Note about the following writeup: Italics indicate quotes from N.G. Herreshoff. (Plain type is mine.)
This little cat yawl that was N.G. Herresoff’s initial foray into the design of cruising sailboats has always intrigued me as she’s such a complete departure from his earlier work. Launched for himself in 1883, she’s the very first sailing craft considered substantial enough to be entered into the construction list of the Herreshoff Mfg. Co. (HMCo) since its founding five years before. She carried hull number 400, kicking off the thousand-plus that would follow over the next 63 years. (Numbers 1 to 399 were intended for power craft.) Drawings back in those early days were few and none specifically created for CONSUELO were known to exist. Until recently, that is, when a rough construction plan came to light—drawn in pencil by Nathanael Herreshoff (NGH) himself. Discovered at the same time were several of his studies leading up to this boat. With these documents at hand, a better idea of what CONSUELO was like is possible.
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Bob Van Pierce says:
An excellent read Maynard thankyou, I’m tempted to think seriously about davits for H3 Cora to carry her 12′ lapstrake tender, but 2ton of internal ballast and just 500kg externally means its probably a pipe dream . thanks again from NZ
Sergio Modigliani says:
Very nice indeed. I note that the earlier photo clearly indicates a white hull color, while the later one suggests something much darker. Is this correct, and if so, any known reasoning behind the apparent color change?
Chip Angell says:
Wonderful work, Maynard. Your window of words brings the past into our view of today’s designs. Who wouldn’t want a windless with 20 parts, or such a simple horizontal wheel?
or a fast boa
Chip Angell says:
Wonderful work, Maynard. Your window of words brings the past into our view next to our modern boats. Who wouldn’t want a windless with 20 parts, or a simply made horizontal wheel, or full headroom in a fast boat the can sail safely almost anywhere? Thanks for such and interesting piece.
David Tew says:
Given your descriptions (so through and enjoyable) I yearn to get aboard her again at the museum if she’s open to inspection. The steering gear is fascinating! Thanks!
David Tew says:
Clara, I mean. And along with your questions about the spinnaker pole and topsail arrangements I’d want to learn more about the mizzen sheeting.
Alan Houghton says:
I enjoyed that Maynard, thanks for taking the time to pull it all together. Alan
Bill Mayher says:
This is great stuff Maynard, a wonderful way to launch a winter’s morning!
Steve Buck says:
I enjoyed reading your offer letter to buy Consuela,,, 134 years late! A clever piece or writing.
Chris Chesley says:
Maynard,
Excellent article on a these boats. I’ve never seen this info anywhere. I love catboats, cat rigged boats and free standing rigs. Nice to know my preferences align with the great NGH. Pretty surprising to see the higher freeboard and ‘interesting’ sheer llne of Consuela especially, but full headroom in 32′ is tough to do even today (mostly because modern boats have so much less displacement and don’t go as deep).