Sail Number:
Type: Sloop
L.F. Herreshoff “Ben My Chree” Specifications:
LOA: 28’0″ / 8.53m – LOD: 28’0″ / 8.53m – LWL: 22’10” / 6.97m – Beam: 6’11” / 1.86 – Draft 2’9″ / 0.88m – 5’6″ / 1.70 – Displacement: 4,000 lbs / 1814kg – Ballast 2,400 lbs / 1088kg – Sail Area: 265 sq ft / 24.61 sq m – Designer: L. Francis Herreshoff – Design No. 53 – Built by: – Original Owner: Mr. Willoughby Stuart – Current Owner: – Flag: USA
Historical
“L. Francis Herreshoff designed this stunning boat in 1932 for Mr. Willoughby Stuart. Her plans are entitled 28′ Knockabout – Design No. 53. Mr. Stuart’s boat was built in 1933 and named BEN MY CHREE*, Gaelic for “darling of my heart”, BEN for short. He took her to his island home on Penobscot Bay, built a boathouse and railway for her, and she remained in the area for over 40 years, enjoyed by him and his family.”
In 2013, 80 years after her completion, Ballentine’s Boat Shop fully restored her. It took two years but she is as lovely as ever and should live to see another 80 years. Great care was taken to restore her to her original specs and L. Francis Herreshoff’s plans.