L. Francis Herreshoff created some great yacht designs. His designs are marked by clean, sweeping lines and a simplicity of hull and rig that show that they have been drawn by a true artist. In each design, he strips away every non-essential and leaves the true elements of a masterpiece. His father, Nathanael G. Herreshoff, had the same genius, but whereas the work of the father emphasized engineering perfection, the work of the son emphasized artistic perfection. 
Francis Herreshoff's work certainly shows the influence of his father, but his designs are tempered with an even older tradition. One of Captain Nat's famous designs was the little Buzzards Bay 12 1/2-footer, which may be examined in the plans at the back of this book in the form of Francis Herreshoff's slightly enlarged copy, the Buzzards Bay 14-footer. It is interesting to note the influence of this design on L. Francis' well-known cruising ketch, the H-28. But the schooner yacht America, which came out decades before Captain Nat began designing yachts, also had considerable influence on several famous Francis Herreshoff designs, such as the Tioga II, now Ticonderoga. And L. Francis was obviously intrigued with the possibilities of the double-ender, an ancient form of hull. 
The primary designs in this book are based on L. Francis Herreshoff's series of articles in the Rudder magazine of the 1940's and 1950's detailing how to build many of his designs. It was a very popular series, and a considerable number of boats were built according to the plans and instructions L. Francis included. We have added to these design plans for 46 additional small craft and cruising yachts designed by L. Francis. 
It is our hope that his book will lead to the building of more and more boats from the designs of L. Francis Herreshoff. There could be no more fitting tribute to him.

Sensible Cruising Designs

Engineering & Transportation

Herreshoff, L. Francis

Transportation

International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press

The Complete Cruiser: The Art, Practice and Enjoyment of Boating

Sports & Outdoors

Merlin Press

An Introduction to Yachting

Kenneth Mason Publications Ltd

Water Sports

International Marine Publishing

Famed yacht designer and author L. Francis Herreshoff takes us on family style cruises in American waters, during which all sorts of boats and boating skills are explained while they are used. He tells about the adventures of the crews of the catboat Piscator, the ketch Viator, and the engineless whaleboat-style ketch Rozinante. There are anecdotes and examples and a wide variety of boat lore in each chapter, as well as adventures, races and coastwide cruises and historical harbors to visit.

The Compleat Cruiser: The Art, Practice, and Enjoyment of Boating

Sheridan House

The Golden Age of Yachting is a book consisting mostly of yachting history, as the author felt and rightly so that a review of the past is the best way to make an introduction to the sport. In this great book, the author presents a panoramic view of yachting, providing an insightful introduction to the pleasures, craft and history of yachting with emphasis on the era of the great steam yachts. It is a meticulous job based on accurate knowledge and detailed research. Most yachting histories have been so much influenced by the nationality of the author that the British and American versions are quite different, but L. Francis Herreshoff was equally familiar with both sides. He has given a much more factual account of the international races than can be found in other writings. This book will appeal to the large group of amateur and professional seamen who strive to keep alive the traditions and lore of sail. The book was first published by Sheridan House in 1963 under the title An Introduction to Yachting and reprinted in 1980. The title of this new paperback edition, The Golden Age of Yachting, more accurately reflects the treasures found in this magnificent volume.

The Golden Age of Yachting

History

Americas

Nathaniel G. Herreshoff was the greatest yacht and marine designer and builder this country has ever produced. Captain Nat Herreshoff is credited with the introduction of more new devices in the design of boats than any other ma, and the great yachts that he designed for the successful defense of the America's Cup caught the imagination of the world. The period of his greatest activity from 1890 to 1920 was known as "the Herreshoff Era," so greatly did his personality and the yachts he designed dominate the sport. He was a man of manifold talents and unusual genius and his career makes one of the most fascinating biographies. Many of closely guarded secrets of Captain Nat, the great master, are reveled in these pages which teem with human interest, philosophy and the accumulated wisdom of a long lived genius.

Capt. Nat Herreshoff: The Wizard of Bristol

Biographies & Memoirs

Arts & Literature

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