HMCo #932s Game Cock [Gamecock]

"[1925-02-10] Tue 10: Began work on R class model for Geo. Nichols. [This will be #932s Gamecock.]
[1925-02-12] Thu 12: ... Went to Miami with Francis in a.m. Work on model [for #932s Gamecock in] p.m.
[1925-03-30] Mon 30: ... Sent off last of drawings for Nichols & Morgan R class boat [#932s Game Cock].
[1925-06-15] Mon 15: ... W[ei]g[h]t [of] mast bare for #932 [Gamecock] B 175 lbs. W[ei]g[h]t mast [boom?] bare for #932 [Gamecock] 65 lbs. ...
[1925-07-06] Mon 6: ... #932 Game Cock launched. Hull & lead weighed 10450 [lbs]. Trim [is] about right and apparently displ[acement] [is] about right but both a little light.
[1925-07-07] Tue 7: H[eav]y fog [in] a.m. Tried Game Cock [#932s] in a.m. and found her very able, and every thing right except mast is not stiff enough. Geo. Nichols here in p.m. and had another trial in strong SW [wind].
[1925-08-23] Sun 23: ... Had call from Junius [co-owner of #932s Gamecock] & Harry Morgan. ..." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1925. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"March 1925.
R Class Boat.
No. 932.
For Messrs. Nichols & Morgan.
Length o.a. 40'.
Length w.l. 26'.
B[eam] 7' 9".
Dr[aft] 5' 8".
Frame spaces 10.4"
Sheer height is to upper side of deck.
In making moulds allow for planking 7/8" and for timbers 1 1/4" at head, increasing 1/16" per foot.
Scantling.
Keel. White oak plank worked 2 1/4" thick, in two lengths butted at middle on to deal wood 3/4" below rabbate. At ends keel is cut away fair with planking.
Deadwood. Yellow pine, as per drawing.
Stem, whiteoak 3 1/4" sided and not less that 1 1/2" good wood at bottom of rabbate. Moulded as per drawing.
Transom 7/8" phil[ippine] mahogany steamed & bent, corner pieces hackmatack. Light hackmatack center knee.
Floor timbers, white oak plank 1 1/8 - 1 3/8 x 1 7/8 thick as per drawing.
Rudder main piece about 2 7/8" thick, aft edge 3/8" thick, all tapered fair with deadwood.
Timbers. White oak 1 1/4 sq at head increasing both ways 1 16" per foot for full length.
Clamps. Oregon pine, 2 5/8 wide & 2 3/8" deep. Top laid bevel and beveled to fay to timbers. Full length.
Bilge stringers. Oregon pine, 1 1/8" x 4 1/4" x 27' long. Ends tapered for 6 3/4" to 7/8" thick.
Maindeck beams. White oak 1 3/8" x 2 5/8" moulded.
Aux. deck beams. White oak 1 1/8" x 2 1/8" moulded.
Half deck beams. White oak 7/8" x 2 1/8" moulded.
All beams, 1 7/8" outer out edge of clamps.
Planking. Bottom yellow pine 7/8" thick. From below turn of bilge 1/2" Phil[lipine] mahog[any] & 3/8" cedar or cypress.
Maindeck. Cedar or white pine, 13/16" canvas covered.
Hausedeck. Cedar or white pine, 5/8" canvas covered.
Cabin house sides Mahogany, 7/8" thick, 6" wide. [Followed by offsets and 31 pages of detailed specifications / building instructions.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G.? [Pencilled note in Offset Booklet HH.4.190.] March 1925. Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection, MIT Museum, Cambridge, MA.)

"N. G. Herreshoff "Fair Haven" Cocoanut Grove, Florida April 16, 1925. {1925/04/16} Dear Francis, ... I have been working on a design for an R. class boat for Mr. Nichols + Morgan. and I have not much faith in her as the hull is a big one and will only show well in strong breezes." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 1: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"N. G. Herreshoff "Fair Haven" Cocoanut Grove, Florida May 6. 1925. {1925/05/06} Dear Francis. ... The b.p.s. [blueprints] of your R class boat is very interesting and I want to congratulate you on the draftmanship. as well as carrying out what appears a fine design for a racing [p2] boat. ... Compared with the design I have made for Messrs Nichols + Morgan yours will probably be faster in light breezes, as she is narrower and with more deadrise. Com. Nichols wanted a large powerful hull that would be at her best in strong winds. Personally I think he is wrong and a boat with less beam and more deadrise would average out better. The boat is [p3] being built in the ordinary way, without any novelties, except (if he decided to carry out my design.) The mast will be somewhat heavier and much stiffer than usual. with no spreaders and only a single shrouds and headstay - and the usual back stays. or "runners". ... Your father -- Nathl. G. Herreshoff." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 1: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Nov. 3 1925 {1925/11/03} N. G. Herreshoff Bristol, R. I. Dear Francis, I was pleased to hear how well you came out with the 'Yankee' up Sound. and in reading the Yachting. I see it mentions you as designing what is considered the best of the Mass. Bay R class boats, and if not too late I want to congratulate you on your achievment. When Yankee hauled out here I noticed a very neat arrangement to prevent eddies at rudder hanging and suppose it was your devise. Is it patented? and would you have any objection if we use it on a new R boat building for Mr Morgan?" (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 1: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Sept 17th 1926. {1926/09/17} N. G. Herreshoff Bristol, R. I. Dear Francis, I congratulate you on the victory of Yankee in the races at Newport this week! And in fact all your work in the last year or two stands for a good deal of credit. Sorry not to see you while you were in Rhode Island waters. Your father, Nathanael G Herreshoff" (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 2: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"No 932. Gamecock.
Design made at Coconut Grove in Feb x March of 1925. for Com. Geo. Nichols and Junius Morgan, for the R class. Original model in C[oconut]-G[rove] and a copy made in June '25 after getting home. ...
Launched July 6 '25. Trial July 8. ..." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. [Design Notes for 932 Gamecock.] No date, no place.)

"At this time the 'R' class under the Universal Rule was much in vogue, and in 1925 Captain Nat designed the 'R' boat 'Game Cock' for George Nichols and Junius S. Morgan. George Nichols was commodore of the New York Yacht Club at that time and his interest very much forwarded the class: the New York Yacht Club cup was put up for competition in the 'R' class for 1926. This cup is usually given for a series of races in the class the flag officers of the club have decided is the most hotly contested class of the year, and it is rather surprising that the cup was given for such small yachts as 'R' boats. I am sorry I do not have a picture of 'Game Cock.' She was a nice all-around sailboat with very moderate overhangs, and although shorter overall, she was wider than most 'R' boats of her time. She was forty feet overall, twenty-six feet water line, seven feet eight inches beam, and five feet nine inches draft.
... Although these two 'R' 's ['Gamecock' and 'Grayling'] were remarkably well built and beautifully modeled, perhaps they were too wide and had rather small fore triangles in their sail plan. Though they were undoubtedly well sailed, strange to say, the 'R' boat 'Yankee,' designed by the present author beat them in every race that they came together, and Captain Nat did not know whether to be mad or glad at this result but he never spoke to me of these races.'" (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. 309.)

"The Morgan family will be active in yacht racing during the coming season. Besides the head of the house racing in the 30-foot class [with #643s Phryne], his son, Junius Morgan, is building one of the new Class R sloops [#932s Gamecock] in conjunction with Commodore George Nichols. Commodore Morgan's son-in-law, and another son, Harry S. Morgan, will race the S Class sloop Pronto [#846s ex-Fano], which he recently purchased." (Source: Anon. "J. P. Morgan Buys Back Sloop He Sold Ten Years Ago And Will Race It Again." New York Times, March 13, 1925, p. 15.)

"23 Wall Street.
New York
September 28, 1925.
Dear Mr. Herreshoff:
George [Nichols] told you over the telephone last night about 'Gamecock's' victory yesterday. The boat went perfectly, was first at the start and was never headed. The course called for a reach, a long beat and a short run, and she seemed to gain on all three legs. The wind was somewhere between fifteen and twenty-five knots and though somewhat puffy was fairly true as to direction. The gear stood splendidly and you can well be pleased with the boat.
George tells me that the model for my new 'R' boat [this will be #966s Grayling] is nearly finished and, if it suits you, I should like to come to Bristol on Sunday morning and have a chance to talk to you for a couple of hours about it and other yachting matters. As you can imagine, I shall be very much interested to see it and shall look forward with pleasure to coming down.
I am only sorry that we had to wait until the last race of the season to really show what 'Gamecock' could do; but there is no question about her being one of the fastest, if not the fastest, of the Class in the Sound.
Very sincerely yours, [Junius S. Morgan]." (Source: Morgan, Junius S. [Letter to N. G. Herreshoff.] Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 50 (new), 181 (old). Access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff. September 28, 1925.)

"Junius Morgan, the son of former Commodore J. P. Morgan, gave an order yesterday to Nat Herreshoff for a new Class R sloop [#966s Grayling] which Mr. Morgan will race on Long Island Sound next season under the colors of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club of Oyster Bay. During the past season Mr. Morgan was part owner with Commodore George Nichols of the New York Yacht Club of the Class R yacht Gamecock [#932s], which was also built by Herreshoff and which it is understood Commodore Nichols will continue to race next year." (Source: Anon. "Junius Morgan Orders New R Boat." New York Times, October 3, 1925, p. 11.)

"20-Rating Class.
...
[#932s] R 40, Gamecock, Geo. Nichols
...
[#1053s] R 54, Puffin, Junius S. Morgan, Jr. ..." (Source: Anon. "Racing Numbers Long Island Sound Yacht Racing Association." Rudder, August 1928, p. 103.)

"In 1925 the distinguished yachtsmen Junius S. Morgan and George Nichols commissioned Nat Herreshoff to design and build Gamecock, a racing yacht, to the 'R' Universal Rating Rule. The art of classic yacht design and construction were at their peak during the 1920s at the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company in Bristol, RI. Herreshoff designed and built the successful America’s Cup racing yachts of the era. Their yachts were fast, beautiful, and well engineered. Gamecock is an excellent example of the Herreshoff genius for beauty, function and quality.
In 2000 – 2001 David Peterson of Wooden Tangent Yachts undertook a museum quality restoration of Gamecock. The work was guided by the original Herreshoff plans and construction notes for Gamecock. The restoration included many new frames, planks, complete refastening, new decks, new rigging, etc. The current owner purchased the yacht in 2002. She was surveyed by the wood boat specialist surveyor, and all recommendations were completed. The surveyor commented, 'The vessel is an irreplaceable Herreshoff original and is faithful to the original construction and materials. In that sense the vessel is priceless.'
Gamecock is an elegant, beautiful daysailer with an impeccable pedigree. Available for inspection, Mount Desert, ME. Price $125,000. Phone: 954-525-5101. Name/Company: Jim Webster." (Source: Anon (Jim Webster). "Boats for Sale: Herreshoff R Boat 40ft 1925 Gamecock." http://www.woodenboat.com/boats-for-sale/herreshoff-r-boat-40-1925-Gamecock, retrieved January 9, 2016.)

"Game Cock was designed by NGH and built for George Nichols and Junius Morgan, who asked that she be at her best in heavy weather. Accordingly, NGH modeled Game Cock with more beam and harder bilges than he would have preferred. The boat was never a winner. Co-owner Nichols must have been especially disappointed, for in 1925, as rear commodore of the New York Yacht Club and a great supporter of the R-class boats, he had prevailed upon the club to offer its New York Yacht Club Cup to that particular class. NGH must have had some mixed feelings about the outcome as well, because the cup was won by the visiting Marblehead-based R-boat Yankee, designed by his son L. Francis.
Game Cock [was] one of the first sailboats to be built under Haffenreffer family ownership... When Game Cock was new, her cabin trunk was smaller [than in the 1930s] and was pointed at its forward end, like that of an S-boat. And, of course, her rig was different [from her 1930s wishboom rig]. Originally, NGH gave her a rig that was nearly as curious, at least for a racing boat, [than the wishboom rig]. It was a conventional Marconi rig, but the tall mast stood without any spreaders whatsoever and had only a single pair of shrouds and a forestay as standing rigging. (There were, of course, the usual running backstays.) The mast was stouter than usual, but was designed to be flexible enough to bend aft automatically under the pull of the mainsheet as it breezed up, thus flattening the mainsail. Having fitted his own smaller cruising boat Pleasure [#907s] with such a rig earlier in the year, and in his retirement becoming ever more committed to simplicity, low cost, and reliability, NGH did not fail to promptly try out this concept on a racing craft. But while NGH was working to make mainsails more efficient, other designers --- his son a leader among them --- were discovering that racing success depended more upon larger headsails than upon finely tuned mainsails.
The 'wishboom' rig with which Game Cock [was subsequently fitted] came out during the 1930s... ...her mitre-cut sails are setting beautifully, without the usual twist or tension on the sheets.
Note: The word 'wishboom' is derived from 'wishbone boom,' and the rig's advantages are described in the book Yachts by Herreshoff and in Yachting for June 1935, Vol. 57, No. 6." (Source: Bray, Maynard and Carlton Pinheiro. Herreshoff of Bristol. Brooklin, Maine, 1989, p. 163.)

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan HH.5.11097 (137-001). Blueprint framing plan showing an inboard profile titled 'Arrangement of Floors, Frames, etc. for Schooner B Class [#692s WESTWARD]. Sept[ember] 15, 1909'. With penciled deepending of keel marked 'suggestion of increase of outside lead made to TBF Davis March 19, 1926'. On verso a totally unrelated penciled sketch showing two R-boat profiles superimposed, apparently one pointing to left, the other to the right titled 'Model B. Feb[ruary] 1925. GAME COCK [#932s]'. With tabulated data comparing GAME COCK and Model B. The sketch is undated, NGH carved his R-boat Models A to D in October 1920 and designed GAME COCK in February 1925." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0112. WRDT04, Folder O.S. 1, formerly MRDE02. 1909-09-15.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have your letter of the 1st inst. this morning in regard to Class 'R'.
Enclosed is a Yacht Racing Association Book of 1922, since which time there have been no changes that I think of.
There are, I understand, five boats ordered --- one by Harry Maxwell, designed by William Fife; one by Clifford Mallory, designed by Alden; one by Donald Cowl, designed by Mower; one by a member of the American Yacht Club who desires to withhold his name, designed by Fred Hoyt, in addition to the boat [#932s GAMECOCK] for Junius [Morgan] and myself [then Commodore of the NYYC].
Cabin accommodations, we want to comply with the requirements of the Rule --- nothing more. As I understand it, the Rule only applies to the cabin house. In a boat of this size, I have general preference for a self-bailing cockpit, though imagine most of the others will be open.
As to dimensions, I understand from Charlie Adams that the most successful 'R' boats in Marblehead run 25 to 26 feet on the water-line.
In addition to the Sound boats, I understand there are half a dozen new ones building for Marblehead, and that Anker is bringing a boat of his own from Norway to race here next Summer. It is also said that some friend of his will bring a second boat. Under ordinary circumstances, I should not consider building, but want to see the Herreshoff Co. represented.
What we want is a boat of fair lines that will be a good all round performer. I will give you such further formation as I may run across from time to time." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30160. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-02-05.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I wrote you very hurriedly yesterday and have since read your letter again. I think you are wrong about Junius [Morgan], for I know that he fully shares my high regard for you and your ability. He told me last night that the only basis he knew of for your thought was that he once asked you to build him a 21 foot cruising boat; that you told him he could not get satisfactory accommodations under 25 feet, and that as the large size did not fit in with his budget at the time, he accepted your opinion that the smaller boat would not be satisfactory and gave up the project altogether.
Sidney has given me the dimensions of Boats A [apparently Model 1115 from 1920] and B which you picked as the two best of a number of models made some years ago. B was the one that I liked [for #932s GAMECOCK]. I have also included the dimensions as given in Lloyd's of 'LIGHTNING' --- Charlie Adams' boat ---and 'GYPSY' --- Frank Paine's. These dimensions are not necessarily very accurate. 'GYPSY', Charlie Adams told me, has for the last two years been, in his opinion, the best 'R' boat in Marblehead. 'LIGHTNING' he considered a failure, and Charlie, I think, attributed it to her size though it is quite possible her shape had a good deal to do with it. 'GYPSY', as I remember, has her lateral plane pretty well aft, and the forward part of her keel is rounded up so that her lead is probably higher than in most of her competitors.
If you will write me of any information you would like, I will try my best to get it for you. [Incl a separate page with typed table comparing boats from Model A and Model B as well as LIGHNING and GYPSY and providing numbers for LOA, LWL, B at deck, B at LWL, Draft, Disp, W. Surface and sail area.]" (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30110. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-02-06.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled sections (model tracings), displacement curves, annotations, calculations titled on recto '1st model (changed keel later), on N. G. Herreshoff stationery, on verso penciled keel outlines; apparently relating to #932s GAMECOCK, undated (ca. February 10, 1925 as per NGH diary)" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Sections and Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29590. Subject Files, Folder 25, formerly 10-15. No date (ca1925-02-10).)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Penciled scantlings:] R Class for Nichols & Morgan [#932s GAMECOCK], Feb 1925.
Displ 188 cuftm cube-rt(D)=5.73, sq-rt(S)=13.7
Frame spaces = 10,4in - 26 x 12 / 30 = .866 of 12in [etc, etc]
Planking 7/8in single y[ellow]p[ine] to below turn of bilge. From there to sheer strake planking to be double, outside of Philippine mahogany and inside of white cedar or cypress. [etc, etc]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Scantlings. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_31040. Subject Files, Folder 30, formerly 10-15. 1925-02-(10 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] You spoke on the telephone last night of being able to reduce the price of 'R' boats if you got two to build. As they are not one-design, I do not quite follow Tom [Brightman]'s reasoning, but would say that I am ready --- in fact, would like to sign a contract now --- for a racing Class 'R' boat to be designed by Mr. Herreshoff and built by the Company in the best manner and at the market price [this will be #932s GAMECOCK].
Mr. Herreshoff wrote me in response to my telegram of January 31st that he could produce the design in six weeks, and it seems to me ridiculous that such a boat could not be built by a Plant equipped as the Bristol Yard is in two months, which would bring the date of delivery May 15th. During Mr. John Herreshoff's life-time, contracts of this sort were what he liked and what really made the reputation of the Yard. To sign a contract at approximately 25% above what would be regarded as the going price for a firstclass boat is of course another matter.
I am putting no restrictions of any kind on Mr. Herreshoff, though of course expect the buyer's usual opportunity to approve the general dimensions and type of design. Remember that the first of the new York 30 Footers [#626s ALERA] --- considerably larger boats --- was designed, completed and sailing inside of seven weeks after the placing of the order. Until we can repeat performances of this kind, I personally shall not be satisfied with our organization." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to Haffenreffer (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.77. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 178. 1925-02-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Have your letter of the 11th and am very glad you have gotten the sailing skiffs [Biscayne Bay 14s] started. I think they will be very popular.
Am very glad you are trying a long model [for what will be #932s GAMECOCK]. The principal objection to length is I suppose wetted surface and since seeing the English 6 metre boats perform I have begun to wonder whether this is so important after all. What I hope for is a boat that will be at her best in a nice fresh breeze with length enough to do well when driven. A boat that is dead in light weather is of course undesirable but light weather is also usually very fluky. However, this is your boat so you must not let me unduly influence your judgment." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30130. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-02-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Since telegraphing you last night that there was time enough to make another model [for #932s GAMECOCK], I have again talked with Tom [Brightman].
He has, as you know, a considerable amount of small work on hand in addition to the two 38 foot schooners [#933s ROFA and #934s HARLEQUIN]. As he has laid out his schedule, he plans to get this small work completed and out of the way in six weeks, and then to concentrate on the 'R' boat. With all his preparations made in advance he thinks he can actually build her in five weeks. He said he assumed you would want her double planked with Philippine mahogany and yellow pine dead wood, and a cedar or pine deck covered with canvas. If this is not correct, will you let me know so that I may advise him accordingly. I personally like a wooden deck better than canvas covered, but for a boat of this size and type, assume the latter is more practical." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30180. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-02-24.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled sections, annotations, calculations titled on recto '2nd model (not used)', on N. G. Herreshoff stationery; apparently relating to #932s GAMECOCK, undated (ca. February 24, 1925 as per George Nichols telegram of that date)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Sketch. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29610. Subject Files, Folder 25, formerly 10-15. No date (ca1925-02-25).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled table of offsets titled on recto 'Lead for R class', tiny sketch on verso; apparently relating to #932s GAMECOCK, undated (ca. March 1925)" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29630. Subject Files, Folder 25, formerly 10-15. No date (ca1925-03).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled calculations (apparently to determine wetted surface, center of gravity and rating), no title, penciled sketch of cockpit on verso, apparently relating to #932s GAMECOCK, undated (ca. March 1925)" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29660. Subject Files, Folder 25, formerly 10-15. No date (ca1925-03).)
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"[Item Description:] Typewritten specifications and scantlings (1 page), offsets (5 pages) and extra-coordinated for making lead keel pattern (1/2 page) titled 'R Class Boat. Number 932 [#932s GAMECOCK]. For Messrs. Nichols and Morgan'. 7 pages." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Specifications. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.018. Box HAFH.6.1B, Folder Hull No. 932s. 1925-03.)
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"[Item Description:] Very detailed typewritten 'Specifications for R-class boat [#932s GAMECOCK] for Messrs. Nichols and Morgan'. Should be read in conjunction with and refers to GAMECOCK specifications in HH.6.18. This is a typed transcription of NGH's handwritten specifications in offset booklet for GAMECOCK HH.4.190. 8 pages." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Specifications. MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.081. Box HAFH.6.2B, Folder R Class. 1925-03.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Penciled design notes titled on recto 'R class boat No [blank] [#932s GAMECOCK]
For G. Nichols & J. Morgan. Mch 1925
(Model A with Keel changed)' and providing info on length, beam, breadth, draft, QBL, Displ., wetted surface and a tabulation titled 'Final estimated of Weights', on 'N. G. Herreshoff' stationery." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Design notes. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29650. Subject Files, Folder 25, formerly 10-15. 1925-03.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have been trying as you know to work out a sail plan for CAROLINA [#721s] that can be handled smartly by three paid hands of the quality now obtainable. To do this it seemed to me necessary to get rid of topmast backstays & jib topsail sheets.
Enclosed is a rough tracing sketch (as I have no tools in town but a doubtful straight edge). It contemplates using my present marconi mast straigtened & is within a few inches of the height allowed. The measured area in 2825 [sqft] versus 3197 [sqft] for the present rig & gives a rating 45.5 versus 48.4 so the new rig would receive an allowance of about 9 seconds per mile from the old, if all my figures are correct.
A balloon stay sail could of course be set in light weather. It is my hope not to sacrifice speed by the change but I am worried by the loss of area. i would go to windward all riht in any sort of a breeze but would I ever get down wind? What do you think of the thing & if at all favourable impressed how would you stay the mast? It is very long & will whip about more or less in a sea way so possibly two sets of spreaders will line up the rigging better than a single set?
Junius & I are eagerly awaiting news of the R models [for #932s GAMECOCK]. [See penciled sailplan sketch of a sloop with superimposed marconi and gaff rig, untitled, only annotated with 'Scale 1/4in = 1ft. March 2, 1925'.]" (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30090. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-03-02.)
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"[Item Description:] Telegram to Coconut Grove: in your mind it is a toss of a penny [.] Junius [Morgan] and I pick the big boat [as model for the soon-to-be-built #932s GAMECOCK] STOP the ends look a trifle heavy perhaps you can modify them STOP neither of us likes metal rudder STOP neither ones as handsome as the [New York] Fifties" (Source: Nichols, George. Telegram to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30150. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-03-05.)
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"[Item Transcription:] General H. S. Borden called up from New York yesterday and said that he wanted to get a small sail boat for his daughter's use for early spring delivery. He had been talking with Mr. Nichols who suggested a Seawanhaka 16-Footer. We cannot undertake to build one soon enough to suit his purpose, and I told him that I would write to you and ask if the 'ALERION' [#718s] is for sale and would advise him of your reply. I did not really suppose that you would care to sell her, but if you do, I will be glad to give him the particulars, or you can write him direct at 90 Worth Street, New York City.
According to the Clyde Line schedule the first four [Biscayne Bay 14] skiffs [#924s, #925s, #926s and #927s] will arrive in Miami tomorrow and I trust they will be in good order and give satisfaction.
Mr. Nichols tells me that you are going ahead with the design of the 'R' boat for him and Mr. Morgan [#932s GAMECOCK]. We are gradually increasing our woodworking force and will have to scratch gravel to get out the work which we have in hand for spring delivery.
We have had a wonderfully pleasant winter here and I hope that you and Mrs. Herreshoff have also enjoyed good weather and good health." (Source: Brightman, Thomas (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29560. Subject Files, Folder 25, formerly 10-15. 1925-03-06.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I received your letter with sketches of the two 'R' boats Thursday afternoon, and after consultation with Junius, telegraphed you that if you had no special preference we picked the big boat [as model for the soon-to-be-built #932s GAMECOCK]. Since that time I have been in Boston and have not had opportunity to write you.
Our theory in choosing as we did was that it would be interesting to try out the round form of section and that so far the boats of great water-line length have done the best, and I believe it is not yet determined where the limit is. In fact, I am told that Anker of Norway has taken 27 feet in one of his new boats this year.
It seemed to us that the overhangs had perhaps been dropped unduly, though I realize that this is only along the line of the keel. At present, any hollow at or near the points of measurement is bridged with a straight edge in length equal to, I think, one-third of the beam. It has been proposed to increase the length of this bridge. As you know, I am not much of a believer in snubbed overhangs, but on the other hand i doubt the advisability of unduly extending them by means of reversed curves. Especially I should think this true in the case of a boat as big in relation to her sail area as the one we propose.
We are looking forward with a great deal of interest to hearing your further report and eventually to seeing the model." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30190. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-03-07.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled sections (model tracings with pinpricks), displacement curves, annotations, calculations titled on recto 'First model, changed keel, M[ar]ch 8, 25', with further notes 'Final after changes of 1st model', 'wetted surface 231', 'Displ. 286 cuft', on verso penciled section, note 'R class over'; apparently relating to #932s GAMECOCK; on N. G. Herreshoff stationery" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Sections and Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29570. Subject Files, Folder 25, formerly 10-15. 1925-03-08.)
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"[Item Description:] Telegram to Coconut Grove: your letter eleventh[.] prefer deep cockpit [for #932s GAMECOCK] and toilet[.] thought may not actually install latter" (Source: Nichols, George. Telegram to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30080. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-03-14.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I duly received yours of the 16th inst. followed two days later by the blue-print [for #932s GAMECOCK].
I have written Bristol to go ahead. It is important that she should be out as early as possible so that she will be tuned up as well as her competitors.
I should fear that the extra weight of the mast with the three stays would prohibit its use in an out and out racing boat. Have you calculated what the extra weight would amount to?
I have not had much opportunity to observe the modern 'R' boats, but watching the Six Metres, have thought that Fife's rigging, which allowed considerable play to the masthead and a fair curve throughout the spar, seemed the best; and was surprised when the rigging of 'BETTY' (the Fife Six Metre boat bought by Maxwell) was weighed at City Island that it was a few pounds less than the average weight of the masts and rigging of the American boats and as light as any.
Am very glad that you are again prepared to discuss the Measurement Rule, as I believe there is a growing sentiment for its revision.
Have you sent a sail plan to Bristol? If not, I suppose you will soon send one along with copy to me.
I lunched today with Junius and Harry Morgan. They are getting very much excited about the boat and are trying to work out their holidays to fit the races. ... [P.S.] We will have the high cockpit as that is what you have decided is desirable." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30030. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-03-23.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Penciled sketch and calculations titled on recto 'Estimate of W[ei]g[h]t
of Mast for R Class
boat No. No [blank] [#932s GAMECOCK]
for Nichols & Morgan.
Ap[ril] 2, 1925'" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Sketch / Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29680. Subject Files, Folder 25, formerly 10-15. 1925-04-02.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter and that of Mr. Nichols, with payment on account of the 'R' boat [#932s GAMECOCK] which we are building for you.
As I have written to Mr. Nichols, we are laying down the lines of the boat full size, from which to make moulds and frames, and as we appreciate the importance of checking the figures for displacement, to insure that the boat will measure into the class, we are going to lay down the lines on a small scale which can be measured accurately, and check the displacement and other figures.
I shall be glad to advise you immediately when we have definitely determined that the boat as designed will fit the 'R' class.
In regard to your models I have to say that they were partly completed, but the man was taken off this work to proceed with the lines and moulds of the new boat so as to get her under way without delay. As soon as he can be spared from this work we will have him complete the models and as soon as they are painted will forward them to you." (Source: Haffenreffer Jr., R.F. and Brightman, Thomas (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.). Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.60. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 178. 1925-04-07.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I put your question regarding weights to Charlie Adams. He writes as follows:
'John Lawrence used a mast on his 'R' boat last year which weighed 80 pounds. His boat carried about 35 square feet less than an 'R' boat 25 feet long ought to carry. Moreover, his mast was not stiff enough. The mast we used last year weighed 90 pounds. We are aiming at the same thing this year. I think a mast at 160 pounds would be a very serious handicap. Our standing rigging weighs 28-7/10 pounds. Of course, I shall be delighted, as will Starling [Burgess], to have you give this information to Nat.'
I am prepared to abide by your judgment if you will inform me promptly what it is.
Later: I have your letter of April 3th this morning and am very much annoyed that Mr. Haffenreffer should have sent you the telegram regarding measurement. As he is not familiar with yachting matters, I perhaps rubbed it in that he must be careful to build the boat [#932s GAMECOCK] accurate, as if she did not measure into 'R' Class, the Company would be responsible. There was certainly no question in my mind or Junius' of your assuming financial responsibility of any kind. We both much appreciated your willingness to make the design.
I don't know what your financial arrangements with Mr. Haffenreffer are, but the price which we are paying him for the boat, on which there was some discussion, is determined by taking Lawley's price to Charlie Adams and add to it the standard designer's fee which Charlie paid [Starling] Burgess.
Charlie's is a double-planked boat built in Lawley's best manner; and as Junius and I ordered this one built that the Herreshoff Co. might have a racing boat in the fleet, I did not feel we should be penalized for so doing in the matter of price." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30060. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-04-11.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have your letter of the 14th inst. regarding the 'R' boat [#932s GAMECOCK].
I knew that you were working without your usual tools and records and assumed that the boat was being laid down at Bristol from offsets which you had sent to them. It seemed to me, therefore, desirable that the Company should be cautioned not only to build accurately, but to check the rating (from the laid down lines). This latter would give an extra check, and would seemingly guarantee the accuracy of the work to that point. I do not know how far the actual work has progressed, but made my first payment some two weeks ago and understand it is already under way.
As for your arrangement with the Herreshoff Company, I certainly had the impression that you were Consulting Engineer, which was confirmed by your requirement that any boat designed by you should be built there. I realized, of course, that you did not consider yourself obligated to design anything you did not approve of. It has always been an ambition of mine to have a boat built for me at Bristol from your design. Although I have owned a number of such and sailed more, my finances have never before run to it. I therefore hope you will make it possible to carry the thing through this time. P. S. Charles [Nystrom] came in Thursday evening and showed me some photographs of the sailing skiffs [Biscayne Bay 14s]. I yesterday wrote Tom [Brightman] to ask how soon he could deliver two of them. My sister Helen's children are spending this Summer at Oyster Bay, and would, I think, get more pleasure out of two of these which they could race together than one 'Fish' boat [#792s VOLADOR] which I now have.
Butler has just bought 'PEPITA' [#679s] from Mr. [William Gilman] Low and intends to take her to Southampton." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30330. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-04-18.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I am very glad that you are at home and was sorry to miss you passing through New York, but it was a holiday here and I had an opportunity to sail on 'PHRYNE' [#643s] in her first race in her new incarnation [as a marconi-rigged boat], and the temptation was too great for me. Mr. Morgan sailed her very well in the light airs and we won easily. The best part of it was that we deserved to win because the opportunities --- particularly at and soon after the start ---were pretty evident to anyone who observed closely, and Mr. Morgan alone took full advantage of them.
I am very much provoked about the 'R' boat [#932s GAMECOCK] because my agreement was that she was to receive precedence as soon as your plans were finished, and she did not get it. I shall certainly use the rig which you have designed. If experience should indicate that we ought to try something else later, we can do so.
I tried unsuccessfully to get Tom [Brightman] on the telephone yesterday, for I want an opinion as to when she will be ready for delivery. I have opportunity to get a boatman whom Gus Gautesen recommends and who was paid off by him yesterday.
Will you please tell Tom that I would like the topsides painted a light grey --- the color which Junius Morgan affects ---and assume you will want to put your white paint on the bottom?" (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30320. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-06-02.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I thank you very much for yours of the 3d inst.
Tom [Brightman] wrote me also and I have acknowledged his letter and have told him that Junius will promptly send a color card showing the grey we would like [for #932s GAMECOCK].
I am delighted that you are home and able to give the job some oversight.
Some time ago, I ordered a full suit of sails from Ratsey, as I then did not expect you to be home in time to supervise the making of a suit at Bristol. We ought, I suppose, to have a second mainsail and jib, and if you would be willing to oversee the making, I would like very much to have you do so. You may think it would be better to wait until you have a chance to see her underway with the sails Ratsey produces, as I suppose Paine could actually make a mainsail in two or three days?
Will you at your convenience make me a sketch of the rigging plan showing leads, where winches are to be placed, etc. that I may study it over and possibly make suggestions? P.S. Mr. Ratsey asks me to say to you that if you lack suitable canvas he has quite an assortment & will be glad to send you anything you may want." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30310. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-06-04.)
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"[Item Transcription:] We beg to thank you for your letter and telegram of yesterday.
In accordance with your instructions we will paint the topsides of the 'R' boat [#932s GAMECOCK] to match the sample which you have furnished, and will have a narrow black boot top at the water-line, between the grey and the white.
We are mailing the winch to you at Locust Valley, Long Island, today." (Source: Brightman, Thomas (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.). Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.63. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 178. 1925-06-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I had hoped to get to Bristol this week on my way back from Boston, but owing to Mrs. Morgan's illness, I came back direct yesterday.
I telephoned Tom [Brightman] this afternoon and was glad to hear that matters are progressing as favorably as can be expected with the 'R' boat [#932s GAMECOCK]. So far as I can learn, most of our competitors have deep cockpits. I suppose there is some slight saving in weight in this, and it is also more convenient in keeping the crew low and out of the wind. My general preference has been for the water-tight cockpit in a boat of this size; but if in your opinion the advantages to be gained from the open cockpit make it desirable, Junius and I are quite willing to change." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_47150. Correspondence, Folder 104. 1925-06-18.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Supplementing my yesterday's letter, I have learned from Harry Morgan that Charlie Adams uses a small winch located inside the cockpit combing[sic] at the forward end to trim the main sheet instead of a jig. This enables him to trim his main sheet without his competitors knowing he is doing it, and also obviates the necessity of physical strength on the part of his crew.
I also noticed that Crane's Six Meter boat this year had two small winches just forward of the helmsman. The weather one could be used to haul the runner back on its slide if necessary, and the one on the lee side was used to trim the single part sheet of the loose footed jib.
The 'R' boats are limited to a crew of three, so that labor-saving devices are desirable. I much prefer winches to jigs wherever the former can be used. I believe you have developed a silent winch that is practical and effective. The main sheet winch I regard as particularly important [for #932s GAMECOCK]." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_47140. Correspondence, Folder 104. 1925-06-19.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have only received yours of the 20th inst. this morning.
I prefer the double ended main sheet --- one end leading to a winch [for #932s GAMECOCK just now under construction]. I have written the Herreshoff Mfg. Co. to supply one to your order. If the jib sheets are all made with jigs, I would let them go as they are; but if they are not made, think it would be interesting to try two with winches.
The runner arrangement that you have worked out, I am entirely satisfied with.
As we are using the closed cockpit, think it would be well to fit a lazaret hatch and also a hatch forward, through which light sails could be passed. Perhaps a hatch in the top of the cabin house would be the handiest place?" (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30300. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-06-23.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Will you kindly supply the 'R' boat [#932s GAMECOCK] with such winches as Mr. N. G. Herreshoff may suggest, and also fit hatches according to sketches which he may furnish you? In general, please carry out any instructions regarding this work which he may give you. I assumed this matter was understood, but think Mr. Herreshoff would like to have it in writing.
Mr. Herreshoff writes that he is not entirely satisfied with the present mast, and suggests that it would be well to get another stick in hand immediately so that it will dry out in case we later want to use it." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to Brightman, Tom. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30350. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-06-23.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I am glad to have Tom [Brightman]'s letter this morning saying that 'GAME COCK' [#932s] will be finished, ready for launching today, launched and rigged on Monday and ready for her trial on Tuesday. It will not be possible for either Junius or myself to get away from our respective offices next week. I had hoped she might be ready for trial tomorrow or Sunday; but it does not greatly matter, for as things are, it would be difficult anyway for us to get off.
I would appreciate it if you would telephone me on Monday after she has been launched, and again after you have rigged and tried her. We would like to have you keep her for two or three days to enable you to try her out and satisfy yourself that things are about right.
I am trying to get Emil Nelson, who was for a number of years mate on 'GRAYLING' [#715s], as paid hand. He now has a shore job and will come if he can get leave of absence, but of course cannot afford to do it for the short season otherwise. If I do get him, he is entirely competent to bring the boat down. If not, perhaps Charles Nystrom would be willing to pick up someone and bring her down for me. In fact, even if Nelson does go to Bristol for her, I would like to have Charles with him for the passage.
It has been a great disappointment to me not to have been in Bristol at all since you got back, but between business and family affairs, I have not felt like being away an hour more than absolutely necessary. [Includes envelope with notations on GAMECOCK measurements by NGH: 'GAME COCK. Meas. July 8 in rain.]" (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_16120. Correspondence, Folder 43, formerly 16. 1925-07-03.)
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"[Item Description:] We beg to thank you for your check for One Thousand Dollars on account of the new 'R' boat [#932s GAMECOCK]." (Source: Brightman, Thomas (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.). Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.64. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 178. 1925-07-07.)
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"[Item Description:] We beg to thank you for your check of July 9th, for One Thousand Dollars, which Mr. Nichols has forwarded to us on account of the 'GAME COCK' [#932s]." (Source: Brightman, Thomas (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.). Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.67. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 178. 1925-07-10.)
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"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan HH.5.05583 (076-147). Blueprint construction plan with inboard profile, plan view and sections titled 'The Herreshoff Mfg. Comp. R Class Boat' and marked in pencil 'GAME COCK' [#932s]. Undated, but plan index card shows July 11, 1925." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0116. WRDT04, Folder O.S. 2, formerly MRDE02. 1925-07-11.)
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"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan HH.5.10452 (130-141). Blueprint sailplan titled 'The Herreshoff Mfg. Comp. R Class Boat' and marked in pencil 'GAME COCK' [#932s]' and 'also Sails for #966 GRAYLING'. Only year 1925 noted on plan, but plan index card shows July 11, 1925." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0043. WRDT08, Folder 5, formerly MRDE09. 1925-07-11.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I had a very interesting sail in 'GAME COCK' [#932s] yesterday afternoon in a strong Southerly breeze and smooth water.
On the starboard tack after a little adjustment, the mast stood nicely. On the port tack, it took something of an 'S' curve, the masthead and center of the mast going to leeward. I think that we had the port lower shroud a little tight. It hung slack in the wind, but there seemed to be something of a permanent crook in the mast. I did not have time to get it adjusted to my satisfaction. Possibly the fact that the port shroud is attached to the mast higher up than the starboard would aocount for this, as there is a considerable length of unsupported mast below the rigging.
I am sorry I did not have more time yesterday afternoon, as it may be a long time before we get as good a breeze again." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30290. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-07-16.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [carbon copy of the original typed letter:] You may be interested to hear a report on [#932s] GAMECOCK's first two races.
I sailed her on Saturday at Larchmont, but George unfortunately could not be there. The wind was northwest, quite strong in the puffs, but very shifting and at tines light. You will see from the diagram of the course that we therefore had three reaches and a beat for the last leg. I was first over the line at the start, and on the first reach, which was quite close, dropped back to fourth place, largely due I think to boats to windward getting the benefit of the puffs, but probably partly due to the fact that the sails were not trimmed quite right for the wind. On the second leg we carried a balloon jib end at the next mark were third by about half a length. At the end of the reaching legs she was first boat, but was badly interfered with at the leeward mark by other classes, which were using the same mark, and I was forced to adopt a policy which eventually turned out to be the wrong one, having to go to the westward instead of being able to go to the east and cover the other boats. Her speed reaching was all that could be desired. Owing to interference by other boats and leck of knowledge of my own boat I was unable to do very well with her to windward, so that she finished last, but at intervals in the course of the beat she showed great speed and I am certain that when we have had a chance to sail her some more she will be one of the best boats in the Class. The mast did not stand very well and had a tendency to sag off to leeward, halfway between the shrouds and the deck as I am told it did in the trial at Bristol. Probably the new mast which yon are now making for her will do away with this defect.
Yesterday, Sunday, George sailed her in a race at Manhasset Bay. The wind was very light, practically calm most of the time and finally died away altogether, so that we had to leave the race, but she was second boat when we quit and seemed to like the light going quite as well as she liked the heavier going of the day before.
As far as I personally am concerned, and I think George agrees with me, I am delighted with the boat and have every belief that she will make an excellent showing when we have had a chance to tune her up and get used to her ways. She seems to balance perfectly and is as pleasant to handle as any boat I have ever sailed.
If you would like to do so, I should appreciate it very much if you would begin to think about plans for a boat in the 'R' Class for me next season [this will be #966s GRAYLING]. I realize that it is a very early date to begin thinking of another year, but it may well be that you would like to start designing another boat for that class in the near future, and if so I should like very much to have you do so.
Please forgive the length of this letter, but I thought you would like to have a fairly full report." (Source: Morgan, Junius S. Letter (copy) to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_10310. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 178. 1925-07-20.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [original typed letter:] You may be interested to hear a report on [#932s] GAMECOCK's first two races.
I sailed her on Saturday at Larchmont, but George unfortunately could not be there. The wind was northwest, quite strong in the puffs, but very shifting and at tines light. You will see from the diagram of the course that we therefore had three reaches and a beat for the last leg. I was first over the line at the start, and on the first reach, which was quite close, dropped back to fourth place, largely due I think to boats to windward getting the benefit of the puffs, but probably partly due to the fact that the sails were not trimmed quite right for the wind. On the second leg we carried a balloon jib end at the next mark were third by about half a length. At the end of the reaching legs she was first boat, but was badly interfered with at the leeward mark by other classes, which were using the same mark, and I was forced to adopt a policy which eventually turned out to be the wrong one, having to go to the westward instead of being able to go to the east and cover the other boats. Her speed reaching was all that could be desired. Owing to interference by other boats and leck of knowledge of my own boat I was unable to do very well with her to windward, so that she finished last, but at intervals in the course of the beat she showed great speed and I am certain that when we have had a chance to sail her some more she will be one of the best boats in the Class. The mast did not stand very well and had a tendency to sag off to leeward, halfway between the shrouds and the deck as I am told it did in the trial at Bristol. Probably the new mast which yon are now making for her will do away with this defect.
Yesterday, Sunday, George sailed her in a race at Manhasset Bay. The wind was very light, practically calm most of the time and finally died away altogether, so that we had to leave the race, but she was second boat when we quit and seemed to like the light going quite as well as she liked the heavier going of the day before.
As far as I personally am concerned, and I think George agrees with me, I am delighted with the boat and have every belief that she will make an excellent showing when we have had a chance to tune her up and get used to her ways. She seems to balance perfectly and is as pleasant to handle as any boat I have ever sailed.
If you would like to do so, I should appreciate it very much if you would begin to think about plans for a boat in the 'R' Class for me next season [this will be #966s GRAYLING]. I realize that it is a very early date to begin thinking of another year, but it may well be that you would like to start designing another boat for that class in the near future, and if so I should like very much to have you do so.
Please forgive the length of this letter, but I thought you would like to have a fairly full report; incl. NGH draft reply on verso: I thank you for your very interesting letter describing the first two races of GAME COCK [#932s]. It was particularly gratifying as I had seen no report of the Larchmont races in the papers.
Your remarks about the boat and the way she handles are a satisfaction, and I hope the boat will continue to give you and George satisfaction.
You ask about designing another R class boat for next year [this will be #966s GRAYLING]. I am now in my 78th year and long past the age of sailing in races and therefore doing the best work in designing racing craft. I relunctly [sic, i.e. reluctantly] consented to design GAMECOCK after George pressing me, and when thru fully determined not to attempt any more. The younger generation should be able and without doubt can do better than I at my age. Do not you think it time I rested on my laurels? [Incl. diagram.]" (Source: Morgan, Junius S. (incl. NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_18220. Correspondence, Folder 50, formerly 181. 1925-07-20.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I thank you for your very interesting letter describing the first two races of [#932s] GAMECOCK. It was particularly gratifying as I had seen no reports of the Larchmont races in the papers.
Your remarks about the boat and the way she handles are a satisfaction, and I hope she will continue to give you and George satisfaction.
You ask about designing another R class boat for next year [this will be #966s GRAYLING]. I am now in my 78th year and long past the age of sailing in races and therefore doing the best work in designing racing craft. I relunctly [sic, i.e. reluctantly] concented [sic] to design GAMECOCK after George pressing me, and when through with it fully determined not to attempt any more. The younger generation should be able and without doubt can do better than I at my age. Do not you think it time I rested on my laurels?" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.82. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 178. 1925-07-22.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Carbon copy of the original letter:] The report of [#932s] GAMECOCK's third race, which I sailed yesterday at Larchmont, may interest you. The wind was somewhat the same as Saturday but, if anything, more fluky and on the average a little lighter; the course was the same as Saturday. I made a poor start, but on the first leg (a close reach) worked into third place and from there to second at the next mark. FIFI, the Fyfe boat, was ahead of us and ARDETTE next behind us. Positions remained unchanged on the third leg and when we came to go on the wind ARDETTE was still next boat behind me. Seven of the eight boats, GAMECOCK among them, stood off to the eastward on the port tack; the eighth boat (SECRET) went to the we westward. During the first ten minutes of the beat, I had some difficulty in getting her going, as the wind was light and shifting a couple of points at a time and in that kind of going ARDETTE went away from us somewhat. The wind hardened afterwards and we began to pick up again, so that towards the end of the beat I had ARDETTE' about fifty yards abeam and to leeward and was outpointing and outfooting her. The outpointing may have been due to different wind; the outfooting was real. We
finished twelve seconds behind the second boat and about ten seconds ahead of the fourth boat. The winner, SECRET, was a long way behind at the leeward mark and speculated, so that she won by quite a margin, as you will see from the enclosed clipping giving the times. I found that GAMECOCK went better on the wind with a slightly eased jib sheet and believe that on Saturday I made the mistake of trimming the jib too flat. I can only say that yesterday she more than confirmed my first impressions of her and have every belief that, with any reasonable amount of luck, she will do you great credit. As I said before, she is a pleasure to handle.
I note what you say about not wanting to design another R boat [this will be #966s GRAYLING], but I hope that yon will consider the idea some more. None of the younger men seem to have been able to produce a better boat than GAMECOCK and I have every belief that her successor would be just as good, if not a little bit better." (Source: Morgan, Junius S. Letter (copy) to N.G. Herreshoff. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.83. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 178. 1925-07-24.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Original letter:] Commodore Vanderbilt called here today with the VAGRANT II [#719s] and when he found that the GAMECOCK's [#932s] mast was ready to go and that there was difficulty in shipping it by express he very kindly offered to take it on the deck of the VAGRANT which is going to Port Washington.
We landed it on deck today and she left for Newport this afternoon, and we understand she will leave Newport tomorrow afternoon or Sunday for Port Washington.
Trusting that it will be convenient for you to arrange to take it away from her upon her arrival, we are ..." (Source: Brightman, Thomas (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.). Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.68. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 179. 1925-07-24.)
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"[Item Transcription:] You will have heard from Junius how pleased he is with 'GAME COCK' [#932s]. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get away from the office at all this week, hut hope to do so tomorrow.
I enclose letter from the Measurer in regard to 'GAME COCK's' quarter-beam length. It does not seem possible that she can be out as far as he claims. What is your suggestion? I was fearful there might be trouble over the quarter-beam when the boat came down without quarter-beam marks as required under the new Rule. When I was in Bristol, I forgot to mention this, but later when talking with Charles [Nystrom], asked him to get you to spot the points so that we might mark them before she was measured.
I enclose a 1925 [rules] book in case you have not one, though assume the Company's office must have gotten a copy; incl. NGH reply: I have yours of 24th with inclosures of Mr. Webb letter & L[ong] I[sland] R[acing] A[ssociation] book. I also have an interesting letter from Junius M[organ] describing his sailing.
The reason the quarterbeam marks were not on. I went by the 1922 LIRA book you sent me last Feb. I have never been appraised of a change in the rules for marking. Charles mentioned to me after returning from N.Y. such marks shoudl be on and I told him he was mistaken as it was the measurer's job to measure q.b.
Refering to Webb's letter which I return. I have no way at hand of checking up as the original model is in Coconut Grove. I am very positive it was worked down to give 24' 9" q.b.l. on 26' l.w.l. and I can hardly believe the boat is so different from the model. Would suggest then?] the measurer check upon, and if he is correct the only thing to do is to clip spar measurements, either by shoring[?] boom or better to raise boom hanging bands higher on mast.
The figures I sent you were actual l.w.l. as i then measured in a rain. the marks were put on at 6' above base line, or 5' 8 3/4" above bottome of boat[?] at lavert[?] place as designed. It was done by[?] Alden at my instructions, and I told him to check up lengths between marks, which he told me came out about 1 1/2" short (as I remember) of the designed 26'0". However, I would expect the q.b.l. corresponding to this place 24'9".
I think it was lucky that Harold [Vanderbilt] was here in VAGRANT [#719s] and seemed very pleased to take the new mast on. The new mast without metal work on weighed 163 [lbs], and is probably about 5 lbs lighter than the first mast. It feels very much stiffer and I believe is a good one. It may be desirable to keep the little spreader under the starboard shroud.
Take care in getting the shrouds properly adjusted, and I think they should be rather tight. Put shims under heel of mast to make the backstays come to right place on track.
Would like to hear your observations & comments on holding down boom to (?) & (?)." (Source: Nichols, George (incl NGH reply). Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30360. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-07-24.)
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"[Item Description:] newspaper clipping from the New York Times, dated July 24, 1925, titled 'SECRET is Victor in Class Race' describing the fifth racing day at Larchmont Race Week on July 3 25, 1925 and mentioning #932s GAMECOCK, sent by Junius S. Morgan on July 24, 1925" (Source: New York Times (creator). Newspaper Clipping. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30780. Subject Files, Folder 28, formerly 10-15. 1925-07-24.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Original letter:] The report of 'GAMECOCK's' [#932s] third race, which I sailed yesterday at Larchmont, may interest you. The wind was somewhat the same as Saturday but if anything, more fluky and on the average a little lighter; the course was the same as Saturday. I made a poor start, but on the first leg (a close reach) worked into third place and from there to second at the next mark. 'FIFI' the Fyfe boat, was ahead of us and 'ARDETTE' next behind us. Positions remained unchanged on the third leg and when we came to go on the wind 'ARDETTE' was still next boat behind me. Seven of the eight boats, 'GAMECOCK' among them, stood off to the eastward on the port tack; the eighth boat ('SECRET') went to the westward. During the first ten minutes of the beat I had some difficulty in getting her going, as the wind was light and shifting a couple of points at a time and in that kind of going 'ARDETTE' went away from us somewhat. The wind hardened afterwards and we began to pick up again, so that towards the end of the beat I had 'ARDETTE' about fifty yards abeam and to leeward and was outpointing and outfooting her. The outpointing may have been due to different wind; the outfooting was real. We finished twelve seconds behind the second boat and about ten seconds ahead of the fourth boat. The winner, 'SECRET', was a long way behind at the leeward mark and speculated, so that she won by quite a margin, as you will see from the enclosed clipping giving the times. I found that 'GAMECOCK' went better on the wind with a slightly eased jib sheet and believe that on Saturday I made the mistake of trimming the jib too flat. I can only say that yesterday she more than confirmed my first impressions of her and have every belief that, with any reasonable amount of luck, she will do you great credit. As I said before, she is a pleasure to handle.
I note what you say about not wanting to design another 'R' boat [this will be #966s GRAYLING], but I hope that you will consider the idea some more. None of the younger men seem to have been able to produce a better boat than 'GAMECOCK' and I have every belief that her successor would be just as good, if not a little bit better." (Source: Morgan, Junius S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30800. Subject Files, Folder 28, formerly 10-15. 1925-07-24.)
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"[Item Description:] newspaper clipping from the New York Times, dated July 26, 1925, titled 'Fleet of 171 Sets New Sound Record' describing the last racing day at Larchmont Race Week on July 25, 1925 and mentioning #932s GAMECOCK, sent by Junius S. Morgan on July 7, 1925" (Source: New York Times (creator). Newspaper Clipping. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30690. Subject Files, Folder 28, formerly 10-15. 1925-07-26.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Saturday's [July 25, 1925] race [at Larchmont], as you can see from the enclosed times, was extremely fluky. We had wind from the northwest, west, southwest and south, all light and most of it bringing rain; altogether not a good yacht racing day. We finished third again though at one time, due to a streak of wind we picked up, it looked as if we might win; but the puff left us and went on to the two boats ahead of us, leaving us practically becalmed. The boat [#932s GAMECOCK] seemed to move just as well as she does in a stronger breeze --- in fact George [Nichols] and I are satisfied that she can do well in any weather.
George showed me your letter to him in which you ask for various comments on the rig. Certainly with a stiff spar the very simple arrangement of shrouds and backstays is all that can be desired, and I have every belief that the new mast will be satisfactory. The double forestay is a great asset in handling jibs. The runners work very well and I think your device of the wooden rod for handling them is excellent. The only possible suggestion I might have to make would be that the holes for the peg which holds the rod should go all the way through it, as at present there is a little difficulty in finding the hole when setting up the runners in a hurry. It would also be a little easier for the helmsman if the handle for setting up the runners was a little further forward, as he could then make a more direct pull. As it is, he has to pull the end of the rod past him, which does not give him a very good purchase. That, however, is a very minor detail and the general working of that part of the gear is all that can be desired.
The high boom is a great advantage in every way, and your arrangement of holding it down when reaching and running works exceedingly well; certainly the boat goes faster than the others on a reach or a run; and although the tackle has not been set up hard, it has been set up enough to take up the slack and hold the boom steady. I think it is a decided advantage and George agrees with me.
It might be useful to have the ratchet plate on the mainsheet reel a little stronger and perhaps add some sort of friction brake. Also to have a little more power in the reel for, as it is now, it is almost easier to trim in the mainsheet by hand, and in slacking it off it has to be eased with the crank and cannot be allowed to run. It is an excellent gear, however, and with one or two minor improvements would be of the greatest possible advantage to the boat.
You will see that these criticisms are merely matters of detail and do not in any way alter what I have said before about the boat, nor do they interfere in the least with my satisfaction in the way she goes. I think it is only a question of time before she begins winning her share of the races.
Would you be willing to let me have a half model of her? I have one of each boat I have owned and should like to have hers as well, particularly if you could find the time to make it for me yourself. [Incl. envelope.]" (Source: Morgan, Junius S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30660. Subject Files, Folder 28, formerly 10-15. 1925-07-28.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Your very interesting letters of 24th and 26th are at hand, and I thank you for them and it is a gratification to know GAME COCK [#932s] has done so well in light weather sailing, and without the tuning up that is always so necessary in a new boat.
I hope the Measurer will be able to make her 'measure in' without having to make any serious alterations.
From your letter I understand you are keeping the mainsheet wound up on the drum while sailing. This was not the intention although there is no objection in light winds to do so. The intention was to run the mainsheet all out but a turn or so, before starting, and working the mainsheet in usual way, belaying on cleat on port coaming soon as it comes in too hard for direct pulling. -- Then use the windlass. Without not more than one layer on drum I think you will find there is plenty of purchase to take the mainsheet in when pressed and close-hauled.
I note what you say about a model of GAME COCK, and will try to cut one later, or after I am back in Florida." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.84. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 179. 1925-07-30.)
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"[Item Description:] newspaper clipping from the New York Herald Tribune, undated (August 2, 1925), titled '[#774s] Mistral Sails to Eas[clipped off] In Contest for [clipped off]' describing the Stamford Yacht Club's Annual Regatta on August 1, 1925 and mentioning #932s GAMECOCK, sent by Junius S. Morgan on August 3, 1925" (Source: New York Herald Tribune (creator). Newspaper Clipping. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30610. Subject Files, Folder 28, formerly 10-15. No date (1925-08-02).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Thank you for your letter of July 30th. I am much obliged for your advice about the mainsheet winch on 'GAMECOCK' [#932s].
I am delighted to hear that you will be able to make me a half model of the boat.
You will find enclosed a clipping which gives you the story of Saturday's race. It was a fine trial trip for the new mast, which stood beautifully and which I think you can look on as an entire success. It is a fine spar and stood the strain of strong breeze and choppy sea very well; [incl. envelope]" (Source: Morgan, Junius S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30580. Subject Files, Folder 28, formerly 10-15. 1925-08-03.)
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"[Item Description:] Typewritten letter re. 'Measurements of GAMECOCK [#932s]' with measured dimensions and calculated rating. With penciled calculations, probably by NGH. Originally clipped to #2004.0001.00442." (Source: Webb, Harold C. (creator). Letter. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0443. WRDT08, Folder 36, formerly MRDE09. 1925-08-03.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten letter with 'Eleven Thomas Street, New York' letterhead:] I was sorry not to get you on the telephone yesterday, but doubtless Charles [Nystrom] gave you the message correctly.
I enclose copy of the measurer's letter giving details of measurement as he took it [see 2004.0001.0442].
I have arranged to paint bands of the spars for next Saturday's race, although so far as the mast is concerned, this does not cover the rule. On Monday, August 10th, GAMECOCK [#932s] will start for Bristol to give you an opportunity to check all measurements and make such changes as may be necessary to get her into the class. At the same time, I would like to have her painted and best racing bottom possible put on her. On Saturday, August 15th, both Junius and I will be on the N.Y.Y.C. cruise, so will not have opportunity to race again until Saturday, the 32nd. On last Saturday, in a breeze which went up to 30 miles in the puffs, the new mast stood perfectly. On the wind, she carried rather too strong a weather helm.
You will note that Webb measures P 42.80 and that P as given by you - 42.37 - [with penciled note 'given 42.87'] would be all right according to his figures, if B were out to 21.60. This would not involve cutting the sail at all other than possibly rounding the clew a little as the sail stretches.
Yours very truly, ...
Enclosure. [Penciled note by NGH on verso:] GAME COCK Measures taken Aug. 13 1925 by NGH & ASDWH. Boat trimmed correctly to marks, in very smooth water & calm.
A floating trammel was made to measure Q.b.l. and the marks put on by measurer were found to be correct.
It was found I was measured to [center] of job stay and not to line of luff of head headsail when extended to deck, making a difference of 0.1ft. [Followed by penciled measurements and calculations.]" (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0442. WRDT08, Folder 36, formerly MRDE09. 1925-08-04.)
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"[Item Description:] newspaper clipping from the New York Herald Tribune, dated August 9, 1925, titled '[#774s] Mistral Leads Forty-Footers on the Sound' describing the Knickerbocker Yacht Club's Annual Regatta on August 8, 1925 and mentioning #932s GAMECOCK, sent by Junius S. Morgan" (Source: New York Herald Tribune (creator). Newspaper Clipping. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30620. Subject Files, Folder 28, formerly 10-15. 1925-08-09.)
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"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan 130-141. Blueprint sailplan titled 'GAME COCK [in pencil]. R Class Boat. No. 932 [#932s]'. Date on plan is given only as '1925' but original plan in Hart Nautical Collections carries a penciled note 'Aug 13, 1925. Measured up by NGH and Sid H. and found official measurements correct and as follows ...'." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Blueprint Sailplan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0038. WRDT08, Folder 4, formerly MRDE09. 1925-08-13.)
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"[Item Description:] Janie & I thank you very much for your message of sympathy & send our love to you & Mrs. Herreshoff. It has been a terrible shock. It seems such a time ago that Mrs. Morgan was so well & young & full of the joy of life. However, she was spared any conscious illness or pain, or any unusual sorrow for which we should try to be thankful. As to GAME COCK [#932s] I want her in the best possible shape and have asked Tom [Brightman] to do any thing you may direct to put her so, for my account. Junius [Morgan] is cruising for a few days on CORSAIR with his father & [his brother] Harry & hopes to call on you. As I have no use for GAME COCK here until a week from next Saturday at the earliest I asked Tom per telephone this morning to order her back to Bristol & keep her there until Monday, in case Junius should turn up & want to look her over with you & then send her home with my man Chris & Charley Petersen. It is very gratifying that Junius is so pleased with her also that he is so interested in studying design. He is most anxious to persuade you to cut another model so that the Company may build him another boat this winter [this will be #966s GRAYLING] & I hope you may see your way to do it. I was glad to see that [#892s] SPINDRIFT (ex GRAYLING Q) did so well in Buzzards Bay on Tuesday." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29980. Subject Files, Folder 26, formerly 10-15. 1925-08-20.)
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"[Item Description:] newspaper clipping from the New York Herald Tribune, dated August 23, 1925, titled '[#640s] Banzai Leads Thirty-Footers in Race on Sound' describing the New York Athletic Club's Annual Regatta on August 22, 1925 and mentioning #932s GAMECOCK, sent by Junius S. Morgan" (Source: New York Herald Tribune (creator). Newspaper Clipping. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30640. Subject Files, Folder 28, formerly 10-15. 1925-08-23.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Carbon copy of typed letter:] Harry and I greatly enjoyed our visit to you yesterday. It was a great pleasure to be able to express to you in person my sentiments about the 'GAMECOCK' [#932s].
You may remember that you once designed a launch [#282p], I think a thirty-five foot boat for the 'CORSAIR' and subsequently built a duplicate [#367p]. The hull of the original launch has now come to me, and I propose to convert it into a launch to use as a tender for a racing boat, and I should like very much to have you give me your suggestions and possibly a sketch or some plan of arrangement for her. I propose taking out the original engine, which is altogether too powerful and uneconomical of fuel, and putting in a thirty or forty horsepower medium duty motor, which I suppose will drive the boat at about twelve or fourteen miles per hour and still have sufficient power to tow an 'R' boat at a reasonable pace. I should like to put a house on the boat, which will have sufficient room to have a water-closet and possibly two pipe bunks, in case I should want to have a man live on board. The boat is now laid up at Fife's Yard, Glenwood, and I should propose to have the work done there, as there is considerable difficulty attached to taking to Bristol, but I should be very much obliged if you, or the company would furnish me the necessary plans for the work to be done." (Source: Morgan, Junius S. Letter (copy) to N.G. Herreshoff. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.85. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 179. 1925-08-25.)
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"[Item Transcription:] An old acquaintance of mine Morgan Goetchius who lives at Smithtown L.I. came to me yesterday to say that he & some friends were to have a one design class of sailing boats for racing & afternoon sailing.
I suggested your sailing skiffs [Biscayne Bay 14s] which he thought a little small. He said their price limit was about $700. I suggested that he write you his requirements & promised to write this as a sort of introduction. The boats will be kept in the river & sailed there at high tide outside in Smithtown bay. The chart will show you the sort of water if you are not familiar with it.
John Alden is he said trying to sell them some of his boats.
The first Manhasset Cup race is today & I am staying out to sail [#932s] GAME COCK. It is now 9 a.m. fresh N.W. wind." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30200. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-09-09.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I thank you for your letter of the 10th. You will know by now that YANKEE won the Manhasset Cup & as she also took the first race for the Greenwich Cup yesterday it seems likely she will take that too.
The first race on Sept 9th was sailed in a fresh easterly with a good deal of sea. The course 3 3/4 miles to windward & back twice around. The fleet split part going to the north into Stamford Harbor for smoother water & part out into the Sound in anticipation of a shift of wind. I took the offshore chance with GAME COCK [#932s]. The first time around the inshore boats had slightly the best of it & the second time still more the best of it. The shift of wind came just after we finished.
The other two races were fairly well reported so you have doubtless seen the results.
I have not sailed GAME COCK enough to know her & her sails might be better. Generally she seems as fast or faster than anything with the wind aft of the beam. She does her best work to windward in moderate weather, as it breezes on she seems to slide off bodily as compared with the others. I think she has less lateral plane than most of the other boats & of course her round hull does not get much grip on the water. I have wondered if perhaps the leg-o-mutton rig does not require more lateral plane as compared to sail area than the old rig? When I get the boat properly groomed & learn to get the most out of her she can do as well as any of the Sound boats. I don't know much about those at Marblehead. In the N.Y.Y.C. race on September 3rd sailed in something less than a full sail southerly two reaches & a run we reached YANKEE a little & she beat us a little on the wind. We finally beat her by 1 second. In one of the Eastern Y.C. lectures last winter the diameter of the mast with consequent disturbance of the wind currents was spoken of as a matter of importance. Do you think there is anything in it? The Scandinavians are all here preparatory to next weeks races. I had a pleasant chat with Mr[?] others[?] Anker[?] the other day but have only seen the rest in the distance.
I hope that you are well & that you are thinking out the new R for Junious some[?] [this will be #966s GRAYLING]." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30380. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-09-13.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Dear Mr. Morgan.
Please excuse my negligence in not acknowledging your kind letter of [September] 10th [1925]. I will be glad to advise about changes of launch [#282p CORSAIR] until I leave for the south and I shall in a few days begin the design for an R boat [#932s GAMECOCK] for you.
In relation to certain changes in Racing rules appertaining[?] to Measurements principally which I have to suggest I donot want to be considered as one making unnecessary trouble for the yacht owners or do it for any personal advantage. it is only to correct defects and get the Rules in best possible form, and have them so they will not produjest[?] the most desirable type of yacht.
To my mind such results can only be got at thru experimentation and to that end rules must necessarily be changed from time to time, so that manifest[?] improvements in type of yachts will at least be merited.
The general formula for obtaining rating I donot think can be improved, but I do think it unfortunate that the coefficient .18 had not been made .2 in the first place so the rating would be nearer to L in a normal boat. But a change now would not be desirable as the classification would have to be changed to kick yachts in their respective classes.
The present method of obtaining L I think very faulty and should be improved. The relation of Q.B. length to l.w.l. should not be dictated, but each should be taken at its value to produce the best type of yacht. There is no reason why q.b.l. should bear[?] a relation of 100% - sq-rt(lwl) and it is quite wrong to allow sharper water lines in large yachts than small ones. If a fixed relation between lwl and q.b.l. was desirable it would be better to have it the same in all sizes but it is not desirable.
Seeing the tendency to make the overhangs very flat in order to gain more useful length for racing that is not measured, I propose to take another length measurement in the same plane that Q.B.L. is taken in and then combine it with lwl and qbl to obtain L. I suggest that the plane from which all calculations are made be called 'Established waterline plane' instead of Load waterline plane, and the length taken in this plane be called 'Established waterline' (E.W.L.). The new measurement taken in plane 1/10 of breadth above be called Load waterline (L.w.l.).
Also. Change the name 'Quarter beam length' to 'Quarter breadth length' (Q.B.L.) as the time honored Breadth of Beam is the breadth at height of main beam and not at waterline.
The formula for obtaining L I propose shall be L = (LWL + EWL + 2*QBL) / 4.
In this formula I consider the three length measurements are taken at their relative values for racing and preventing the ends from becoming too flat for comfortable motion in a seaway. After experiments use it is still found bows are made too flat for easy motion in sea, the formula might be changed to L = (LWL + EWL + 3*QBL) / 5.
This of course does away with the formula 'Percentage + 100 - sq-rt(l.w.l.)'.
Limits and Penalties.
Draft of water is not used as a factor in measurement. The only object in having a limitation is for convenience in docking and navigation, both for easy motion at sea and ability to navigate in waters of restricted depth. The present limitation rule is simple, but does not fill the requirements properly. It allows an unnecessary amount of draft in small boats and not enough in yachts of intermediate classes.
As examples the 75 foot w.l. yachts SHAMROCK VANITIE and RESOLUTE [#725s] all had centreboards beside a full allowance of draft. ELENA [#706s] schooner had centreboard beside full allowance of draft.
To improve this limitation I suggest a modification of the rule as follows:-
When L is 16ft or under draft limit .25L
When L is between 16ft & 36 draft limit .22*(L=2.18)
[etc, etc]
In centreboard yachts draft when centreboard is up not to exceed .125L.
Penalty to overdraft to be as now ( 3 times excess added to Rating).
I am opposed to the limit put[?] and[?] displacement in divisor of Rating measurement formula.
I know it was advised and adopted without due amount of trial of the formula as it originally stood. It came about when to[?] P class yacht JOYANT [#709s] had made a very successful season at racing in command of Addison Hanan. Hanan was a very clever helmsman and had been winning out in other boats. After JOYANT's initial season under HANAN she never showed more than average speed but has always been considered a desirable type of yacht, excepting that she had excessive overhang and that might fairly have been attacked instead of displacement. Her cube-rt(D) / lwl = .23. VAGRANT [#719s] and class cube-rt(D) / lwl = .217. QUEEN MAB [ex #698s VAGRANT I] .2185.
FLYING CLOUD [#703s] and HASWELL [#743s] .22.
All I consider the most satisfactory yachts fit for deep sea cruising and at the same time fast enough to give good sport in racing.
Another consideration is Yachts built to Lloyd's Rules are so heavy in hull construction that it is quite necessary to have cube-rt(D) / L more than 20% * lwl + .5 in order to carry sufficient amount of ballast.
I hope to see this limitation expurgated from the rules.
The restriction of position of mainmast in (two-masted) schooners to aft of 53% of water line length has no justification and is a devv[?] strict against improvement[?].
My experience indicates that the best possible position for the mainmast is a little forward of what the rule allows. Can any one give a good reason why the position of the mainmast should be restricted? Often the layout of cabin or of deck beams & framing would ask for a position against the ruling. I think it difficult to make any just ruling for placing the mast and it better be left free for future developments. A tentative ruling might be that the centre of mast be not forward of centre of displacement and when in that position the schooners rating to be 95% of that of a sloop rig. If the mast is farther aft each % of w.l. length shall be deducted from 95% rating. That would make the rating with mast in present restricted position about 92% of sloops rating.
The height limit of jib-headed or leg-o-mutton mainsail I should make universal for for[?] any rig and make the upper point of measurement for any sail (including club topsails) from the deck as follows:
Single masted yachts not over 1.8*sq-rt(S)
Two masted yachts not over 1.5*sq-rt(S)
Triple masted yachts not over 1.4*sq-rt(S)
Having a plus constant in the present rule is quite a mistake, as any one can see. [Undated. Reference to 'letter of 10th' shows this to be a response to Junius Morgan's September 10, 1925 letter to NGH and thus would suggest that NGH wrote this about September 15, 1925.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_31080. Subject Files, Folder 30, formerly 10-15. 1925-09-(ca15 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Original letter:] George [Nichols] told you over the telephone last night about 'GAMECOCK's' [#932s] victory yesterday. The boat went perfectly, was first at the start and was never headed. The course called for a reach, a long beat and a short run, and she seemed to gain on all three legs. The wind was somewhere between fifteen and twenty-five knots and though somewhat puffy was fairly true as to direction. The gear stood splendidly and you can well be pleased with the boat.
George tells me that the model for my new 'R' boat [this will be #966s GRAYLING] is nearly finished and, if it suits you, I should like to come to Bristol on Sunday morning and have a chance to talk to you for a couple of hours about it and other yachting matters. As you can imagine, I shall be very much interested to see it and shall look forward with pleasure to coming down.
I am only sorry that we had to wait until the last race of the season to really show what 'GAMECOCK' could do; but there is no question about her being one of the fastest, if not the fastest, of the Class in the Sound." (Source: Morgan, Junius S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_18360. Correspondence, Folder 50, formerly 181. 1925-09-28.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections on sans-serif 'Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Bristol, R.I.' stationery. Titled 'From a copy of GAME COCK (932) [#932s] model. Sept[ember] 28, 1925. With calculations arring at a total displacement of 178cuft [= 11392lbs]. [These sections were drawn by NGH in during the design of #966s GRAYLING.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_03350. Folder [no #]. 1925-09-28.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I telephoned you last night partly because I suspected, as proved true, that you were at work on the new 'R' boat model [Model 225 at HMM for what will be #966s GRAYLING], and wanted you to know of 'GAME COCK's' [#932s] performance under conditions in which we hoped she would do well.
Junius steered her yesterday so that I could devote all my attention to trimming the sheets and to tactics. The latter were not particularly important as it turned out, for while the wind varied more or less in strength and direction, these differences were about averaged. The newspaper account of the race was in this morning's Herald which you doubtless have.
We started first with good way on and worked out a lead of about thirty seconds over 'FIFI' at first mark. On the windward leg after the first mile, when we went to the South and 'ARDETTE' to the West, we kept close company with her as we considered her the most dangerous of our opponents under the conditions. Following your suggestion, I did not trim 'GAME COCK' very flat, but let her foot so that she did not hold quite as high as 'ARDETTE', but more than made this up by speed through the water and gained perhaps fifteen or twenty seconds on the windward leg. The rest we gained running home dead before the wind.
'BARBARA' --- an Alden boat sailed by Clifford Mallory ---was with 'ARDETTE' and 'GAME COCK' to within a mile of the weather mark when she split with us and probably gained something by doing so, as she caught 'ARDETTE' at the mark.
The wind, I estimated at fifteen to twenty-five miles. At any rate, the puffs were heavy and even in the lulls the wind was so strong that we never had 'GAME COCK' hard full on the entire windward leg." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30270. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-09-28.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) letter on 'N.G. Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I.' stationery:] Thank you for your letter of 28th [September 1925] describing GAME COCK's [#932s] sail on Sunday. I have also your telegram and will be pleased to see you Saturday evening. If you are coming thru from New York on the one o'clock train, it should be in Providence at 5-6, just in time to take the Bristol train at 5-15 from the east end of the Station and we will expect you to have supper with us at 6-30.
The new model [Model 225 at HMM for what will be #966s GRAYLING] is finished and I rather like the appearance of it, but [it] is rather large for light weather.
Very sincerely yours, ..." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.90. Correspondence, Folder 30, formerly 179. 1925-09-30.)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections with tracing marks titled 'From finished model of R class boat for J.S. Morgan [#966s GRAYLING] Sept[ember] 30, 1925. Q.b.l. 25ft 2 1/4. Lwl 26ft 8in'. With scantlings. With calculations arriving at a displacement of 209cuft [= 13316lbs] and a wetted surface of 239sqft and a sail limit of 590sqft. With two displacement curves, one marked '#932 [GAMECOCK]'. On verso (with sans-serif 'Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Bristol, R.I.' letterhead) another set of pencilled pantograph hull sections titled 'R class. From finished model for J.S. Morgan's R boat. Scale 3/4in. 26ft 8in w.l. Sept[ember] 29, 1925' and note 'Model cut away. See other side'. With calculations arring at a total displacement of 213.5cuft [= 13664lbs]." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_03330. Folder [no #]. 1925-09-30.)
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"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan HH.5.05586 (076-150). Blueprint construction plan with inboard profile, plan view and sections titled 'No 966 [#966s GRAYLING]. R Class Boat for J.S. Morgan. Oct. 1925'. With note 'Rig to be Duplicate of No. 932 [#932s] as GAME COCK was adjusted July, 1925 except Backstay Rod Holders'. With penciled note 'GRAYLING. Launched May 1926'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Blueprint. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0130. WRDT04, Folder O.S. 2, formerly MRDE02. 1925-10.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I was pleased when at Bristol the other day that the Company has an order for a Class 'R' racing boat [#?s] in addition to the one just placed by Junius Morgan [#966s GRAYLING]. I was, however, disturbed this morning to learn from George that it was your intention to reproduce 'GAME COCK' [#932s].
'GAME COCK is a good boat --- I believe as fast as anything in the Sound this year & the best of the lot. The new boat is a far more finished design than 'GAME COCK' and should beat her, although the large size is of course something of an experiment. It seems to me a wasted opportunity to exactly duplicate 'GAME COCK', though I can see there is some saving in cost in doing so." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30260. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-10-08.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I am glad to have your letter of the 9th, and have no serious objection to the shop duplicating 'GAME COCK' [#932s] if you have not. I do think, however, that it is poor policy for them to do so. Couldn't they shift the ends a little to do away with the quarter beam penalty and give her a little more lateral plane either by moving the stern post aft or increasing the draft, and still get most of the advantage from using the same moulds? I am very desirous of seeing the Herreshoff-built boats win. You may, or may not, think it worth while to hand on this suggestion to the shop.
Junius is very much interested in his new boat [#966s GRAYLING], and is very pleased with her model. It is gratifying that he takes so much interest in design as well as just sailing, and I hope you will encourage him to keep it up. He makes sailing models himself and is improving fast.
While it is a bit early to make definite plans, I want very much to bring 'CAROLINA' [#721s] out next year with a leg-o'mutton rig, and hope not to be handicapped in designing it by necessity of using more of her present gear than fits. If she had no gear at all and you were rigging her to race against the time scale with particular reference to the Astor and King's Cups, what would you give her? Under the Rule, she must have a straight mast." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30250. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1925-10-13.)
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"[Item Description:] Typewritten list captioned 'New Q Boats', 'Old Q Boats', 'New R Class boats', and 'Old R Class boats'. Marked in pencil '1926 - (or 25?)'. Providing a list of new and old Q- and R-boats, and on two separate sheets of paper, summary data by designer (Burgess Swasey & Paine being most successful) and builder (Lawley being most successful). The only Herreshoff-built boats on the list are 'Q1 SPINDRIFT [#892s ex-GRAYLING] [owned by] J.V. Santry, [designed by] N.G. Herreshoff [and built by] Herreshoff' and 'R24 GAMECOCK [#932s] [owned by] Nichols & Morgan, [designed by] N.G. Herreshoff [and built by] Herreshoff'." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item WRDT06_01150. Typewritten List. Folder [no #]. 1926 (or 1925).)
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"[Item Transcription:] I am very glad to receive your letter regarding
'CAROLINA' [#721s].
As there does not seem to be much chance of racing, I incline to try the short mast which will certainly be better for general sailing. Later, if racing should develop, 'CAROLINA' can return to Bristol and the long mast can be put in and stayed under your personal supervision.
Enclosed cutting describes Saturday's Larchmont race as well as I can. I have the impression that 'GRAYLING' [#966s] is going to prove a slightly better boat than 'GAME COCK' [#932s], but it is too early to say much definitely. 'GRAYLING's' mast is somewhat more limber than 'GAME COCK's', and the difficulty from the point of view of the set of the sail seems to be that it does not bend in a true curve so that in a breeze there is a hard line cross the sail from the point where the fore-stay is attached to the end of the boom. Also, of course, the mast-head goes to leeward as well as back so that we lose the driving power to some extent.
Last week, a mast which [Rufus] Murray made last year for 'SECRET' and which weighs 105 pounds came into the market. As it has not had a step cut and I found that it would fit either 'GRAYLING' or 'GAME COCK', I bought it, thinking that in our informal trials between the two boats, you might think it worth while to put it into one or the other of them to see what happens.
Junius sailed for home on Saturday and I feel sure will be greatly pleased with 'GRAYLING' and the launch [#381p?]." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29790. Subject Files, Folder 26, formerly 10-15. 1926-05-17.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I thank you for your letter of May 8th, which I should have acknowledged sooner, but have had little time to attend to yachting matters.
'CAROLINA' [#721s] has been ready to go overboard for ten days now, but has been blocked in the Yard so that I shall not have her to sail home the end of next week as I had hoped.
As I understand, you are to be home June 4th.
I have ordered her overboard, the mast stepped and rigged tentatively so that when you get home, you can go over the rigging and see that everything is right by actual trial before she leaves.
Both Charles [Nystrom] and Paine think that the present Marconi mainsail can be cut over to fit the straight mast and make a satisfactory sail. Have told them, however, not to do anything with it until you get home and can personally direct the operation. For a cruising or heavy weather sail, I think that an old mainsail can be cut over so that its head will come at about the point the fore-stay is attached to the mast. Have therefore suggested that a heavy section of track be put on at this point and also at the masthead. Have also told them to get ready a pair of light topmast back-stays which can be carried up and down the mast, when not necessary but will be available to steady the top of it should we be caught in a sea-way with short canvas.
I am sorry not to have 'CAROLINA' out, but shall have little opportunity to use her until at least the middle of June, so hope you will not mind taking charge of the job for me.
The forward strut which carried the halyard was not very practical, as the block on the end of the halyard would not in practice pass through it as intended. I think there is a good deal to be said in favor of a halyard rig with two sheaves, a block on the sail and both ends on deck. One particular advantage I hope to gain from this new rig is ability to handle the boat with a crew of four men instead of six, so want everything worked out in as handy a manner as possible.
Your sketch of a bolt for spinnaker halyard block would not be passed by our present Measurer. He made us take it off the 'GAME COCK' [#932s]." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30470. Subject Files, Folder 27, formerly 10-15. 1926-05-21.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten signed letter:] The reports which I have to make to you about 'GRAYLING's' [#966s] performances and races are both good and bad.
On Monday she won on a course from Execution Rock to Parsonage Point to Weeks Point and home; the wind was southwest and about twelve knots. I got the best of the start and she went away from everybody on the first leg and continued the good work on the second leg, which was the beat. On the run home she increased her lead still further, so that her performance was one of continually drawing further ahead of the rest of the Class. Saturday I arrived very late at the starting line and had to start the race with the sails badly set, owing to lack of time to get them properly set up beforehand. The course was the same as the previous Monday, weather cold with an east wind of about twenty knots and quite a lump of a sea. I was last boat most of the way around, but picked up one place on the way home. The fault on Saturday was mine and not the boat's and I am just as pleased with her as before. Yesterday afternoon I had a chance to sail in a fairly strong southeasterly breeze and tried out the rigging, which I have put on in an attempt to stiffen the mast. It seems to improve it but, not being a technical man, I am not entirely happy in my mind about it. What would you advise? It seems to me that there are two alternatives. One is to have a mast somewhat similar to the present one & which is built stiff enough. The other is to have a considerably lighter mast, say about one hundred pounds, with the necessary rigging to hold it. If you were willing to design a light mast, and have it built under your supervision, I should be inclined to suggest trying it, but I felt that the question is one which you can best answer for me and I am putting it in your hands.
Very sincerely yours ... [With a handwritten PS:] P.S. George [Nichols] with GAMECOCK [#932s] did rather better, but the class split into two divisions, one going over into the Sound and getting a lift, the other staying along the NY shore. He beat all the boats near him, and sailed through the lee of them to do it! " (Source: Morgan, Junius S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30840. Subject Files, Folder 29, formerly 10-15. 1926-06-07.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten letter on 'N.G. Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I.' stationery:] I was pleased to get your letters of 5th & 7th. You certainly made a very nice race [with #966s GRAYLING] on Monday and it is unfortunate you were not quite ready at the starting on Saturday as the conditions (of wind & sea) were what I would expect the GRAYLING would do well, --- also George in [#932s] GAME COCK --- but as you describe it he did do well these boats that selected the same waters.
When Chas Nystrom first wrote me that GRAYLING's mast did not stand well, as it appeared weak about at the rigging, I proposed to him, after another trial, to be sure of the weakness, --- to put in short spreaders for rather light shrouds to start from 4' or 5' below the mast head and go to chainplates that would be a foot & onehalf forward of the main chainplates. This would assist the mast sufficiently without holding it rigidly straight. This is very nearly what you have done as I understand it, --- the difference being that you have brought the lower end of stay into the mast.
My choice would be to have a second mast simply stayed as was the first one but with the diameter increased where the present one now bends. However, if you prefer to have a light mast with multiple staying I will make the design for it.
In regard to the measurement rules, it does seem to me there are several things that should be changed (or improved) and brought up to the present requirements of yacht racing. Such changes should be made in time to apply to all new yachts for the coming season, but not fully to yachts already in existance --- a period of one, two or three years being allowed, depending on the character of change, --- before the new rules would affect all yachts. For instance the change of quarterbeam measurement and adding another length measurement I had suggested, might apply to all, old & new, but allowing free[?] topsails, to new craft at once, but on old ones after a period of say two years." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.115. Correspondence, Folder 31, formerly 180. 1926-06-08.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Thank you for your letter of June 23rd.
'GRAYLING' [#966s] spent last week on the ways, having the white paint scraped off and some green put on. The new paint seems to give a very good bottom and, unless it goes bad too, I shall stick to it for the rest of the season. Unfortunately the number of times I can haul is somewhat limited and it was necessary to take this drastic step rather than try a new lot of the white. I saw the white paint on 'CAROLINA' [#721s] and it seemed very good, as also does that on 'GAMECOCK' [#932s], so I am at a loss to explain its misbehavior on 'GRAYLING'.
On the question of the mast, I will try to manage to send 'GRAYLING' to Bristol, provided that before she goes there the mast is all ready to step. If Charles Nystrom can tell me when that will be, I will see what arrangements can be made to send the boat down." (Source: Morgan, Junius S. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_30960. Subject Files, Folder 29, formerly 10-15. 1926-06-28.)
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"[Item Transcription:] GAME COCK' [#932s] should have arrived in Bristol last night or at least some time today. I asked Charles [Nystrom] to have her hauled out immediately on arrival, and want to put her over Monday morning. I want to get the best racing bottom I can for the races off Newport on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Generally speaking, would favor simply rubbing her down and not painting, but believe she has almost no paint on her bottom. Would much appreciate it if you would look her over and give directions as to what should be done for my account.
I now hope to take the night train from New York Sunday and to arrive in Bristol Monday morning. Janie is coming with me to visit friends in Newport while I race, so we will probably have breakfast in Providence and come down shortly after. Am looking forward to seeing you.
CAROLINA's [#721s] success on the cruise under your rig has persuaded Clinton Crane, who has bought GRAYLING [#715s], Harry Maxwell and Hanan [#712s SPARTAN] to do something similar for next season, and has also, I understand, shown Harold Vanderbilt and others the advantages of the sloop rig. I hope the Yard will get some work out of this latter interest, but understand Harold has already been talking with you about it, so you doubtless know more than I do." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29720. Subject Files, Folder 26, formerly 10-15. 1926-09-09.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I have been waiting for an opportunity to write you about the 'R' boat races. They were excellent sport and, I think, on the whole satisfactory. It seemed to me fairly evident that condition and handling had more to do with the standing of the various boats at the finish than the design. The Long Island Sound skippers were doubtless more bothered by the roll than were those from Marblehead, and like all Easterly winds, the strength was decidedly uneven. 'GAME COCK' [#932s] was fortunate to get into the final races, but once there, should have done better and I am quite disgusted with myself.
I hope she has left Bristol this morning and will be down for Saturday's race --- the final of the season. After that, I hope to get some chances during October to sail match races with Junius --- I taking 'GRAYLING' [#966s] and he 'GAME COCK'.
I believe he is thinking of another boat like 'GRAYLING' but smaller, but have heard nothing of the details.
I hope that your and Commodore Munroe's houses have not been damaged by the Florida gale, and hope you will let me know what the situation there is." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29760. Subject Files, Folder 26, formerly 10-15. 1926-09-23.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Typewritten signed 8-page letter:] All the suggestions in your letter seem very reasonable to me and I am very willing to incorporate them in a design for you [that will eventually become #1053s PUFFIN --- to Junius Morgan's own design]. You must understand however that with these modifications you will not get the extreme clipper which I may make for some one else, I will not take an order from any one else for an 'R' boat down the Sound though unless you definitely decide not to build.
I am now going to discuss some of your suggestions but only in hope that it will be of interest to you and not in an attempt to influence you to change your requirements. I will take them up in the order they are mentioned in your letter of Oct. 4.
# 1 Hull- If the hull is given a larger beam-length ratio it will give the boat more wetted surface compared to lateral resistance,- it will decrease the percentage of ballast weight, (the hull wood work will weigh more). Increase in beam makes it much harder to get the Q. B. L. [Quarter Beam Length] in comfortably.
If the W. L. beam is 6ft-6in or more it will be necessary to use the conventional transom but as your boat would be kept in a part of the country where people christen anything new as a freak it may be well to stick to the conventional.
The reasons for the pointed stern are that it [p. 2] in creases the length of the immersed displacement when sailing, (these boats sail on quite a level keel and make a large wave under the quarter). This is particularly so when reaching and the YANKEE did not at all take advantage of this following quarter wave.
The pointed stern is cheaper to build and lighter. When people get accustomed to it I am sure they will think it also much handsomer. As for sea-worthiness the double-ender is far superior in a following sea as it resists pooping. This may make someone laugh who has not had this experience but I was once washed right away from the tiller and knocked down in the cockpit of a small boat by a following coamer. These things make an impression on one. In every way I consider a length to beam ratio of more than 4 a mistake when a boat is to have a high, narrow rig for if the beam is more than that the hull will not have enough tendency to swing off to counteract the strong luffing tendency the high narrow rig has. The wide boat when knocked down will at times get out of control and come up in the wind. In fact experience and careful observation show that the narrow boat is the safest, dryest, cheapest and fastest. The narrow boat under either the Universal or International rule has the most headroom. This is unquestionably the most necessary dimension for comfort.
Of late years there have been numerous people who have preached the desirability of great beam. They have spoken of Capt. Slocum's SPRAY, whaling ships, etc.
[p. 3] They never seem to mention Capt. Voss' TILIKUM with length to beam ratio of almost 8 or speak of how much more comfortable one of our modern destroyers would be than a whaling ship if traveling at the rate of 10 miles per hour against a full gale. I believe that the ease with which a boat can be handled is nearly in direct proportion to its sail area, all other things being equal. If this is so it is interesting to note that in the R and Q classes the S. A., and beam have remained the same since since before leg-o-mutton sails were adopted; the length and room (displacement) though, have been greatly increased making the boats much better than they were. If some new invention is made which increases the efficiency of sails for their measured area, the boats will again make an increase in length and room. I thank the Lord we have a rule which allows a hull which can be changed to best fit the requirements of sail plan. Some people think that a woman and a sail boat must be short, homely and heavily built to have good qualities; I don't belong to this school.
The web frame construction used on YANKEE was worked out after considerable study to make it possible to build a boat which would retain her designed shape during and after construction. It is also much stronger, slightly lighter and cheaper to build. It also holds a much smoother bottom. I am now designing a power boat which is being built with this construction and I shall probably use it in all types of boats, cruising or racing later. I think it will work out fine in big boats.
If you have your boat built at Bristol it will [p. 4] probably be best to use the old fashioned construction for they use a mold for every frame which is a help in holding shape, at least during the first part of the time. Also at Bristol there is no one of intelligence actively in charge of construction now so that to use anything new would be practically impossible.
Rig- For several years I have been trying to work out a stream-lined shape mast either swiveling or stationary. So far the only solution to the problem I have been able to make has been the one I sent you. This is principally on account of construction reasons. I will try again to work out something along the line you suggest but it will probably be necessary to use a mast almost exactly like YANKEE's but with a strut for forestay. I approve of making the fore triangle larger as you suggest but I do not at all approve of the loose footed jib which necessitates cutting the foot very high to make it set. With a jib like the GAMECOCK [#932s] carried at Newport it is useless to think of trying to race for the amount of wind which escapes down and under it as appalling. Of course driving force is only acquired from wind driven toward the stern and any that escapes is a loss. The boom on the YANKEE was designed to stop the down-flow of air and I noticed that you had one on GRAYLING [#966s] which was similar but not quite as efficient for the purpose.
In your letter you did not suggest any dimensions. This being the case how do you like these which I am giv[ing] beside those of YANKEE?
[p. 5] New Boat; YANKEE
L.W.L.; 26.25ft; 26ft
L.O.A.; 38.ft; 37ft
W.L. Beam; 6.50ft; 6.42ft
Ex. Beam; 7ft; 6.75ft
Measured S. A.; 590 sq.ft.; 592
Actual S. A.; 625; 622
When I consider all the things which we are not going to do in this new boat it seems as if we were leaning backward when we are trying to go ahead. Nevertheless I am willing to try this practically impossible proposition of trying to gain speed without decreasing resistance or increasing driving power. Of course the boat will have to have perfect sails and be well sailed or she won't beat YANKEE.
I hear that Mr. Mallory and his followers are making another attempt to have the Universal rule discarded and the International rule adopted for the measurement of racing boats in this country. If they are successful I am afraid the result will be a great disaster to yachting in general for the following reasons:-
(1) Uncertainty about the rule is discouraging many people and keeping some I know of from building.
(2) The building of boats under Lloyds rule is so complicated that their cost will be prohibitive.
(3) Lloyds rules were originally gotten up by a body of men who are principally familiar with ship construction. There are so many alternatives in them that it is practically impossible to have two boats by different designers come anywhere near the same weight and strength. A designer will have to become a sea-lawyer, politician and grafter [p. 6] to get any satisfaction from their stupid inspectors.
(4) It will be easy to build terrible freaks and unsafe boats which will win under the International rule.
(5) The International rule being an addition rule, it is possible to build boats with large sails and small hulls or others with large hull measurements and small sails so that the boats never finish close together in different weather conditions. In fact the rule is so poor that the British do not even use it in their large classes. (Note: the BRITANIA, LULWORTH, WHITE HEATHER, SHAMROCK AND WESTWARD [#692s] raced together under arbitrary handicaps with no measurement all summer.)
(6) If the Sound clubs adopt this foolish International rule they probably will have to race with themselves for it is unlikely that any other locality will actually build boats to it even if their representatives are misguided and do vote for its adoption.
If some one could only explain to these people that our Universal Role is developing a type of boat which is as large, safe, dry, comfortable for its sail area and that all good boats which are well sailed always finish close together in any breeze, they might realize the great harm they are doing in stopping this good development.
Some bolshevists down the sound have started the cry that the Universal rule is developing an unwholesome type of boat. The common people who do not stop to think have taken up the cry and are making great heroes of anyone who can think of new imaginary complaints against it.
[p. 7] So far their complaints are that the the freeboard is too small, the beam too narrow and length too great. Before they had run amock some one should have explained to them that freeboard is only required to keep the boat dry and to keep the lee rail from going under water. In these respects the 'R' boats are superior to any other type of boat. Beam and length I have discussed above.
Some of them have said the 'R' boats would not make a desirable type of boat if scaled up to 50ft rating. Of course large boats are always built [to] different proportions from small ones, besides the rule calls for different proportions but at any rate if a large boat were made as much like an 'R' boat as possible under the rule she certainly would be a beautiful thing and have accommodation enough to comfortably carry all her gear and live aboard of. In other words she would have the same S. A. and freeboard as present fifties, her displacement or room might be 40% more, she would be stiffer, dryer and faster, much easier in a sea and practically never have to shorten sail, in fact a far superior yacht to any we have ever had. Another complaint they make is that the boats are getting bigger and bigger every year. This of course is only because the driving power per square foot of sail has been increased. I consider this a fine thing and hope it will increase still more. If the boats in a certain class have increased in expense more than a certain person's pocket book can stand he should go into the next smaller class. It is high time an open designed 'S' class was started on the Sound anyway, as they would have slightly larger hulls than 6 metre [p. 8] boats, be cheaper, faster and in every way better, our rule cannot be beaten and we cannot increase our sail area for rating. (See table of S. A. for classes 'S', 'R' and 'Q' on page 154 of 'Elements of Yacht Design').
I beg your pardon for writing you this long drawn-out letter but some of the subjects touched on excite me particularly at this time when I have just heard that the Advisory Committee of the N. Y. R. A. is going to put a vote before the next meeting to adopt the International rule.
As soon as I get a reply to this letter I will start on some drawing for you and am agreeable to the understanding in the last paragraph of your letter of Oct. 4.
Yours very truly, ..." (Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.97. Correspondence, Folder 34, formerly 183. 1926-10-07.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Hard at it, mining[?] in the [Hurricane] wreckage haff[?].
The other half day at things possibly none important but I now have all my models except SAMAR and of yours 2. One small transom steer[?] & the other GAME COCK [#932s] I think. [Apparently belonging to #907s PLEASURE:] One boom 20.10, the other 17.4. Spinaker & # 2 jib & one other sail unknown, boom crutch. T. sq[uare], sculling oar, s[crew] driver, scraper (old file), 3 hack saws, I saw set, 5 drills, 3 clamps, 1 putty k[nife], 1 bank saw, pat swips[?], pipe wrench, small hammer, claw h[ammer], ny[?] sqr[?], solid triangle, brale[?], m[arlin] spike, 1 small vice, 2 oil stones, piano plane. Box of odds & ends. All but the latter found here under wreck of home by Patty. Says there is more under there. Will jack up & look for them. Have gotten were[?] washed in fresh water, dried & then oiled. Wish mine were[?]. The house mover quit his job and we got some jack screws & crows[?] from Matheson, to begin tomorrow morning. Erwin[?] will begin with us and then give what time he can from other jobs when the rain is still pouring through roofs. Am sending another list of things salvaged. Am afraid the rest of the lost stuff will have to be abandoned more or less as some blankets found this morning were already rotted. Shaft, wheel & friction cone ring O.K. but haven;t located motor. All the halliards of main mast & other metal work O.L. Matheson has taken the matter of purchase under consideration & seems favorably inclined.
As you know all conditions of the railway so well it might be well to have you provide at least a new frame for the drum & gearing, part of which is now having cost me $60. Can't send you paper pattern of one of the two side frames to which you can add another bearing for the new countershaft: What think you? The foliage is coming out beautiful which gives encouragement. Good wishes,
Sincerely ...
There are undoubtedly more things in our pile of stuff wemf[?] which will have to await sorting." (Source: Munroe, R.M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_41250. Correspondence, Folder 85, formerly 102. 1926-10-12.)
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"[Item Description:] have been looking over the record of this seasons R class racing in the Sound, championship was practically a tie between BOBCAT designed by Sherman Hoyt for Bob Meyer and ARDELLE designed by Mower, both sailed 17 championship races 16 were necessary to qualify), BOBCAT is very similar to [#932s] GAMECOCK in section but is shorter 24 1/2' & a little wider, ARDELLE is a very moderate boat in every way 25' by just over 7', GAMECOCK's record is also interesting, she started seven times only in championship races, she won three, was second once & fifth twice, in the seventh race I withdrew because I had two small nephews on board whom I had to take home & the weather was threatening, ..., since we got back from Newport GAMECOCK has sailed in four races & won three, weather moderate to very light in each case, one was a windward and leeward race with [#966s] GRAYLING, one a similar race with GRAYLING & ARDELLE, the other two had most of of the fleet & were reported in the [New York] Herald so you doubtless saw the results, the race GAMECOCK lost GRAYLING won & as Clarence[?] was on GAMECOCK he will have told you of it, the wind was so light & steady the final result was not important, but what interested me was that twice in that race GRAYLING started a windward leg on ARDELLE's lee beam & worked right out ahead of her while in close quarters, it is apparent that both GAMECOCK & GRAYLING are at least as good as any of the Sound boats & which is the better I don't know, GAMECOCK has made much the better record but can't help feeling GRAYLING ought to beat her, I hope to hear what your plans are for the winter, as I was very sorry to hear from Charles [Nystrom] that you would[?] had[?] gone" (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29740. Subject Files, Folder 26, formerly 10-15. 1926-10-12.)
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"[Item Transcription:] Can report progress this past week tho hampered towards the last by orders to remove what we wanted from the wreckage as it was to be burnt tomorrow. Last Wednesday however, as the house movers[?] failed again to appear, we borrowed wedges & jack screws from Matheson and Bob Erwin's big truck to haul with & a lot steel wire & rope etc. and with our house carpenter who helped move the [Biscayne Bay Yacht] Club House, Wirth as boss & trick driver & Eddy Buwin[?] went at the job & last evening it was within a few ft of its old posit on & by tomorrow night should be ready for underpinning which will be more substantiated than before, tho nothing short of solid mahogany & steel would even withstand the onslaught of wind & sea that existed that forenoon. Stuck a good wire in the wreckage yesternoon[?], model of SAMAR, one of yours [for #932s GAMECOCK?] marked 'not built from' & all the templates for same, some 1/2 dry picture frames, and at the very end of the work and down under the largest pile was the telescope undamaged.
SUNSET's mizzen mast but broken. A few more hours tomorrow morning and we will dismiss the subject of recovery on any material except what may still be in Gardiner's or my own place. I have gotten several truck loads of timber among which the carpenters bench.
Haven't heard yet about steel construction & probably won't along lines that I would want & will stick to concrete & wood.
Have just made tracings of the broken hoist gear frame & am enclosing it simply as a guide. Do what you think best about including the second counter shaft in the frame, we had it in two boxes bolted to the main wooden frame but it was a trifle low to crank from. If about 8in high from base it would be better. Have given diameters of gears to include teeth which are approx. 1/2in deep. You will allow proper clearance and the shaft-holes a trifle larger won't hurt I imagine. Length of drum shaft inside of bearings 19in. Bearings 1 3/4 long. I think a plain plate design flanged at base & bored[?] out at bearing holes & bolt holes at each of the 4 corners is all sufficient. One pattern answering for both.
[October] 18th. Callers yesterday P.M. prevented mailing this. Am enclosing the tracing of old gear frame. Yours of 15th just at hand & note your suggestion of either a new or 2nd hand hoist. I had just paid an exorbitant price of $60 for countershaft which you will notice in sketch. This gives more power than necessary and is too slow by cranking but had in mind electric motor when ordering it. The drum gear & pinion proved strong enough to break the frame but I would feel better if the whole affair were heavier, but having spent so much on it, concluded that a one[?] pattern answering for either side with no machine work but drilling of any consequence would do for us. However if a bargain can be gotten go ahead on that line & I will repair the old one at leisure here. If so please return tracing. Have just measured the recovered sails. I mainsail 16ft 5in on foot. 1 jib 29ft 4in on head, 14ft on foot, 20ft leach. The other two are Spinaker & No. 2 jib. The only other spares are the two booms. H. Matheson is very busy with his father & A.C. James on their estates, will see him some. Our idea is for you to have the Hine cottage which will be in old place by tomorrow night but facing the Bay. Just pack up & come right here at any time. Plumbing may old up the cottage only for a short time & we have plenty of outfit. Finest of weather." (Source: Munroe, R.M. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_41170. Correspondence, Folder 85, formerly 102. 1926-10-17.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I was very glad to have your letter of the 16th, and more sorry than I can say that the storm wiped out your little house. Commodore Monroe is doubtless insured and I feel sure will provide an equally good one; but it is most distressing to lose all your belongings. It looks as if Providence intended that I should some day have that model of 'GAME COCK' [#932s] when you are through with it.
Charles came in last night and showed me the 55 foot model [Model 1319 for #192607es]. She is a very nice looking boat, but I rather think they are trying to get too much of both sail and accommodation for the water-line length, and that, as in the case of 'AVENGER' [#666s], someone will come along and order a racing yacht without limitation, which will win the important races and consequently breed dissatisfaction. I wish that prospective builders would name their sail area and number of crew, and leave the dimensions and design to you. They would, in my opinion, get better and more satisfactory boats." (Source: Nichols, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29770. Subject Files, Folder 26, formerly 10-15. 1926-10-21.)
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"[Item Description:] Handwritten (in ink and pencil) comparison table giving o.a.L, l.w.l, beam, beam at waterline, beam 1/10b above waterline, draft, depth at various positions, outside lead, freeboard at stem head and other positions, displacement to LWL, frame space (2.2*(D)^1/3)^.9 and other factors (I, II, III, IV), keel thick, stem sided, transverse thick, timbers, plankfloors, lead bolts, planking, diag. straps, clamps, deckbeams, deck, belt frames, rudder stock for the following boats #744 Class (Buzzards Bay Boys Boats 1914), #788 Class (Fish Class 1916), #679 DELIGHT (1908), #699 BIBELOT (1910), #828 Class S (1920), #874 CYGNET (6 meter 1922), #718 ALERION (1912 Centreboard), #932 GAME COCK (R class 1925), #727 Class (Newport 29s COMET 1914), #892 GRAYLING (Q Class 1923), #708 CORINTHIAN (P Class 1911), #773 Class (NYYC 40s 1916), #867 VENTURA (1921 Centreboard), #711 Class (NYYC 50s 1913), #625 DORIS (1905). Undated, 1925 or later given the mention of #932 GAMECOCK. Probably 1927 in preparation for NGH's Rules for Wooden Yachts." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Handwritten Table. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_06960. Folder [no #]. No date (1927 ??).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Penciled letter to HMCo, marked 'copy' in ink:] Referring to mine of 11th and again taking up subject of PLEASURE [#907s]. I hoped to get a reply to day. Perhaps it is on the way. I have a letter from Burgess R[igg] & M[organ] in which they say they have had more inquiries about her than any other boat on their lists but all replies they have had 'the price is too high'.
In your letter of 8th you say $3840.90 had been credited me for my services on RESOLUTE [#725s] re-rig. I consider that too much and unreasonable, and it is with my entire concent[sic] that it be placed at $1,000.
PLEASURE was billed to me at $5340.94.
There has been credited to me on this account $1500 for design work on GAME COCK [#932s] and GRAYLING [#966s], and for my work on RESOLUTE's re-rig. I think $1000 a fair & reasonable credit. Making total of $2500,00.
Leaving my indebtedness to HMCo $2840.04.
I feel I have had a lot of pleasure in sailing her and feel more than repaid for what I have laid out in working & refitting and I now will be pleased to have the H.M.Co. take her off my hands, delivered in New York for this amount --- which will close up this account. This will allow you to put her in the market at a price that she will quickly sell. Please wire me reply." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter (copy) to Brightman, Tom (Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.). Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_29100. Subject Files, Folder 21. 1927-04-18.)
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"[Item Transcription:] I was most pleased to receive your letter regarding my sloop ANITA [#734s] which as you know was the VITESSA owned by the late Galen Stone at Marion, Mass. About ten years ago I bought the sister boat MINK [#733s] from Mr. Emmons and in my opinion these boats are the best day sailing craft ever designed. For a combination of comfort, ability, easy handling and appearance I have never seen their equal. I would never have sold MINK if I thought I could not buy one of the others and it was years before I got VITESSA after Mr. Stone died.
Mr. Dabney kept his boat BAGATELLE [#736s] until about two years ago. She is now on Great South Bay. Another of these boats [#738s WHITE CAP, later ARIA] was around New Bedford for years. She had a new cabin house with berths, galley & w.c. and water tight cockpit put in.
There were four boats not three as you mention. I put in ANITA the mast, rigging & sails of the 6 metre LEA in same mast step as old rig. She now has about 500 sqft as against old gaff rig 550, but of course we now use a 6 metre genoa jib and somewhat larger spinnaker. She is improved with this new rig especially in light air to windward. We have beaten Class R GAMECOCK [#932s] and POLLYANNA, most of the older 6 metres and raceabout MAY QUEEN [#514s], and in very light air with spinnaker ANITA is marvelous, sailing as fast as many racing boats nearly twice her size.
We won Larchmont Y.C. race week four years out of five and in the New York A. C. Block Island Race won 2 firsts, 2 seconds, 1 third out of five sarts. The WASAKA [#619s] you mention is the same old boat. I sailed her a few times several years ago. She is quite flat and powerful but fast. The MUMSEY ex PLEASURE [#907s] was owned by George Ratsey who sold her to Harry Maxwell and she changed owners trice since. She was a sweet boat with more cabin and less cockpit than ANITA but had less stability and was not as fast. I hear that Olin Stephens will get a contract from Harold Vanderbilt to design a cup defender Class J for 1937. Many thanks for your kind letter and I hope I may soon see you or hear from you again. [Incl. penciled boat building numbers and dimensions by NGH.]" (Source: Granbery, George P. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_20760. Correspondence, Folder 59. 1936-09-04.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #932s Game Cock [Gamecock] even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Herreshoff, Nathanael G. [Building Specifications for R Class Boat No. 932.] In: Offset Booklet for 40' LOA R-Class Sloop Gamecock #932s. Ca 1925. Hart Nautical Collection, M. I. T. Museum, accession number HH.4.190. (2,053 kB)
  Document is copyrighted: Yes. Copyright holder: Hart Nautical Collections, M.I.T. Museum. Possibly the only instance of detailed written building specifications for a Herreshoff-built yacht. Something that was usually never done because it was either automatically understood or because daily supervision of a vessel's construction by its designer N. G. Herreshoff made it unneccessary. Much of this, even though it is specific to a single vessel, can be read and used in conjunction with N. G. Herreshoff's "Rules for the Construction of Wooden Boats" written for the N. Y. Y. C two years later in 1927.

• Gamecock (MIT Museum-made index card)
• Gamecock (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: Gamecock
Type: J & M R
Length: 25'11"
Owner: Morgan, Junius S. and George Nichols

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

• Gamecock
• 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: Gamecock
Type: "R" boat
Owner: J. S. Morgan, Jr. & George Nichols
Year: 1925
Row No.: 244

Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. "Partial List of Herreshoff-Built Boats." In: Herreshoff, L. Francis. Capt. Nat Herreshoff. The Wizard of Bristol. New York, 1953, p. 325-343.

Year: 1925
E/P/S: S
No.: 0932
Name: Game Cock
K: y
Notes Constr. Record: "R" boat.
Last Name: James S. Morgan and Geo. Nichols

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.

"[See also:] Specification for R-class boat (3/1925). In: Technical and Business Records pertaining to the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Series VI, Folder HH.6.18 (Hull No. 932), Box HAFH.6.1B." (Source: Hasselbalch, Kurt and Frances Overcash and Angela Reddin: Guide to The Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection. Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections, MIT Museum, Cambridge, Mass., 1997, p. 63-79.)

"[See also:] Specifications (3/1925). In: Technical and Business Records pertaining to the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Series VI, Folder HH.6.81 ('R' Class), Box HAFH.6.2B." (Source: Hasselbalch, Kurt and Frances Overcash and Angela Reddin: Guide to The Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection. Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections, MIT Museum, Cambridge, Mass., 1997, p. 63-79.)

"Universal Rule Class R." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 7, 2009.)

"Sail no. R40." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 9, 2009.)

"Owned by
George Nichols 1926-1932
Arthur H. Gauss 1933-1934
D. L. Braine 1935-1943
Robt. Shannon 1944-
according to a plan at Sparkman & Stephens and referenced in http://sparkmanstephens.blogspot.ch/2012/05/design-95-game-cock.html, retrieved June 4, 2012." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. June 4, 2012.)

"This boat was named Game Cock during her first few years as per entries in Lloyd's Registers of those years. Her owner George Nichols, in an article for the New York Times, (November 17, 1926, p. 17) wrote the name of his own boat as Game-Cock. Only in subsequent years was she called Gamecock." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 3, 2016.)

"Contract day was estimated from following entry in construction record. Note, that NGH also began designing Gamecock on that day as per his diary. Note, however, also that George Nichols in his letter of February 16, 1925 to Carl Haffenreffer wrote that 'he was ready to sign a contract' which indicated that the actual contract had not been signed by February 16 but suggests that it had already been recorded (albeit with day left blank) in the construction record by February 10." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. May 14, 2017.)

"Built in 146 days (contract to launch; equivalent to 82 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"Sail area, 580sqft, from New York Times, November 17, 1926, p. 17 article in which co-owner George Nichols described his boat." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. May 1, 2014.)

"Designed displacement 186 cu ft = 11904 lbs from note in N. G. Herreshoff design notebook." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. November 26, 2013.)

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