HMCo #667s Aurora

"[1909-05-17] Mon 17: Launched Winsome [#664s] with new lead [keel] and hauled Aurora [#667s] into shop. ..." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1909. 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 is reported that Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt is about to order a fifty-seven-foot sloop to race next season against those of that class being built by Henry P. Lippitt [#664s Winsome] and George M. Pynchon [#663s Istalena]. ..." (Source: Anon. "Cornelius Vanderbilt May Build a New Boat." New York Tribune, December 26, 1906, p. 5.)

"... 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]. ... The Herreshoff firm has taken over or otherwise disposed of Commodore Vanderbilt's 70-footer Rainbow [#532s] and her tender Mirage [#207p]. ..." (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.)

"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.)

"BRISTOL, R.I., May 15 [1907] --- The new sloop Aurora, designed by N. G. Herreshoff and built for Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt of the New York yacht club, was launched from the south shop at Herreshoff's at 5 o'clock this afternoon, without accident or ceremony.
The boat is a handsome one, and is the third and last of the trio of 57-footers built at Herreshoff's this season. She is of the same design as the Istalena, owned by George M. Pynchon of New York, and the Winsome, owned by Harry F. Lippltt of Providence. Her dimensions are 85 feet over all, 62 water line, 16 beam and 11 feet draft. She has 30 tons of lead in her keel and some 5000 square feet of canvas in her sail. She will carry a complement of 11 men, including her skipper.
Commodore Vanderbilt will sail her in all events of the New York yacht club, also in the squadron runs the present season." (Source: Anon. "Sloop Aurora Launched. Commodore Vanderbilt's New 57-Footer Put Overboard at Herreshoff's Without Mishap." Boston Globe, May 16, 1907, p. 5.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., May 18 [1907] --- ... Aurora, 57-rater, Cornelius Vanderbilt, has been rigged. ..." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, May 19, 1907, p. 47.)

"[Abstract of register or enrollment. Pos. 89:]
Aurora, sloop yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1907.
30 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) May 18, 1907. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol.
Surrendered [license] June 27, 1907 at New York. ([Record at:] N[ational] A[rchives, Washington])." (Source: Survey of Federal Archives, Work Projects Administration. Ships Documents of Rhode Island. Bristol. Ship Registers and Enrollments of the Port of Bristol - Warren Rhode Island, 1941, s.v. Aurora.)

"BRISTOL, R. I., May 30 [1907]. --- Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt's Aurora, the third of the new racing sloops of one-design built this Spring at Herreshoff's yard, was given her initial trial spin in Narragansett Bay this forenoon. Nat Herreshoff was at the wheel himself and worked her out finely, showing that she is fast on all points of sailing and easily handled. Commodore Vanderbilt was unable to be on board, though it was his intention to see her test under canvas." (Source: Anon. "Vanderbilt Yacht Out. Aurora Has Her First Trial Under Sail and Behaves Finely." New York Times, May 31, 1907, p. 11.)

"The new racing sloop, built for Com. Cornelius Vanderbilt, New York Y. C. Aurora, was given her first trial under sail Thursday [May 30, 1907] by the designer, Captain Nat Herreshoff, in a brisk northwester. She carried mainsail, forestaysail, jib and working topsail, and later set No. 2 jibtop-tail, but was taken in and baby jibtopsail broken out in its place.
When near Rocky Point she was gybed, tacked and spun round and round, in all of which movements she worked perfectly.
At noon she was brought back to her moorings, to remain until taken to her owner." (Source: Anon. [No title.] Forest and Stream, June 8, 1907, p. 905.)

"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.)

"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. July 30 [1910] --- Designer Nat Herreshoff returned from a cruise in the steam yacht Roamer the first of the week. He spent several days at the head of the sound watching Cornelius Vanderbilt's 65-foot sloop Aurora [#667s], and found that the reduction in the diameter of the mainmast and topmast had helped her, and plans were at once made for treating the mast of Harry F. Lippet's Winsome [#664s] in the same way. ..." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, July 31, 1910, p. 37.)

"... 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.)

"Former Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt's sloop Aurora is being rigged as a schooner at Herreshoff's, and when ready she will sail against E. Walter Clark's Irolita. Aurora, Irolita (formerly Istalena ) and Winsome were originally the 57-foot class of sloops, it is possible that Winsome may be changed and the three race again as one-design class schooners. [Note: This note incorrect, as Aurora was reported to be racing and winning during the following weeks, including a win of the Astor Cup on August 9, 1916.])" (Source: Anon. "Spokes from the Rudder Wheel." Rudder, July 1916, p. 340.)

"No longer will the sloop Aurora fly the white fishtail signal with its blue diagonal cross, of Colonel Cornelius Vanderbilt, now commanding the Twenty-second Regiment, New York Engineers of this city. The ex-Commodore of the New York Yacht Club has sold the racing sloop on which he has held the tiller since her launching in 1907 to Frank A. Egan of the New Rochelle Yacht Club, whose signal she will fly in the future.
Aurora has been one of the most consistent racers in the fleet of the New York Yacht Club, and won both the King's Cup and the Astor Cup for sloops in 1910, in the races at Newport following the cruise of the club. She repeated the latter victory last year, winning the Astor Cup for sloops at the same time Elena won that for schooners.
During the Winter Colonel Vanderbilt bought the schooner Elena [#706s] from Morton F. Plant, and as he also had the small sloop Comet [#737s], decided to dispose of his larger sloop, which is just too large to participate in the active sport of the New York club in these days of one-design races. His duties with his regiment have made it impossible for Colonel Vanderbilt to do any yachting this season, and so he bade good-bye to the yacht which had flown his signal for just a decade.
Aurora is a composite keel yacht, 85 feet over all, 62.8 feet on the waterline, with a beam of 16 feet 7 inches, and a draught of 10 feet 10 inches, which brings her up within speaking distance of the big cup racers, she being one of the largest and handsomest, as well as sturdiest, sloops afloat, and as speedy as when she was built from the designs of Captain Nat G. Herreshoff." (Source: Anon. "Vanderbilt Sells Aurora. Noted Racing Sloop Becomes The Property Of Egan." New York Times, July 9, 1917, p. 12.)

"... Ex-Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, colonel of the 22d Regiment, N. G. N. Y., has sold his 67-foot racing sloop Aurora [#667s] to Frank A. Egan of the New Rochelle Y. C. Built in the Winter of 1906-7 the Aurora was one of a trio of one-design sloops built by Herreshoff for members of the New York Y. C. The Winsome [#664s], like the Aurora, has been kept to her original rig and is owned by Henry W. Howe of Milton Point, N Y; but the Istalena [#663s], known as the Irolita, has been changed to a schooner and is owned by E. Walter Clark of Philadelphia...." (Source: Anon. "Notes from the Week's Log." Boston Globe, July 15, 1917, p. 46.)

"Colonel Cornelius Vanderbilt's eighty-five-foot racing schooner Aurora, winner of both the Astor and King's Cups in 1910, and probably the fastest and best yacht of her type ever sailed, has been broken up and her fittings sold for junk. This is the outcome of ex-Commodore Vanderbilt's purchase of Morton F. Plant's racing schooner, Elena [#706s], which he intends to sail on his return from France and abandonment of his military career as Commandant of the Twenty-second Regiment of Engineers.
Aurora's hull is to be converted into a houseboat, which is the fate of Winsome [#664s], against which Aurora sailed a successful series of races during the cruise of the New York Yacht Club in 1916. Aurora was a Herreshoff yacht, which was built in 1907, and one of the most successful cup winners in the New York Yacht Club fleet." (Source: Anon. "Yacht Aurora Broken Up. Col. Vanderbilt Replaces Noted Racer with Schooner Elena." New York Times, October 7, 1917, p. 100.)

"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.)

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Penciled table titled '33 rating' comparing two designs with data for LOA, WL, L, D, S, B, dm Rating, sqrt(S)/L, cube-root(D) / LWL, and approximate lead. On verso of envelope marked in pencil 'AURORA [#667s]' and postmarked August 1903' (but note that AURORA was much too large to rate 33ft and the data on this list is for a smaller design)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01240. Folder [no #]. No date (1903 or later).)
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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:] 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 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:] will you kindly give me quarter beam length, displacement and draught of #667s AURORA, incl NGH reply: I am of opionion more weight will have to be put inboard to increase her w.l to at least 62.5 to make her rate inside limit of class" (Source: Hallock, William (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34530. Subject Files, Folder 42, formerly 32. 1907-06-15.)
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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"

"[Item Transcription:] On Sat. I am sailing from New York on NORTH STAR. I expect to be in Bristol on Sunday when I hope to come & come see you and talk over several matters relating to AURORA [#667s].
I hope that you are quite well. My eyes are very[? bad." (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_68790. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F02, formerly MRDE15. 1908-07-14.)
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"[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:] Your interesting letter of the 27th inst. was duly received and I carefully note contents.
I quite agree with you that the present draft limitation does not give sufficient draft for the larger yachts, and that something should be dome to remedy this defect. The formula that you quote seems to give an improvement in the case of the larger classes, although it lessens the draft of yachts in classes below the 27 raters, for a few examples:-
57 raters. Proposed formula would increase draft about 10 inches over present limitation.
48 raters. Formula would increase draft about 6 inches.
33 raters. Formula would increase draft about 2 1/2 inches.
27 raters. Formula would decrease draft about 1/4 inches.
22 raters. Formula would decrease draft about 1 inch.
18 raters. Formula would decrease draft about 3 inches.
It would seem that this decrease in draft in the little classes might not be advisable. Would an increase of 10 inches be sufficient for the AURORA [#667s], etc?
Gardner's suggestion of measuring the diagonal is all right for a Jib and Mainsail rig, but what about a topsail rig? An approximation would still exist. Why not measure the actual area of canvass aft of the mast and be done with it?
From my experience with 'DORELLO' this season I think that 33 raters should by all means, be allowed to carry club-topsails.
If a Conference is called, why could not the subject of scantlings be taken up? It would seem that this is a vital subject for at least, the small classes, say from 40 rating down. The scantling formulae adopted in the East seem to be working out splendidly, and at least are worth considering by the Conference.
I am now in communication with C. F. Adams 2nd, and R. W. Emmons, re your letter and I trust that you will hear from them in the immediate future. [Sent by W. B. Duncan with letter of Sept. 1, 1908.]" (Source: Owen, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_68830. Measuring and Measurement Rules (Box 1), Folder B1F02, formerly MRDE15. 1908-08-31.)
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"[Item Description:] beg to acknowledge receipt of the two models [probably of #666s AVENGER and #667s AURORA] which you kindly presented to the Club" (Source: Sparkman, J. Drake (NYYC Model Committee). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34670. Subject Files, Folder 42, formerly 32. 1908-10-28.)
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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:] committee to revise qualifications for enrollment in NYYC, would like your opinion, eligibility based on length or length and displacement?, think you have put on too much sail on [#667s] AURORA [NY57] class which would be better with several feet off the topmasts, when are you coming down this way?, incl. NGH reply: you are heeling too much for optimal speed, underestimate wind on cool water, haven't specifically studied minimum NYYC eligibility rules but the NY30s should not be dropped out, they are 30ft lwl and 8 3/4 tons displacement and good weather boats for their size and have proved capable to accompany the fleet, I like your idea of requiring displacement" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_42700. Correspondence, Folder 91, formerly 127. 1909-06-21.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Penciled card:] Dear Nat
In Newport Race DORELLO [designed by George Owen and built in 1908] corrected time was 5-21-59
AURORA [#667s] 4-58-45
W B Duncan Jr
over
Annual Regatta
AURORA 4-52-48
DORELLO 5-25
ALTAIR [#539s] 5-30
The only place she beat us was in run [from] Glen Cove to Newport [at the cruise of the NYYC]. Undated (this apparently relates to the Annual Regatta of the NYYC on July 10, 1909)." (Source: Duncan, W. Butler Jr. Correspondence (penciled card) to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE03_01490. Folder [no #]. No date (1909-07-10 or later ?).)
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"[Item Description:] 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:] our sail up to Portland [apparently with #667s AURORA] the other night, wind not as much as reported, nasty sea, carried whole mainsail & ib, went in irons four times, side lights and binnacle lights would not burn, water came below from above, glad we had gone through" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_42730. Correspondence, Folder 91, formerly 127. 1909-08-18.)
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"[Item Description:] am sending the launch [#252p WANECHE] to lay up for winter, need heavier steering gear which gives trouble and is too light, need new strengthened ruder that can withstand backing the boat and then letting go the wheel, want engine overhauled, shaft strut to be rebabbited, we have done well with AURORA [#667s] lately and she is pretty hard to beat" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_42740. Correspondence, Folder 91, formerly 127. 1909-09-07.)
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"[Item Description:] fair prospect of 40ft class started this winter, believe you quoted $12,000 for four boats similar to #685s ADVENTURESS, please write ideas of the class, is it true Cochran is building a 90ft schooner? [this will be #692s WESTWARD], #667s AURORA finished season in glory and I congratulate on topmast which held" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24210. Correspondence, Folder 71. 1909-09-21.)
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"[Item Description:] am glad to know #666s AVENGER's model will be with us soon, I think the model of #667s AURORA very handsome, America's Cup challenge from Sweden may be all talk, have you any thoughts on the theme of handicapping yachts?, incl NGH reply: have not given thought to handicapping yachts, in ordinary class racing have variables size, design and luck, in one design racing you have crew and luck, job of the handcapper is to equate some of these variables, size and design if you want to find the best crewm or size and crew if you want to find the best design, if luck is eliminated, sport dies" (Source: Cormack, George A. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_34630. Subject Files, Folder 42, formerly 32. 1909-10-17.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten signed letter on 'Secretary New York Yacht Club' stationery:] Would you let me know the cost of a mast for the AURORA [#667s], and if you have any good timber on hand for that purpose.
Trusting that you are quite well, with regards,
Very sincerely ..." (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24220. Correspondence, Folder 71. 1909-11-06.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I am sending you today a copy of the lines which Mr. Hyslop took off the 'WINSOME' [#664s] and 'AURORA' [#667s], and I would be very much obliged if you would look them over and let me know whether there is anything you would suggest. The only difference, as I understand it, that this investigation has discovered in the two boats is a little different position in the lead and slightly smaller displacement in the 'WINSOME', and I have been wondering whether it would be worth while to put a little additional lead on the forward end.
I was very much surprised at the feeling you seemed to have about this matter in our telephone conversation of the other day. I wish you would put yourself in my place for a minute. As you know, the 'WINSOME' was very badly beaten last year and as a sporting proposition I am anxious to see if I cannot improve that record for another season. I thought the matter all over and talked it over with my competitors and as a preliminary step it seemed to me that the first thing to do was to satisfy myself that there was no difference in the shape of the boats. I assumed, or course, that there was not, but I think you will readily see that if you had been in my position you would want that point settled for the future so that there could be no question of any kind about it. Then, of course, it remained to get an organization, the best sails, and to sail the boat as well as we could.
I am about to engage another man for sailing master, who Mr. Haff has great confidence will fill the bill and shall shortly want to arrange about a new suit of sails.
In getting these lines my intention always was to submit them to you as soon as I could get them and in fact I was on the point of coming down to talk with you about it two or three times but had been so busy that I did not get the chance. If you will consider all this from my point of view, I do not think you will find anything to criticize, and I hope that I may have, in my effort to make the boat do better another season, your cordial and sympathetic assistance to which I think I am entitled.
I am going to New York this afternoon for a couple of days but will be here again Thursday morning. Will you please return the drawings when you are through with them. [Incl NGH draft reply:] I have yours of 31 inst also the roll of drawings by later mail, and have compared the drawings of AURORA and WINSOME.
When laying the obtained lines of the two hulls together, neglecting the lines used to obtain them (which are from different base lines) there is little difference, only an inch or two at the most, and shows fairly careful work of Mr. Hyslop under the unfavorable conditions he has to work.
If you had asked me I would have been pleased to have shown you the process of laying down and construction the one design classes of yachts we have built from time to time and could have shown you that it is quite an impossibility for the form to vary 1/8in in any part. Instead you have not confidence in the work we have turned out, and take means to prove it by having two boats measured as blocked up in a shipyard where yet[?] it is impossible to measure them accurately. I have always tried to be honorable in my work and think I enjoy the reputation of being so. Perhaps if you would consider yourself in my place you would not be surprised if I felt offended at your course.
You ask for my cordial and sympathetic assistance to which you say you are entitled. Did it ever occur to you that during the time you have owned racing yachts of our build you never came here for any repairs or work if you could get it done elsewhere as other owners of our yachts do? You may have asked my advice a few times but I really do not know that it was acted on. It never was under my direction.
[Next partial sentence crossed out:] You have made many little changes
I would be pleased to give you assistance as I often do others if you if you[sic] would take it in the same way.
It is quite possible that you have not time time to look after the details of your yacht, or go by the advice of your sailing master, or leave it to him to overhaul your yacht where he likes to go.
You may or maynot know that we never in any instance pay graft to obtain work.
I am returning the drawings by mail." (Source: Lippitt, Henry F. (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_22860. Correspondence, Folder 67, formerly 135. 1910-01-31.)
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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 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 Description:] please send estimate for sails for #667s AURORA, regret I could not see #692s WESTWARD" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24230. Correspondence, Folder 71. 1910-04-23.)
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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:] trimming #667s AURORA by the head to that the quarterbeam length would be shortened" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_24260. Correspondence, Folder 71. 1910-06-06.)
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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:] 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 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:] am heartily sick of the whole affair, #709s JOYANT and #708s CORINTHIAN should get get full justice, meaningless bickering on the part of certain parties is very detrimental to the sport, rest assured that your interests will be protected, #706s ELENA had to come to class B, am off this afternoon for New London to join #667s AURORA and sail in a match to-morrow from that place to Mattinicock Buoy" (Source: Cormack, George A. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_17900. Correspondence, Folder 48, formerly 75. 1912-06-21.)
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"[Item Description:] we have called Committee meeting, have not heard anything further about the schooners, won a race with #667s AURORA, Pynchon deserves credit for the way his boat has been handled, David & I doing well with the schooner and are top boat in class" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_43050. Correspondence, Folder 93, formerly 127. 1912-09-04.)
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"[Item Description:] Cormack sent me your letter, committee will meet before we call the conference, what sor of ends would your rule allow?, do not like to force the building of stubb ended boats, measuring club topsails, not sure we work work time allowance in when sailing in a class, we managed to pull off another race with #667s AURORA, PS: did my propeller to be straightened arrive?" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_43060. Correspondence, Folder 93, formerly 127. 1912-09-09.)
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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:] Penciled tabulated data showing 'Base/w.l.', 'Base/P1', '% J&B Base', '% Mast stop to w.l.', '% Sq-rt(S) to w.l.', 'Stability moment[?] / Water L[?] outboard' and 'Rating' for 'RELIANCE [#605s]', 'CONSTITUTION [#551s], 'COLUMBIA [#499s], 'AVENGER [#666s], 'AURORA CLASS [#667s New York 57 Class], '711 Class [#711s New York 50 Class], '725 D (9150 S) [#725s RESOLUTE with 9150sqft sail area]' and '725 D (8225 S) [RESOLUTE with 8225sqft]'. On verso of printed card from Browning, King & Co. acknowledging 'receipt of your favor'." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. (creator). Penciled Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0599. WRDT08, Folder 45. No date (1913 ??).)
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"[Item Description:] think you are right as to the size of the halliards & sheet, please send me a set of the blocks next size larger & I will change them, I was out [in #812s Nahma] in a strong breeze last week & the mast stood all right except off the wind, then it went forward a good deal but I do not suppose that spreaders would help this, NY50s raced on Saturday, I was on #721s CAROLINA, we won over #717s BARBARA, what chance has [#667s] AURORA as to saving her time against the NY50s in the big cups?, think the NY50s can give their time to the 40s but have not had a good chance yet" (Source: Duncan, W. Butler, Jr. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_21050. Correspondence, Folder 61. 1916-06-05.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #667s Aurora even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Aurora (HMCo-made index card)
• Aurora (MIT Museum-made index card)
• Note: The vessel index cards comprise two sets of a total of some 3200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and information regarding drawings, later or former vessel names, and owners. They were compiled from HMCo's early days until 1920 and added to in later decades, apparently by Hart Nautical curator William A. Baker and his successors. While HMCo seems to have used only one set of index cards, all sorted by name and, where no name was available, by number, later users at MIT apparently divided them into two sets of cards, one sorted by vessel name, the other by vessel number and greatly expanded the number of cards. Original HMCo cards are usually lined and almost always punched with a hole at bottom center while later cards usually have no hole, are unlined, and often carry substantially less information. All cards are held by the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections of the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Mass.

Name: Aurora
Type: Cutter
Length: 62'8"
Owner: Vanderbilt, C.

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

• Aurora
• 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: Aurora
Type: 62' 8" cutter
Owner: Cornelius Vanderbilt
Year: 1907
Row No.: 64

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: Jun [sic, i.e. Jan]
Day: 21
Year: 1907
E/P/S: S
No.: 0667
Name: Aurora
LW: 62' 8"
B: 16' 6.5"
D: 10' 10"
Rig: Cutter
K: y
Ballast: O. Lead
Amount: 24500.00
Last Name: Vanderbilt
First Name: C.

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 29 in 1908." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. December 19, 2011.)

"Built in 114 days (contract to launch; equivalent to $215/day, 1058 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"[Sail area info.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "Formula for Obtaining the Limit of Sail-Area in Yachts when Measured by the Universal Rule Formula." Bristol, R.I., July 13, 1907 with later additions. Original handwritten (in ink) document with penciled additions. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00080.)

"[Displacement (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.)

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