Sail Number: H6
Type: New York 70
“Rainbow” Specifications:
LOA: 106′0″ / 32.30m – LWL: 70′0″ / 21.33m – Beam 19′4″ / 5.89m – Draft 14′0″ / 4.26m – Original Rig: Cutter – Hull Number: 529 – Hull Material: Wood – Displacement: – Mainsail: Ratsey & Lapthorn – Designer: N.G. Herreshoff – Built by: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Bristol, RI – Contracted By: Cornelius Vanderbilt – Contract Date: 10/11/1899 – Original Price: $32,594 – Status: Destroyed
Historical
The New York 70s were the largest one-design class HMCo. ever produced. Four boats were constructed for members of the New York Yacht Club. They were lightly built, raced hard, leaked extensively and only two boats continued sailing after the first year.
The NY 70s drew 14 ft, and were said at the time to be the fastest boats to cover a triangular 30 mile coarse (2.45 hrs), with eleven miles to windward! Responding with good humor, Mr. Herreshoff was asked by William O. Gay, who owned the 11 foot draft yacht Athene, when would there be a time when Athene could beat the NY 70s, Captain Nat responded when there is less than 14 feet of water.
Provenance (The Wall of Remembrance – The Owners, Crew & Notable Guest):
Owner/Guardian: (1899) Cornelius Vanderbilt
Captain: (1906) Capt. Charlie Barr