1916 Herreshoff Fish Class

SEA ROBIN (HMCo #807) was commissioned in 1916 by Bertram G. Work as SARDINE and built by Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol, RI.   She was purchased by JP Morgan in 1917, renamed SEA ROBIN and presented to his son Junius upon his return from Europe following his service in WW I.  The half model shown came with the boat at the time of its delivery.

SEA ROBIN is one of only 23 boats in the original Seawanhaka fleet, and of those 23 boats only 9 are extant and can be traced back to their original hull number.  This is a rare opportunity indeed!

The Fish Class is and enlarged version of the ubiquitous Herreshoff 12 ½, with the same virtues of stability, rough water ability, good looks, and excellent handling characteristics. While she is only 4’ longer than the 12 ½, she has twice the displacement and thus, in real terms, is twice as big. 

The Fish is generally a fine, handy, compact boat that will keep the sailing fun even when conditions are less than optimum. She will sail fast at moderate angles of heel, and like her smaller cousins features a large, deep cockpit that will be reassuring for folks of all ages and will be particularly good for couples with small children.

For the more adventurous, SEA ROBIN is equipped with a small galley, bunks, and a full cockpit tent for cruising - which the current owners have done regularly.  The cuddy cabin allows for storage space and some privacy for use of a head or bucket.  She also comes with a 2hp auxiliary outboard motor. 

SEA ROBIN was rebuilt in the 1980's by Ed McClave and Ben Philbrick. She is marconi rigged and will be sailing this summer.