1920 HERRESHOFF 12½ — HMCo HULL #843, SAIL NO. 17

Classic Gaff-Rigged Sloop

DESCRIPTION

A genuine piece of sailing history. Hull #843 is an original Herreshoff Manufacturing Company boat – one of 364 wooden hulls built in Bristol, RI between 1914 and 1943. Of particular note, it was one of only three hulls selected by Bill Harding in 1972 to take lines and measurements for the Doughdish molds, making it a foundational artifact of the class itself.

RECENT WORK

– LP brightwork completed 2025

– All-new sails, standing and running rigging, 2021

– New epoxy bottom, 2022

– Full Thurston mooring cover, 2021/25

– Custom cockpit seat cushions

– Roadworthy trailer included (unregistered)

A proven race-winner, maintained to the full extent permitted by class rules. The Herreshoff 12½ is widely regarded as one of the finest small sailboat designs ever produced – stable, forgiving, comfortable for four, and equally enjoyable to single-hand. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of sailing history.

SPECIFICATIONS

Year: 1920

Builder: Herreshoff Mfg. Co., Bristol, RI

Designer: Nathanael G. Herreshoff

LOA: 15 ft 10 in

LWL: 12 ft 6 in

Beam: 5 ft 10 in

Draft: 2 ft 6 in

Displacement: ~1,500 lbs

Ballast: 735 lbs lead keel

Sail Area: 140 sq ft (gaff main + jib)

Construction: White cedar planking, steam-bent oak frames, bronze hardware

Hull #: 843 (HMCo original)

Sail No.: 17