titled 'Preliminary Sketch for Sloop yacht of about 54 rating. 82ft oa, 60ft w.l., 16 1/2ft beam, 10ft 5in draft. For Mr. Pynchon by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Sept[ember] 6, 1906. Scale 1/8in'. (NY57 class, #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for Vanderbilt). With list of particulars and rating data. Marked in upper right corner 'B'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Preliminary Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01670. Folder [no #]. 1906-09-06.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled (carbon copy) preliminary plan with inboard profile marked 'C' and titled 'Preliminary Sketch for Sloop yacht of about 55 Rating. 82ft oa, 60ft w.l., 16 1/2ft beam, 10ft 5in draft. For Mr. Pynchon by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Sept[ember] 7, 1906. Scale 1/8in'. (NY57 class, #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for Vanderbilt)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Preliminary Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_00130. Folder [no #]. 1906-09-07.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled preliminary plan with inboard profile titled 'Preliminary Sketch for Sloop yacht of about 55 Rating. 82ft oa, 60ft w.l., 16 1/2ft beam, 10ft 5in draft. For Mr. Pynchon by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Sept[ember] 7, 1906. Scale 1/8in'. (NY57 class, #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for Vanderbilt)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Preliminary Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01700. Folder [no #]. 1906-09-07.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled (carbon copy) preliminary plan with inboard profile marked 'D' and titled 'Preliminary Sketch for Sloop yacht of about 55 rating. 83ft oa, 60ft w.l., 16 1/2ft beam, 10ft 7in draft. For Mr. Pynchon by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Sept[ember] 8, 1906. Scale 1/8in'. (NY57 class, #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for Vanderbilt). With list of particulars and rating data. Marked in upper right corner 'D'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Preliminary Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_00140. Folder [no #]. 1906-09-08.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled preliminary plan with inboard profile titled 'Preliminary Sketch for Sloop yacht of about 55 rating. 83ft oa, 60ft w.l., 16 1/2ft beam, 10ft 7in draft. For Mr. Pynchon by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. Sept[ember] 8, 1906. Scale 1/8in'. (NY57 class, #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit, #667s AURORA for Vanderbilt). With list of particulars and rating data. Marked in upper right corner 'D'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Preliminary Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01690. Folder [no #]. 1906-09-08.)
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"[Item Description:] After Mr. Pynchon and I left you yesterday, we talked the matter over and are very much disposed to go ahead with the boats [New York 57 Class #664s WINSOME and #663s ISTALENA], provided we can agree about the price, etc., but as I told you before doing so I want to see a plan of the quarters we shall get drawn on a scale large enough to be readily intelligible. The quarters that we had in the 'WEETAMOE' are for my purposes plenty large enough but none too large, and in getting a new boat I want to be sure that she is of a size that will give about the same accommodations below. I do not want, however, to make this so imperative as to in any way interfere with the speed of the boat. I had rather make the boat a little larger if necessary to get the quarters than to try to make some slower model on a shorter water line. If you will let me see about how the fastest boat you can build to rate at 57 will come out for accommodations, I will take the matter up as promptly as possible with Pynchon and have it settled." (Source: Lippitt, Henry F. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21200. Correspondence, Folder 63. 1906-09-12.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections titled '1st model. 57ft Class. 2nd trial. Sept 26, 1906'. With calculations arriving at a total displacement of 1880cuft [= 11920lbs] and wetted surface of 1140[sqft]. (This is for #663s ISTALENA and #664s WINSOME and, eventually, #667s AURORA.)" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_01670. Folder [no #]. 1906-09-26.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections with pinpricks and radials titled '57ft Class. 2nd model. 4th [trial]. Nos 663 & 664 [#663s ISTALENA and #664s WINSOME and, eventually, #667s AURORA] from finished model. Oct 1, 1906. Scale 1/2[in]. Height to top of rail & top of deck. 62ft 8in l.w.l. With calculations arriving at a total displacement of 1884cuft [= 120576lbs] and wetted surface of 1112[sqft]. On verso (with 'Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Established 1861, Incorporated 1879' letterhead) more calculations marked 'International Rating (Original draft & sail)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_01650. Folder [no #]. 1906-10-01.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph lead sections titled 'Nos. 663 [#663s ISTALENA] & 664 [#664s WINSOME]. Scale 1in & 1 1/2. Oct[ober] 4 1906'. With calculations and note 'Required 62200lbs lead with c.g. at .5955 of w.l. 62200 / .411 = 151200cuin ...' and concluding with note 'Result. 151200cuin at # 35.92 frame space = ... .5942 of w.l.'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Lead Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_08670. Folder [no #]. 1906-10-04.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten notebook. This booklet had two lives: In 1907-1908, 1908-1909 and 1909-1910 it was used for winter storage records, listing name of boat, owner, storage location, billed amount, and dates of storage. Listed were for the winter of 1907/1908: #235p MIST, ORIANA, #571s LARIKIN, EAGLET, #453s VAQUERO II, #580s TRIVIA, #663s ISTALENA, COSSACK, #666s AVENGER, #220p ATALA (for sale), #207p MIRAGE, #224p EUGENIA, #146p AUGUSTA, #247p SEA URCHIN, #105p COSETTE, ARLINE, #213p FLORENCE, #208p FLORETTE, #249p SISILINA, #591s IROLITA, #481s SPALPEEN, DUCHESS, #669s ELEANOR, #460s KILDEE, #647s CAPRICE, #408s PELICAN, #243p SWIFTSURE, #617s COCK ROBIN, #177p VANISH, #446s ALERION, and #591s IROLITA I, for the winter of 1908/1909: #666s AVENGER, #663s ISTALENA, #481s SPALPEEN, #580s TRIVIA, #617s COCK ROBIN, COSSACK, #177p VANISH, #242p #242, #243p SWIFTSURE, SKIP, #446s ALERION, CHEWINK II, DUCHESS, #571s LARIKIN, #460s KILDEE, #679s PEPITA, EAGLET, #408s PELICAN, #453s VAQUERO, #146p AUGUSTA, #224p EUGENIA, COYOTE, #264p SARAH WEBB, #207p MIRAGE, ARLINE, #213p FLORENCE, #208p FLORETTE, #249p SISILINA, #591s IROLITA I, CASSANDRA 27ft Launch, and #263p CASSANDRA 34ft Launch, and for the winter of 1909/1910: #252p WANECHE (no further boats were listed). At some later time, the same book was turned upside down and inscribed with a new title in ink '200Ft Submarine Destroyer [#191802ep Unbuilt 200ft Submarine Chaser]. Data + Calculation Book. Herreshoff Mfg Co.' on its now-new front cover (formerly its back cover), followed by weight data estimates and calculations for this submarine destroyer." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Notebook. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.087. Box HAFH.6.2B, Folder Submarine Destroyer 200-Footer. 1907-1908, 1908-1909, 1909-1910, 1918-06.)
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"[Item Description:] Four handwritten (in ink) pages with tabulated data listing 'Shop No', 'Name', '[Tons] Gross' and '[Tons] Net' for a total of 100 HMCo-built boats and classes. Tonnage data is usually precise to two digits behind the decimal. Random comparisons suggest source of tonnage data to be official Custom House data. Boats mentioned are: #664s, #663s, #625s, #665s, #634s, #658s, #657s, #646s, #641s, #617s, #626s Class, #624s, #621s, #616s, #619s, #590s, #591s, #586s, #592 Class, #618s, #605s, #578s, #560s Class, #580s, #553s, #551s, #552s, #546s, #541s, #545s, #538s, #534s, #533s, #532s, #529s, #534s, #530s, #531s, #435s, #437s, #452s, #499s, #429s, #426s, #424s, #481s, #422s, #417s, #414s, #451s, #215p, #213p, #222p, #235p, #230p, #229p, #236p, #224p, #244p, #247p, #249p, #231p, #232p, #228p, #252p, #250p, #251p, #248p, #168p, #164p, #118p, #142p, #174p, #173p, #194p, #189p, #193p, #183p, #178p, #179p, #181p, #182p, #175p, #163p, #148p, #149p, #172p, #155p, #170p, #186p, #188p, #206p, #207p, #205p, #208p, #209p, #210p, #211p, #212p, #216p. Undated (the latest boat listed, WINSOME, was launched in 1907)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Handwritten List. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00220. Folder [no #]. No date (1907 or later).)
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"[Item Transcription:] I was very glad to see your familiar hand on arriving at the office this morning and very much interested to hear that you have a lot of new work. I suppose that those three new one design sloops [New York 57s #663s ISTALENA, #664s WINSOME and #667s AURORA] will be the best kind of fun and I envy the owners. I am looking forward with a great deal of interest to seeing the models. You do not mention what other work you have. Sometime if you are at leisure I would like to hear what it is, but I do not want to impose any extra task on you because I know what a lot of work you must have with your brother away, although I had not heard before that he was away. [JBH had been for 2 months in Europe in the spring of 1907.]
I have taken my engineer for a chauffeur and as far as I can see, I have done wisely, for he certainly has a most satisfactory character and disposition. I am therefore, treating now for a new engineer and as soon as he has been engaged, I will send him to Newport to have the VANISH [#177p] towed to Bristol with the boiler in her quite loose. When the retubing has been finished he will see to the replacing and putting the engine in order. I think perhaps it would be well after you see what work has to be done in rabbiting the sleeve of the shaft, if you would send me an outside figure.
I hear that the 'INGOMAR' [#590s] is to be out with [Charlie] Barr in charge, and I understand that Butler Duncan is to be on board of her, at least for a time. How I envy him. I am going to try to get him to take me sailing with him once, as I have never even been aboard the 'INGOMAR'.
I am sure you will appreciate how serious to me is the loss of Capt. Craven, as a friend as well as a seaman. Twenty-nine years of service speaks for itself and the whole family feel his loss most severely." (Source: Morgan, E.D. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_38500. Correspondence, Folder 76, formerly 62. 1907-05-20.)
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"[Item Description:] I find the #664s WINSOME a little shorter on the waterline than #663s ISTALENA, change may be necessary to bring her into class" (Source: Hallock, William (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34550. Subject Files, Folder 42, formerly 32. 1907-06-10.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Business card from Morgan Barney, Naval Architect, 29 Broadway, New York with handwritten note: Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Does not Mr. Gielow exceed the conventional limits of professional advertising in the enclosed circular? [Signed M Barney.]
[Together with circular:]
Showing comparative speed of [New York 57s] ISTALENA [#663s], WINSOME [#664s], AURORA [#667s], and EFFORT [Gielow-designed] in fourteen races sailed during the season of 1907, when there was a fairly steady sailing breeze.
The three races held on June 15th, July 4th, and August 10th, were not considered on account of the very light airs and generally fluky conditions.
[Table showing dates, course lengths and racing times for the four yachts.]
[Table showing total miles sailed for the four boats, total seconds, average time per mile and corrected time per mile for the four yachts.]
In the fourteen races tabulated, the three 57-footers sailed a total of 1,150.5 miles in 167 hours, 54 minutes and 51 seconds. Had the EFFORT sailed the same length of time she would have been thirty-two miles ahead, boat for boat, or 8.58 miles on
corrected distance (time). [Undated, ca. 1908.]" (Source: Barney, Morgan. Correspondence (carte de visite) to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_68360. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F02, formerly MRDE15. No date (ca1908).)
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"N/A"

"N/A"

"[Item Transcription:] Butler [Duncan] gave me a letter of recent date in which you suggest that something should be done in the way of alteration in rules of measurement to permit additional draft in yachts to be built in the future.
I have always considered that the tax on draft was too great, and I think that we agree that we have dealt with the penalties on canvas rather leniently. So I fancy if we permitted an increase of draft we must be careful not to allow the increase in sail; otherwise the intention of the rule would be destroyed.
On the increase of draft as suggested by you, would it be possible to build a centre-board boat that would have an equal chance under certain conditions to meet successfully a keel boat. I merely ask this question for the reason that if such a case was possible it would be interesting again to get back to the two types, keel and centre-board; but as I am not at all in sympathy with the centre-board, do not care much about that consideration.
Another matter to be considered is if the draft limit should be increased, would it not be unfavourable to QUEEN [#657s], ISTALENA [#663s], AURORA [#667s] and AVENGER [#666s]? and could AURORA and ISTALENA's lead be lowered to the advantage of these boats? It would seem to me that it would benefit them.
It looks at present as if we were on the eve of a revival in racing. I sincerely trust that such may be the case. When you have time I hope you will write me fully.
Incl. NGH reply: Aug 28. I am pleased to hear from you and trust you are in better health, and that your eyes are not giving you so much trouble.
There seems to be a possibility as Butler may have told you, of some yachts being built to race in the larger classes. It seems to me a shame to build to to [sic] restrictions that handicap the craft from being the most perfect creation conceivable, for good wholesome and fast sailing yachts.
It is very evident that the present restrictions on draft detract from the best qualities being obtained &[?] yachts of over about 35 ft wl. and the restriction on sail area is never[?] approached except in freak craft or racing machines fit for light winds only.
Aside from these two restrictions I think our present rules have developed an extremely good type of yacht, and compared with the type in vogue five to ten years ago, decidedly faster than I ever expected.
I have spent some little time in trying to perfect the measurements & restrictions rules. (It seems desirable to have restrictions to prevent freak designs) and I have some formula that I am quite sure will prove satisfactory. For restriction of draft ans[?]
Draft < (L + 2 1/2 B = 10 ) / 9, and another one which is better but takes logarithms to work it, is < .666 (L * B^2)^(3/10). This allows a little more draft in the intermediate sizes such as AVENGER & AURORA and just about what they should have.
I would recommend that centre-boats should be restricted to 3/4 the draft of keel boats of equal size and that the centreboards be constructed of wood and weighted only enough to sink them.
I worked out a formula for the limit of sail area last year [see document and blueprint dated July 16, 1907] and have not been able to improve on it. It would allow a sail area on some of our well known yachts as follows a little more than QUEEN actually has and slightly over AURORA & AVENGER, slightly less than SENECA [#670s] and a little more than the NYYC 30s [New York 30s].
It is Sail area , C * B * 4th root of (L * d * D) in which I is a constant = to 8.75 for sloops & yawls with topsails = 9.8 in full rigged sloops & = 9.3 in full rigged schooners & yawls. L = quarter beam length, d = draft of water, D = displacement, all as used in the Racing rules. It is worked out easily by aid of logarithms, or with the slide rule.
Replying to your questions. I think it quite possible to build a centreboard boat with the proposed restriction in draft that would under certain conditions compete with the keel type, but in the larger yachts centre-boards are a nuisance that should only be put up with when it is absolutely necessary to use the yacht in shallow waters.
If the QUEEN was allowed more draft and the lead lowered, she could carry a larger rig which would make her faster. Probably enough faster to pay for the increased rating. But still it is a question if the extra 2ft of draft would hold her to windward as well as the board.
AURORA and ISTALENA would be improved by lowering the lead, and the same would apply to AVENGER but not in so marked degree." (Source: Cormack, George A. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_68810. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F02, formerly MRDE15. 1908-08-27.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I enclose copy of report of the Committee which will be considered at the conference.
The sliding scale of allowance of Q.B. seems to me to be all right in the larger boats, but it does seem to me that in boats under 40 feet it is too large &, when it gets down to the small boats I think that 95% is too large altogether.
I do not like the classification either for the small boats the present 15 foot raters will measure approximately just under 17 feet & I think they should not be ruled against.
I enclose letter received from [Charles Lane] Poor as to the cube root tables of allowances. I think that the 60% of the present formula is near enough right for the present. [Incl. tabulated annotations by NGH on recto.] Incl. draft reply by NGH on verso dated Dec 3, 1908: I see by the morning paper that the Conference passed every thing to the satisfaction of the New York end of the committee, and have practically ruled out of racing some of the newest and probably best all round boats on the coast. I am sorry for Emmons [owner of #666s AVENGER] and the now past 57 owners [#663s ISTALENA, #664s WINSOME and #667s AURORA].
I see [Charles Lane] Poor calls my cube root tables[?] a 40% one[?] and condemns it in rather a shorthand way that is not all quite clear to the simple minded. I have no doubt that he can devise an empirical formula that would [result in] any desired time allowance. [Remainder of draft crossed out and annotated with 'Letter changed'.] We are all taking for granted that the difference in time per mile between two yachts differing in size is a constant no matter what the rate of speed, due to differing relations[?] in direction of wind and tide. This was an axiom[?] in yacht racing when I was a boy and although we now know it is not an always true, are still work under the same at whant[?]. My original tables were based solely on the above axiom and the statement that the speed of yachts under favorable conditions and in a fresh or 'wholesail breeze' was 2 1/2 * cube-rt(length) miles per hour. This would be nearly equivalent to 2.4 * cube-rt(R) nautical miles per hour for our modern craft. I will make a little table to compare this with the present so-called 70% formula of the NYYC tables. Its equivalent is 1.43 * sq-rt(R) + 0.65.
I wish you would tell me which is the nearer correct speed[?] for the Rating, from your own experience and observation in a good breeze, i.e. 16 or 18 mile breeze." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_68690. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F02, formerly MRDE15. 1908-11-25.)
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"[Item Description:] Agree with your proposal to increase ballast and sail area of our boats (#663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit) provided you felt quite certain that they would not spoil the present beautiful handling qualities of the boats, and also if you felt confident that the increase in speed would more than off-set the increase in rating, when we are racing against smaller boats in the open regatta" (Source: Pynchon, George M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23900. Correspondence, Folder 70. 1909-02-11.)
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"[Item Description:] please make a new club topsail yeard for #663s ISTALENA as per your advice, believe Mr. Lippitt is going to give you an order for a new topmast for #664s WINSOME to be kept at your shops ready for any emergency that may arise, and we shall probably also have one made at this end of the Sound and kept here, so that we shall always be prepared to put a new one in on a moment's notice, We have had a good chance by this time to give the boats a thorough test in all sorts of weather, and I think them wonderfully improved in every way. They certainly have a big rig, and if anything, are a little more tender than last year. With anything over a ten or twelve knot breeze, they stick their rails under very quickly, and in the race last Thursday with the wind about fifteen knots with club topsails on my boat laid over until the water came into the cockpit. There is, of course, no objection to this, I am only telling you of it to show you that they have about all the sail they can conveniently take care of" (Source: Pynchon, George M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23910. Correspondence, Folder 70. 1909-06-21.)
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"[Item Description:] I have not been able to understand this season why the 'AURORA' [#667s] and 'ISTALENA' [#663s] seem to get away from the 'WINSOME' every time the wind is light. I sent to the Measurer of the Yacht Club for the detail of the measurements which I enclose and would like to have you return. It seems to show that the 'AURORA' has nearly a foot shorter bow than the 'WINSOME' [#664s] and it is longer in the stern, which I interpret to mean that she is a little lower in the water forward and higher aft. We have thought that perhaps the 'WINSOME' was down in the stern. Do you think that can be so? The 'AURORA' has always been a little better than the other two boats before the wind in light weather, or at least both Mr. Pynchon and I have thought so. Can you give me any advice in the matter?" (Source: Lippitt, Henry F. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_22810. Correspondence, Folder 67, formerly 135. 1909-07-14.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled tabulated data (rating, oa, lwl, qbl, L, B, d, cube-rt(D)/wl, cube-rt(displacement), displacement, sq-rt(S), S, and others) comparing #663 [ISTALENA NY57] [65 rating in two sizes], 'Model', SHIMNA [#694s], and 'L Class' [in different sizes]. On verso of a printed card by Callender, McAuslan & Troup Co. Untitled, no further notes, undated (SHIMNA was built in the winter of 1906 / 1907.) Filed with other material from the 1910s." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Tabulated Data. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_00620. Folder [no #]. No date (1910s ???).)
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"[Item Description:] #667s AURORA is about one or two tons more displacement than #663s ISTALENA and #664s WINSOME and is slightly faster, Lippitt will increase lead for WINSOME, what do you advise?, we are all anxious to make the boats as nearly alike as possible, reply on verso: had Mr. Lippitt asked me we could have avoided the absurd dilemma he has thrown the class into and the unpleasant light he attempted to put the builders into, boats are one-design and itis impossible for them to differ anywhere near the amount you state, it is entirely absurd that the lead in WINSOME is in a different position than in the other boats, sand molds are exact duplicates, differences in weight of lead of 2% is possible and cannot be avoided, originally WINSOME had about 0.8% more lead than AURORA, recast lead was 66804lbs for ISTALENA, 66820lbs for WINSOME, 67350lbs for AURORA with measuring error of 1/2 of 1%, thus AURORA has 530 +/- 334lbs more lead than WINSOME, AURORA being faster in reaching or running and carrying more weight seems an anomaly and can only be explained by difference in efficiency of crew, I hardly know what advice I can give to improve ISTALENA as she now probably has a slight advantage over the other two boats" (Source: Pynchon, George M. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23930. Correspondence, Folder 70. 1910-02-16.)
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"[Item Description:] agree with NGH's conclusions and won't alter #663 ISTALENA, hope that Mr. Lippitt won't alter #664s WINSOME either, incl. envelope" (Source: Pynchon, George M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23960. Correspondence, Folder 70. 1910-02-21.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I am still puzzled about the figures I get in regard to the 'WINSOME' [#664s]. I enclose communication from Hallock, to whom I went for information in regard to the trim of the boat when she was measured, and I have talked two or three times with my sailing master in regard to the matter and with Mr. Pynchon. As far as I can find out, and you will see what Mr. Hallock says about it, there was no material difference in the location of the principal movable weights on all three boats [the New York 57s #663s ISTALENA, #664s WINSOME and #667s AURORA] when measured. The unattached sails were all in the middle of the boat. One anchor and chain was in place in the forecastle and the other under the floor near the mast. The lazaret in our boat, and I am quite sure in the others, were substantially cleaned out. How would you account for the great difference in trim of the 'WINSOME' and 'AURORA' under these conditions? Do you think there was some mistake make[sic] in measuring her, or is it possible that this difference does exist?
You note what both Mr. Hyslop and Mr. Hallock say about the displacement. I understand that a portion of this displacement is in the weight of the lead. Do you think their figures are correct as regards the total difference of displacement, and if so, I should like to know one more thing and that is what the effect of this difference in displacement would be as regards speed. Ordinarily, particularly in moderate weather, we have assumed that lightening the boat tends to increase the speed and, therefore it would be presumed that the 'WINSOME' would be faster under those conditions if anything than the 'AURORA', but I think that all three owners of the boats are agreed that this is not the case.
You have not replied to my inquiry about sails.
Will you kindly return the enclosed correspondence. Yours very truly, ... [Incl NGH draft reply:] Replying yours of 28th ult. I know nothing directly of the various measurements taken of the three yachts except the first measurement of ISTALENA, which was taken here.
At that time as I recollect there were fairly good conditions for measuring and the weights in the yacht were in their natural positions and and she was almost exactly at her designed line.
Only two months later you will notice her time quite different. Also you will notice quite a change in trim in AURORA the first two seasons and nothing to account for it. The two measurements of WINSOME are not consistent and I can only say either weights were removed at time of taking measurements this year or else there was an error in measuring. I know Prof. Hallock is a very careful man, but we all are liable to make an error some time. It is quite absurd to suppose WINSOME is not so deep in water this year as originally. She certainly was deeper in the water when she left our hands last spring and apparently with as little freeboard as the other boats.
The three lead keels for these three boat were cast from the same patters and moulded in sand and cannot help[?] being exactly alike except a very slight difference due to deviations in contraction of metal in cooling. The same pattern was used in recasting the lead keels after adding 12 1/2in to the bottom and cutting of 4in from the top, giving it an increased volume calculated equal to 4600 lb of lead.
The three new casting[s] were from the same pattern and were exactly alike, as near as it is possible to obtain them from the same pattern. Small variations due to differences in lead and temperature of metal at time of casting cannot be avoided. These different[?] sutiouns[?] amount to about 1.30 of one percent in lineal dimensions and as much as 2% in weight of castings.
It happened that WINSOME got the heaviest casting the first year by less than 1%. This year WINSOME and ISTALENA's lead weight were almost exactly alike, while AURORA's happened to come heavier a little less than 1%.
I believe the better showing of AURORA is due entirely to the crew both in everyday care and in handling the craft in racing and that the slight difference in displacement due to heavier lead would not be perceptible, but w[ou]ld probably be a slight hindrance in light weather and an aid in fresh breezes.
I donot recollect any mention of sails in your letter and don't know what you refer to in the last paragraph of yours 28th ult." (Source: Lippitt, Henry F. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21210. Correspondence, Folder 63. 1910-02-28.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten letter on 'New York Yacht Club, 37 West 44th Street' stationery:]
Would you please to get out a topmast for the 65's --- AURORA [#667s], ISTALENA [#663s] and WINSOME [#664s]. It has been decided to have a spare topmast in case one should carry away. Would you please let me know the cost and how long it will take to finish.
Will you please tell Mr. Hathaway that we will need a new forestaysail and a jib for AURORA. There is no immediate hurry for these as it is the intention to use them later in the season.
The boats have sailed twice, both times in hard winds. The time at the finish does not indicate how evenly they seem to be matched. I think they have got WINSOME going again. Can you give me any time as to when SHIMA [sic, i.e. #694s SHIMNA] will be ready to sail?" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24240. Correspondence, Folder 71. 1910-06-01.)
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"[Item Description:] can it be that #664s WINSOME is lighter than either #663s ISTALENA or #667s AURORA?" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24250. Correspondence, Folder 71. 1910-06-03.)
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"[Item Description:] description of June 18, 1910 Larchmont Spring Regatta when a very severe squall, lasting one hour, hit the fleet, #667s AURORA took second behind #663s ISTALENA in the NY65 class" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_42780. Correspondence, Folder 91, formerly 127. 1910-06-22.)
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"[Item Description:] penciled table titled 'L1 by formula ...' and listing data for #706s ELENA, #657s IROLITA [ex-QUEEN], #698s VAGRANT I, #532s RAINBOW, #663s ISTALENA, #666s AVENGER, #685s ADVENTURESS, #703s FLYING CLOUD, #709s JOYANT and #708s CORINTHIAN, #687s CARA-MIA [ex-NAULAKHA] and NY30s" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_67730. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F01, formerly MRDE15. No date (1911 to 1915).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled framing plan with inboard profile and plan view on brown transparency paper titled 'traced from drawing 1-47 [HMCo Plan HH.5.00467 (001-047)] ISTALENA [#663s]. Frame space 16in. Jan 5-1911'. Stamped 'Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Bristol, R.I. Builders of Steam Vessels & Steam Machinery'." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. (creator). Penciled Framing Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item WRDT06_01130. Folder [no #]. 1911-01-05.)
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"[Item Description:] was notified of [Charlie] Barr's death this morning, it will be difficult or impossible to replace him, please make offer for two sets of sails for #667s AURORA and #663s ISTALENA, sails to be completed by same gang of sail makers and same weather (dry) as last year, #664s WINSOME is for sale" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24280. Correspondence, Folder 71. 1911-01-21.)
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"[Item Description:] am sending order today for new sails for #667s AURORA and #663s ISTALENA" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24290. Correspondence, Folder 71. 1911-01-31.)
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"[Item Description:] saw in the paper you had been in Bermuda, will try to get to launch of [#706s ELENA], racing here is dead, #667s AURORA, #664s WINSOME & #663s ISTALENA all laid up, nothing in sight except P boats, have tried to get someone interested in #694s SHIMNA, but everyone is so hard up that there is nothing doing" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_42860. Correspondence, Folder 92, formerly 127. 1911-04-12.)
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"[Item Description:] #663s ISTALENA for Pynchon, #664s WINSOME for Lippit and #667s AURORA, owners are beginning to discuss new class of big boats if existing ones can be sold, new ones need to be fast, able to be handled and cost not more in operation than current ones, do away with current breaking of topmasts, please advise even if you recommend smaller boats, four new boats are possible, NGH reply on verso: depends on what you want, younger people with smaller boats concentrated on racing, older people with larger people, exagerrations developed in the P-class [a reference to #709s JOYANT et al] are not at all attractive to me and I would be sorry to have such craft repeated in larger classes and hope rules will be modified accordingly, current large P-boats with long overhangs and short keels cannot be good sea boats and it will be very hard to steer them in a sea, #666s AVENGER and #694s SHIMNA are very perfect models but could be outbuilt to give more speed, hollow wooden masts better than steel masts unless in very large craft, topmast being liable to accidents should be separate, PS: ISTALENA has shrunk but very little but I think it would be well to put her afloat very soon" (Source: Pynchon, George M. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_23990. Correspondence, Folder 70. 1911-06-06.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten letter on 'Raymond, Pynchon & Co.' stationery:] Many thanks for yours of June 8th. I agree with you that the fifty-five foot class is a good racing class, and it has the advantage of not being as expensive as our present boats. The trouble with it is, however, that the accommodations are not quite large enough to give those of us who are not fortunate enough to be able to own steam yachts, sufficient room to meet our requirements in cruising.
My own idea is that our present class is the ideal size and I will talk with my friends during the next few weeks and see if it is possible to interest them in new boats of the 'K' class. I am going to [p. 2]outline to them a new boat which I assume would have a somewhat larger hull than the present ones, longer over-hangs with about the same rig, but somewhat better proportioned from the fact of its not having such a big club topsail. Hollow mast, gaff, and club topsails spars, solid topmast and possibly boom. It is useless for me to talk to them on any other lines, except that of highest possible speed.
There was more or less disappointment, as you know, over the belief that our present boats did not seem to embody in their design all the best features for highest speed. The fact that we have done so well with them has been due to extremely good handling and the nerve to race them with their big rigs in all sorts of weather.
Should we decide to build again, we must not be put in the position of having boats which can so easily be outbuilt as our present ones.
I am not sure that I shall be at the boat races in New London, but it is possible, and if so, I will see you there.
In the mean time, if you have any further suggestions to make, please write me and [p. 3] and if you can give me an approximate idea of the cost of this new class, please
do so.
I assume that such boats as I have outlined would be able and at the same time have all the sail which you think would be necessary to get best results. With best regards, as always, I am,
Sincerely yours, ... [Incl. crossed out penciled NGH reply on verso:] It was very interesting to yours of June 16th, and I see you favor strongly the same class that you now have, but with larger hulls than your present one design boats, and with exaggerated overhangs and about the same sail spread, which of course is in line of improvements arrived at in the smallowetant[?] after a few years of racing.
I am a little surprised at your criticism of your present boats which I have had the impression that they were rather fast and well proportioned for what they were designed for. Of course, in 1906 when they were designed I could not foretell the changes made in 1908 rule change that allowed them more draft and placed them below the class limit and made it possible to build much larger vessels for the class.
The 1908 rules are not developing perfect boats by any means. It was a great mistake not measuring the overhangs and it seems not be advisable[?] to limit sizes in yachts of class by some means to keep them near one size.
It appears quite possible to built a boat to rate in the 65 class that would be very much larger than your present boats.
For instance a boat a boat exagualid[?] about as much as Corintian[?] [#708s CORINTHIAN?] in the P class w[ou]ld be about 100ft o.a. & 67ft lwl, 19ft beam and a displacement of over 60% greater and sail area 20% greater than the[?] your present boats. The largest of the P class and apparently a successful one is twice the displacement and nearly 30% more sail area than SENECA [#670s] which was champion in the P class for some time and would now[?] give the new boats good racing if put up against them. SENECA was built at the same time as ISTALENA [#663s] and her sisters and in model is almost exactly like them, so you can see what sheniges[?] are going on in the smaller class, and that it is possible to built a boat of most any size to race in a specified class, and there would be conditions under which the smaller ones will win --- probably a minor part of the races, though.
The cost of yacht in K class will be about $12 to $15 [corrected to $16] per cu ft displacement depending upon size and details of constriction, thus the craft mentioned given[?] would, if built in a simple[?] manner & composite construction, cost about $38,000, or if built of steel with elaborate finish might run[?] up as high as $50,000. ISTALENA could be reproduced at the present time for $27,000 or about $14 per cu ft. [Incl. a second and final, not crossed out penciled draft reply:] I did not reply to yours of 16th ult. expecting I might see you in New London and discuss the matter there. I hope to see you soon, either here or at the head of the sound.
It appears as if the size of a yacht can be changed a good deal for a given rating, and as far as I can see the rating rule is working well excepting (as I mentioned before) allowing exaggerated ends, which of course make a vessel bad at sea, both for safety & comfort. I hope there will be an amendment or change made in the rating rules to cover this defect.
It is difficult to give an estimate of cost of new yachts until the actual size is defined. It would be somewhere between 12 & 16 dollars per cuft disp[lacement]." (Source: Pynchon, George M. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24070. Correspondence, Folder 70. 1911-06-16.)
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"[Item Description:] new class of boats [#191109es Unbuilt 15mR Boat] for George Baker, Chester Rumrill, Earl Dodge and Pynchon, only if #663s ISTALENA can be sold, would HMCo take her in part payment?" (Source: Pynchon, George M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24110. Correspondence, Folder 70. 1911-08-18.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled table titled 'Comparison of 55 Rating' and listing data for o.a., w.l., q.b.l., L, B, d and four rating-related terms for SHIMNA [#694s], 'Proposed (1)', 'Proposed (2)', 'Proposed (3)', and '65 Rating ISTALENA [#663s]'. (This is probably for #191109es Unbuilt 15mR Boat which NGH started to design in September 1911.)" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01330. Folder [no #]. No date (1911-09 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Re new class of boats [#191109es Unbuilt 15mR?] for next season: Mr. Baker has shown me the specifications of the new boats and I sincerely hope the new class will go through succcessfully. I am sorry that I could not join them, as I am above all things, a racing man and would like to be in a class of that sort, which I am sure will last for a number of years. The boats, however, are too small for my purposes and perhaps it would be just as well for the sport, to keep our present [New York 57] class intact, if possible, and thus have both classes racing next year, which with the big schooners, would make the most active yachting year the New York Yacht Club has ever known.
I am glad you got the business and wish you all success with it.
Are the new boats to be exactly like [#694s] SHIMNA?
I am sorry you had so much trouble in hauling out 'ISTALENA' [#663s]. I should think it would pay you to do a little dredging down in the cove, and with a little heavier cradle. I have been with you now for so many years that I do not like to go elsewhere." (Source: Pynchon, George M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_27980. Subject Files, Folder 11. 1911-09-18.)
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"[Item Description:] thank you for letter and drawings, agree with you as to meaning of Rule, don't know if these matches [Manhasset Cup] will be sailed without controversy or not, the boats [#709s JOYANT and #708s CORINTHIAN] will be measured the way they should be and there should not be any bridging of notches, jogs or curves, PS: have idea about new class of boats larger than #663s ISTALENA, #664s WINSOME and #667s AURORA, new Gardner boat will meet #666s AVENGER soon, #667s AURORA's new sails are good" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_17890. Correspondence, Folder 48, formerly 75. 1912-06-03.)
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"[Item Description:] please tell the displacement of #664s WINSOME, #663s ISTALENA and #706s ELENA" (Source: Webb, Harold C. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_43760. Correspondence, Folder 95, formerly 83. 1912-06-10.)
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"[Item Description:] how long would it take and what would be the cost of hollow spars for #667s AURORA, #663s ISTALENA and #664s WINSOME?, we are hopelessly in the minority regarding measurement rules" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24430. Correspondence, Folder 71. 1912-10-28.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink) rating rule-related table on two pages with dimensions LOA, LWL, overhang fore & aft, mean length, freeboard fore & center & aft, breadth deck & w.l., draft, cube-root (displacement), 1st mast mean length, 1st to 2nd mast, J, P1, H1, B1, G1, V1, T1, P2, P2a, H2, B2, Q2, Y2,T2, sail area, sqrt(SA), sqrt(SA - NYYC Rule) for #605s RELIANCE, #499s COLUMBIA, #725s RESOLUTE, #529s MINEOLA, #663s ISTALENA, #666s AVENGER, New York 50s (#711s, #712s, #713s, #714s, #715s, #716s, #717s, #720s, #721s), #411s GLORIANA, #685s ADVENTURESS, #617s COCK ROBIN II, #586s NELLIE, #709s JOYANT, #708s CORINTHIAN, #670s SENECA, Bar Harbor 31s (#592s, #593s, #594s, #595s, #596s, #597s, #598s, #599s, #600s, #601s, #602s, #603s, #604s), New York 30s (#626s, #627s, #628s, #629s, #630s, #631s, #632s, #633s, #635s, #636s, #637s, #638s, #639s, #640s, #642s, #643s, #647s, #648s), Newport 29s (#727s, #728s, #737s), #691s MORE JOY, #446s ALERION II, Buzzards Bay 550s (#733s, #734s, #736s, #738s, #741s), #617s COCK ROBIN II, #493s JILT, #732s SADIE, #460s KILDEE, Buzzards Bay 15s (#503s Class), Buzzards Bay 12 1/2s (#744s Class), #703s FLYING CLOUD, #669s ELEANOR, #722s KATOURA, #692s WESTWARD, #657s QUEEN, #719s VAGRANT II, #698s VAGRANT, #663s ISTALENA, and #743s HASWELL. With penciled note 'Measurements in ft & inches. Results in ft & decimals'. Undated (the youngest boat on this list is from 1914/1915 and this was probably prepared in preparation for NGH's sail area rating rule of 1914/1915)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Handwritten Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE15_00100. Folder [no #]. No date (1914 / 1915 ?).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled note listing prices for 70 footers of the #529s class, #658s IROLITA II, #698s VAGRANT I, #719s VAGRANT II and ISTALENA of the #663s class followed by what may be cost estimates for 'Dub[?] VAGRANT 2nd', '91 o.a., 66 w.l., 20 beam = power' and 'Dub[?] MARIETTE [#772s] + power'. Undated, the latest of these boats, MARIETTE was built in 1916." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (?) (creator). Cost Estimate. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_03270. Folder [no #]. No date (1916 or later ?).)
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"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan HH.5.11529 (141-012) and HH.5.11544 (141-028). Two plans on one blueprint construction plan. One plan is a plan view titled '#663 64 [#663s Istalena and #664s Winsome]. Plan of Deck, etc. ... Oct[ober] 18, 1916' and 'Approved Dec. 12 N.G. Herreshoff'. The other plan is an inboard profile titled 'Steel Construction. #663-664. 85ft-3in o[ver]all x 62ft- 8in w.l. x 16ft-6 1/2in Beam x 10ft-10in Depth. ... Nov[ember] 13, 1916'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0088. WRDT04, Folder O.S. 2, formerly MRDE02. 1916-10-18 and 1906-11-13.)
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"[Item Description:] talked with Bob [Emmons] about reorganization of company, main point is to get management that will relieve you and at the same time make money for the Company, Henry W. Howe, a New York Partner of John Lawrence, Owner of #804s SQUAW, bought #664s WINSOME and originally intended to convert her into a yawl, I have, I think, persuaded him to cut down the size of her sails and run her next season as a cutter, he would like a sail plan from you, my personal interest in the matter is that I want to see her as good as possible and as fast as #663s ISTALENA, #725s RESOLUTE launch will probably leave Oyster Bay tomorrow for Bristol, incl. NGH reply: think you have correct idea about our works, if we can find right person for the working management, there would be little trouble in financing the stock, would like to alter WINSOME rig, she could be given a rig that would still make her as fast as ISTALENA, these boats always handled easily but were apt to sail at an uncomfortable angle" (Source: Nichols, George (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_50740. Subject Files, Folder [no #]. 1916-10-27.)
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"[Item Transcription:] As lately there has been talk about changing the rule for rating measurement for yachts and, if changed, to make it a 'sail area rule', I have tabulated some of the data on file with the Race Committee and enclose a copy thinking that it might be of interest. [NP] The tabulation shows the relationship between RM and the square root of sail area, as well as between racing length and the cube root of displacement. From the tabulated figures it would seem that rating measurement might be determined directly from the square root of sail area, as shown in column headed 'X', which is about 0.85 for sloops and 0.78 for schooners, provided a consistent relationship was maintained between L (see column Y) and also between the square root of sail area divided by the cube root of displacement (see column Z). [NP] As displacement is an element troublesome to determine, it would seem as if it might be possible to use Coefficient times (LWL x beam x draft), in place of displacement. She Coefficient is shown in the column headed 'Coef.' which is approximately 0.16 for sloops and 0.18 for schooners. [NP] The product of dividing the square root of sail area by the cube root of displacement is shown in column '2', and the result is approximately 5.3. [NP] It would seem from a study of these figures that a simplified rule might be obtained.
[Incl. blueprint table titled 'Relation between R.M. and sq-rt(S.A.) & L, also between sq-rt(S.A.) & cube-rt(D) in Racing Formula for Rating Measurement for Sloops New York Yacht Club. September 1919. H. de B. Parsons, 22 Williams Street, New York.' and providing comparative data for N.Y.Y.C 30 (New York 30 Class), #709s JOYANT, ALEDA, NAHMA, JOSEPHINE, ALICE, DORELLO, #685s KALINGA (ex-ADVENTURESS), MEDORA, DORELLO II, N.Y.Y.C 40 (New York 40 Class), N.Y.Y.C 50 [New York 50 Class), #666s AVENGER, #694s SHIMNA, #625s DORIS, N.Y.Y.C 65 (New York 65 Class).]
[Incl. blueprint table titled 'Relation between R.M. and sq-rt(S.A.) & L, also between sq-rt(S.A.) & cube-rt(D) in Racing Formula for Rating Measurement for Schooners New York Yacht Club. September 1919. H. de B. Parsons, 22 Williams Street, New York.' and providing comparative data for Sound Schooner Class, VENONA, MILADI, SIMITAR, AMORILLA, #698s QUEEN MAB (ex-VAGRANT I), TIMANDRA, FLYING CLOUD, RADIANT, #663s IROLITA (ex-ISATLENA), TAORMINA, KATRINA, PRINCESS, IRIS, MURIEL, #719s VAGRANT, #772s MARIETTE, SAVARONA, ARIEL, SEA FOX, ENDYMION, #435s CORONA (ex-COLONIA), INVADER, ENCHANTRESS, #706s ELENA).]
[Incl. envelope postmarked Oct 2 (1919) and labeled in pencil by NGH 'Letter from H. deB Parsons about sailarea rule'.]
[Incl NGH reply:] Your very interesting letter of 2nd inst came while I was away on a little cruise, and since my return I have been so very busy that I have not found time to make a study of the tables you inclosed.
There are some good reasons for using sail area as a foundation for rating and I have been much interested in the scheme for several years, and, in fact, spent considerable time in the winter of 1914-15 in making a thorough study of the subject and formulating rules and restrictions necessary with using the sail area rating.
Your study considers existing racing yachts which, with only few exceptions were built since the present measurement rule went into effect. In my studies I also condiered the possible modifications in form and proportions that would arise under the sailarea rating.
To prevent abnormal and unwholesome types being constructed, I found it absolutely necessary to make restrictions or limitations in a number of elements, to wit over all length, and cube root of displacement, in relation to square root of sailarea, freeboard in relation to mean length ((oa+l2)/2), draft up water in relation to square root of sail area but modified in larger sizes for conveniences[?] of navigation.
So by[blank?] in safeguarding the sailarea rating I found it was necessary to take practically the same number of measurements as we do now. Therefore the gain in making a change from our present formula (C * ((L*sq-rt(S) / cube-rt(D)) to (K * sq-rt(S) is a doubtful one.
The problem of getting the most speed with least driving power or crew, would be an interesting one, but if it becomes necessary to enact restrictions & limitations to keep yachts in wholesome form you are really driving designers to work to stereotyped proportions.
If a few slight changes were made in our present [Universal] measurement rules and our present formula (C * ((L*sq-rt(S) / cube-rt(D))used without any limitations it would be good enough for universal adoption and without time limit as it has already been well tried out." (Source: Parsons, Harry DeBerkeley (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_72930. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 2), Folder B2F05, formerly MRDE15. 1919-10-02.)
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"[Item Description:] Seven mimeographed pages with race results of the Cruise of the New York Yacht Club of 1922. Races: Astor Cups off Newport, R.I. on August 2d, 1922. 1st Run Newport to Mattapoisett on August 3, 1922. 2dt Run Mattapoisett to Vineyard Haven on August 4, 1922. 3rd Run Vineyard Haven to Provincetown on August 5, 1922. 4th Run Provincetown to Gloucester on August 7, 1922. 5th Run Gloucester to Marblehead on August 8, 1922. Among the finishers were schooners #719s VAGRANT II, #698s QUEEN MAB ex-VAGRANT I, #663s IROLITA ex-ISTALENA, #827s OHONKARA and #772s MARIETTE, New York 50s #721s CAROLINA, #711s ISTALENA ex-VENTURE, #720s ACUSHLA ex-HARPOON and #717s BARBARA, New York 40s #776s ROWDY, #777s ZILPH, #804s SQUAW, #774s MISTRAL, #779s SALLY ANN ex-JESSICA, #781s PAMPERO and #773s MONSOON ex-MAISIE, New York 30s #629s COUNTESS ex-MAID OF MEUDON, #648s MINX, #632s ALICE ex-TABASCO, #640s BANZAI, #637s ORIOLE and #630s LENA ex-PINTAIL, as well as cutter #586s BUTTERFLY ex-NELLIE." (Source: NYYC (creator). Race Results. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_72340. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 2), Folder B2F01, formerly MRDE15. 1922.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Printed pamphlet titled 'Racing Rules. New York Yacht Club. 1924'. Incl. a printed 'List of yachts, the measurements of which are on file with the Race Committee. July, 1924.
Schooners
D 7 FLYING CLOUD
D 10 IROLITA [#663s ex-ISTALENA]
C 5 MARIETTE [#772s ]
E 14 NOMAD
F 22 NORKA
C 2 OHONKARA [#827s ]
D 8 PRINCESS [#658s ex-IROLITA II]
E 9 QUEEN MAB [#698s ex-VAGRANT I]
E 16 SHAWNA
C 12 SONNICA
C 7 VAGRANT [#719s ]
FF 1 WANDERER IX
D 22 WILDFIRE [#891s ]
Fifty Class
N.Y. 52 ANDIAMO [#716s ex-SAMURI]
N.Y. 55 CAROLINA [#716s ]
N.Y. 53 IROQUOIS II [#721s ]
N.Y. 54 MYSTIC [#715s ex-GRAYLING]
N.Y. 56 SPARTAN [#716s ]
Forty Class
N.Y.Y.C. 8 BANSHEE [#782s ex-PAULINE]
N.Y.Y.C. 2 COCKATOO [#775s ex-DOLLY BOWEN]
N.Y.Y.C. 12 IRIS [#777s ex-ZILPH]
N.Y.Y.C. 6 MISTRAL [#782s ]
N.Y.Y.C. 7 PAMPERO [#775s ]
N.Y.Y.C. 9 ROWDY [#777s ]
N.Y.Y.C. 3 SALLY ANN [#779s ex-JESSICA]
N.Y.Y.C. 10 SHAWARA [#782s ]
THIRTY CLASS
N.Y. 18 ADIOS [#647s ex-ANEMONE]
N.Y. 1 ALERA [#647s ]
N.Y. 7 ALICE [#632s ex-TABASCO]
N.Y. 15 BANZAI [#647s ]
N.Y. 8 CAROLITA [#633s ex-CARLITA]
N.Y. 4 COUNTESS [#629s ex-MAID OF MEUDON]
N.Y. 14 FIJI II [#639s ex-CARA MIA]
N.Y. 5 LENA [#630s ex-PINTAIL]
N.Y. 12 MINX [#638s ex-NEOLA II]
N.Y. 11 ORIOLE [#637s ex-ORIOLE]
N.Y. 13 PHANTOM [#648s ex-MINX]
0 Class
L.O. 1 GEORGIA
L.O. 4 GREY DAWN
L.O. 5 MAISIE
L.O. 3 NIMBUS
Various Classes
N 2 ALICE
N.Y. 58 BARBARA [#717s ] (Aux. Sloop)
P 1 BUTTERFLY [#586s ex-NELLIE]
M 15 LADRONE [#634s ex-SUZETTA III] (Aux. Yawl)
N.Y. 51 REVERY [#720s ex-ACUSHLA] (Aux. Yawl)
M 6 VENTURA [#717s ]
K 3 WINSOME [#717s ] (Aux. Ketch)'.
Of 49 yachts listed (including 11 NY30s, 8 NY40s and 5 NY50s plus 2 NY50s and 1 NY70 out of class) 37 or 75% were designed and built by Herreshoff." (Source: New York Yacht Club (creator). Printed Pamphlet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE08_01830. Folder [no #]. 1924.)
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"[Item Description:] #663s IROLITA ex-ISTALENA feedback re changed rig; comparison with #698s QUEEN MAB ex-VAGRANT I and #891s WILDFIRE during recent races." (Source: Clark, E.W. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_05700. Correspondence, Folder 20, formerly 136. 1924-06-26.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I was very sorry to miss you. Goddard had me down to lunch on the [#663s] RAMALLAH [ex-ISTALENA] and I had to get back to Providence to take the train to New York.
You are quite right, all the romance and pleasure of sailing is gone.
I also sailed through Hellgate in the HURON and MONA but would not like to try it now, with all the big buildings, the winds would be rather uncertain.
However, our young men in the six meters abroad made a pretty good job of it according to the papers.
You and I saw the best racing and sailing that ever was or will be.
I will try and get down to see you the next time I go to Providence." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21100. Correspondence, Folder 61. 1932-09-22.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten notebook titled on outer cover 'Droughting Room. Blue Prints Record' providing a list of drawings with information in columns titled 'Issued To', 'For Job', 'Date', 'Date Returned', '[Date] Destroyed', and 'Remarks'. Vessels mentioned are #1266s BELISARIUS, #1267 FROSTFISH, #395p Owner Launch for St.Y. VIKING, #1265s NITRAMON, #1204s SILVERHEELS, #1233s RAINBOW, #1276s PRIM, #1275s MITENA, #907s PLEASURE, #931s NASSAU, #711s VENTURA, #900s IRIS, #982s WATER LILY, #891s WILDFIRE, #1147s WEETAMOE, #954s MARY ROSE, #880s JOSEPHINE, #788s MANATEE, #1146s ENTERPRISE, #1212s TRONDA, #1282s 12 1/2 for H. V. Reed, #1302s Amphicraft for N. F. Ayer, #1304s Amphicraft for Charles A. Welch, #1286s 12 1/2 for Mr. Maitland Alexander, #1311s Amphicraft for Dr. Seth M. Milliken, #1313s Dinghy for #663s RAMALLAH ex-ISTALENA, #1314s HMCo Yard Skiff, #408s PELICAN, #1315s BRENDA, #396p Power Tender for FONTINALIS, #397p Power Tender for FONTINALIS, #329p CAROLA, #1318s Sailing Dinghy for Henry S. Morgan; #1316s NOVA, #1319s Tech Dinghy, #1317s MANDOO II, #405p Surfboat, #1379s Fish Class for H. M. Lautmann (MERRY HELL), #1385s TINKER TOO, and #1384s AVANTI. 23 pages were used. Undated, the dates range from October 1934 to September 1936." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Notebook. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.106. Box HAFH.6.3B, Folder Blue Print Record Book. No date (1934-10 to 1936-09).)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #663s Istalena even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Taglang, Jacques. Mariette and the Herreshoff Schooners. Two vols. Eynesse, 2010.
  Vessel biographies, large-scale sail and lines plans reproduced from original HMCo plans. The definitive book on Herreshoff schooners.

• Istalena (HMCo-made index card)
• Istalena (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.

Type: Cutter
Length: 62'8"
Owner: Pynchon, George M.

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

• Istalena
• Irolita ex-Istalena
• Ramallah ex-Istalena
• 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: Istalena
Type: 62' 8" cutter
Owner: George M. Pynchon
Year: 1907
Row No.: 311

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: Oct
Day: 2
Year: 1906
E/P/S: S
No.: 0663
Name: Istalena
LW: 62' 8"
B: 16' 6.5"
D: 10' 10"
Rig: Cutter
K: y
Ballast: O. Lead
Amount: 24500.00
Last Name: Pynchon
First Name: G. 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.

"Universal Rule Class K (63-rater) in 1907 and 1908, thereafter Class J." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. December 19, 2011.)

"Sail number K 3 in 1908." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. December 19, 2011.)

"Built in 192 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $128/day, 628 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"[Sail area info 5012 sqft.]" (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.)

"Sail area 5411 sqft on untitled two-page rating-rule-related table handwritten (in ink) by N. G. Herreshoff with multiple dimensions for the most important Herreshoff-designed yachts. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. MRDE15, Folder [no #]. Undated (the most recent boat dates 1914/1915 and the table was probably prepared in preparation for NGH's sail area rating rule of 1914/1915)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. September 16, 2020.)

"[Displacement (1884 cubic feet = 120,576lbs).]" (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.)

"[Said to have been scuttled by owner Herbert Smith in September, 1973 off the coast of Puerto Rico.]" (Source: http://www.herreshoffregistry.org/forum/index.php?topic=111.msg851, retrieved September 11, 2009.)

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