The Gilded Age, coined by Mark Twain in 1873, represented an era of rapid economic growth, great fortunes were made, and large vessels were built. The War Revenue Act of 1917 greatly increased federal income tax rates and effectively reduced the large sums of fortunes. Smaller owner operated yachts were now being built and campaigned, through either one design syndication’s or through private individual ownership.
The New York “Fighting Forty’s”
Smaller Boat Trend – In anticipation to the new trend, the New York Yacht Club commissioned a one design class called the NY40s. The NYYC rules committee decided that for this new 40 foot class they would require owners to helm the yacht, except on runs and reaches. This loophole allowed a bridge to the past and limited the number of professional crew to four, with a additional two crew allowed for racing needs.
The Design – Many critics at the time considered the Forties as a somewhat compromised yacht, of high freeboard and deadrise. A beamy yacht with the same girth as the NY 50s, uncharacteristic of its designer N.G. Herreshoff. The brilliance of Herreshoff in designing a yacht for both cruising and racing, meant one thing, the race to Bermuda. The class enjoyed great success, a tough seaworthy vessel. Casper Whitney, in the August 1901 issue of Outing magazine referred to the designers abilities as having “that Herreshoff characteristic of passing unperturbed through agitated waters.” Edwin J. Schoettle described the New York 40’s as “excellent, heavy-weather boats, having an ability to withstand all kinds of rough handling, both by men and weather.” Mr. Schoettle further commented, “I have been told that a 40 has never been seen reefed.”
Historical – The last of the large one-design class yachts built by the same builder. Twelve vessels were ordered and commissioned by NYYC members in the fall of 1915. The first 12 were rigged as gaff-rigged sloops, without bowsprits, the following year the sail area was increased and a bowsprit was added.
Racing – Two NY40’s won the Bermuda Race as yawls – Rugusa II – Originally designed as a marconi yawl for day racing and light cruising, was later converted for offshore cruising and racing as a jib-headed yawl. There were 25 starters to the 1928 Bermuda Race, Rugosa II, owned by Russell Grinnell, was the overall winner, with a 6.4 knot average, elapsed time of 103:13:48. Other racing successes are to numerous to list, winning races either side of the Atlantic.
Legacy – As testament to the Fighting Forties design and success, four of the original twelve yachts built in 1916 remain, while all of the yachts built in 1925 exist. The surviving six remaining 40s currently are still winning races and are thoroughly enjoyed by there owners. A time honored classic, cherished by the many who have had the privilege of seeing the 40s at rest or hard pressed under the conditions that the class has flourished in.
Existing 40s:
1916 Wizard of Bristol – ex Cockatoo, ex Dolly Bowen – Hull 775 – Location Kapolei, HI
1916 Rowdy – Hull 776 – Location Cannes, FR
1916 Vixen III – ex Sally Ann, ex Jessica – Hull 779 – Location Amsterdam, NL
1916 Chinook – ex Bansee, ex Pauline – Hull 782 – Location Wicklow, Ireland
1926 Marilee – Hull 955 – Location Islesboro, ME
1926 Rugosa II – Hull 983 – Location Bristol, RI
Ny40 Specifications:
LOA: 65′ 0″
LOD: 59′ 0″
LWL: 40′ 6″
Beam: 14′ 0″
Draft: 8′ 0″