Name/Title
SilhouetteEntry/Object ID
NA2015.007Description
Length: 12' 6" LWL, 15' 6" LOA
Beam: 5' 10"
Draft: 2' 5"
Sail Area: 140 sq. ft.
Year: 1915
At age 66, accomplished naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff constructed the Buzzards Bay 12½ footer in 1914 after designing a series of America's Cup victories. The boat has been in production ever since through various companies and is considered one of the finest small boats of all time.
The Herreshoff Manufacturing Company took the first orders for the 12½ in 1914 and built 364 wooden hulls through 1943. The Quincy Adams Yacht Yard was licensed by HMC to build the design and took over production. Quincy Adams used the Herreshoff builder's plate, and built 51 hulls from 1943 through 1948. Following Quincy Adams, Cape Cod Shipbuilding acquired the rights to the design. They built about 35 wooden hulls between 1948 and 1950, before they switched to fiberglass. You can still purchase a fiberglass 12½ from Cape Cod Shipbuilding today.
Silhouette (hull #771) was built in 1915 for Daniel Bacon, a member of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club in New York. Originally named Quest, her sale price was $550. Silhouette was fully restored by Pendleton Boat Yard, Islesboro Maine between 1998 and 2000. She was purchased through a donation in 2015 and is used for educational in-water-fleet programming. Look for her at events and during Tuesday Night Sailing & Rowing!
Herreshoff 12 1/2 sailboat, Silhouette, #771, fully restored by Pendleton Boat Yard, Islesboro Maine, between 1998-2000. Non-accessioned and in educational in-water-fleet programming.Collection
Non-Accessioned In-Water-FleetAcquisition
Accession
NA2015.007Source or Donor
Bryan, Alden T.Acquisition Method
PurchaseCredit Line
Charlie CrowMake and Manufacture
Manufacturer
HerreshoffManufacture Date
1915
