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1923 Herreshoff Watch Hill 15

Noank, Connecticut, United States

$48,500

THISTLE was built in 1923 as one of an order of ten Watch Hill 15's to be delivered to the Watch Hill Yacht Club (which still has an active fleet).  Delivered as hull number 883 of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company.  She was assigned Sail #4, and was a winning racer in the fleet over many years with very knowledgeable and successful owners.  Her current owner (steward) of 20 years, is offering her for sale.

Importantly, the Watch Hill 15 class has a Marconi rig, differentiating her from the Buzzards Bay 15 and the Newport 15. 

She was completely rebuilt by George Nicholas (a highly regarded shipwright and sailor) in 2000 - 2001 - replanked and refastened.  All deadwood was replaced and several frames were replaced. Every owner has properly cared for the boat and she is currently stored inside a dirt floor shed on her Triad trailer awaiting her next owner.  

Inventory includes:

  • Full spars, standing and running rigging
  • All original deck hardware
  • Full suit of sails (new 2008)
  • Triad Trailer
  • Miscellaneous gear and historical memorabilia

Historic, gorgeous, and a truly proper yacht ready to sail and bring pride and joy to her next owner. Available to be seen at your convenience.  Inquiries are invited. 

Disclaimer

Nicolle Associates is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Watch Hill Yacht Services, LLC.

Basic Boat Info

Boat Name: Thistle
Make: Herreshoff
Model: Watch Hill 15
Year: 1923
Condition: Used
Category: Sail
Construction: Wood

Dimensions

Length: 24 ft / 7.32 m
Length Overall: 24'6 ft / 7.47 m
Waterline Length: 15 ft / 4.57 m
Beam: 6'9 ft / 2.06 m
Displacement: 997.9 kg
Ballast: 453.59 kg

Other

Boat Class: Daysailers, Antique and Classics

Overview

THISTLE is one of the 10 original Watch Hill 15's, an incredibly beautiful and highly coveted class.  While she has historical value to many, the sheer joy of owning such a beautiful wooden boat, which is thrilling to sail, is what draws most sailors to this class.  And while they have been successfully rendered in Fiberglass, any true aficionado knows that there is no substitute for the charm, elegance and overall aura of a finely crafted wooden daysailer.  THISTLE benefits from a full rebuild by George Nicolas (2000 - 2001) and excellent care since, which has left her in fine condition and ready to sail immediately.

Current owner and steward has copies of original blueprints / drawings of THISTLE - and has copies of Westerly Sun newspaper clippings showing race results from the 1920's and 1930's to share.  Inquiries are invited.

Sails and Rigging
  • New Farrah sails in 2008
  • Extra set of older sails in serviceable condition
  • Original #4 Sail
  • Wooden spars
  • Wooden spinnaker pole and old spinnaker sail
Trailer
  • Triad Trailer - single axle
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

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