The Birth of the Young America By Charles The design of the Young America has several beginnings, and numerous detours which were very inspiring at times and very disappointing at others. It all began back in December 1963 when Captain Arthur Kimberly approached me for plans of an 89 ' brigantine designed by the late J . Murray Watts, whose designs I had acquired. Captain Kimberly, a graduate of the US Maritime Academy, has one of the few unlimited licenses as master under sail or power, had sailed around the world on commercial square riggers, and was Captain of the brigantine Yankee for two years under Mike Burk, after Irving Johnson gave her up. He agreed with me that it would be worthwhile to develop a new design for his purpose of carrying passengers for
NAUTICAL MEMORABILIA
W. Wittholz hire. He wanted a good ship which would meet classification society rules and Coast Guard inspection. Once the new design was completed, Captain Kimberly sold his charter schooner Olad II and began work as the chief rigger at Mystic Seaport to prepare for construction of the new boat. A short time later, United Artists hired Alan Villiers to re-rig a Danish trading galeass from ketch to brigantine for the movie "Hawaii." After the movie the ship was put up for auction, and Captain Kimberly purchased her for approximately $30,000. This immediately changed the whole picture and with approximately $50,000 extra, he had an 86 ' charter brigantine which he renamed Romance and began sailing in the charter business
Keep Up
The Good Work Finest Quality Solid Brass Marine Collectibles. Research Assistance Postcards Stationery
Send $3.00 for Illustrated Catalogue Refundable with First Order. TransAtlantic Research Post Office Box 8797 Universal City, CA 91608 (213) 985-1345
SEA HISTORY, SUMMER 1980
COASTAL DRY DOCK & REP AIR CORP. Brooklyn Navy Yard Building 131 Brooklyn, N.Y., 11205
with his able wife Gloria. The original plans for the 90 footer we had designed were then published in several of the boating magazines. Sometime in 1972, David Kent, who owned a steel construction company in Port Jefferson, Long Island saw them, and decided he had to have this vessel. He visited me, bought the plans on the spot, and after returning to Long Island, proceeded with construction-and a long correspondence with me that resulted in changing the boat to ferro-cement construction, plus many other modifications. I often wondered if David Kent would complete the enormous job he had undertaken. There were many dark periods of months when nothing could be done at all for lack of funds. It is a great tribute to David Kent that in spite of his many obstacles, he did complete the vessel, which he named Enchantress. He got her certified by the US Coast Guard, sailed her and continued in the charter business until the vessel was forced out by economic pressure. For my part, I designed the boat using the best tools I had acquired in a lifetime of naval architecture, and still feel that the vessel is an excellent example of her type, though the excess weight of the ferro-cement construction is a handicap. A wooden version of this brigantine, but with schooner rig, named Pegasus is now being completed by Gaston Santos in Tampico, Mexico. '1> '1> '1>
Mr. Wittho/z is an Advisor and farmer Trustee of the NMHS.
St. Lawrence Restoration Co., Inc. 300 James St. Clayton , NY 13624 315-686-5950
Wooden Boats and Carpentry Refinishing, Chroming, Engine Rebuilding, Upholstery Specializing In Antique and Classic Boats GarWood , Chris Craft, Hacker, Fay & Bowen , Lawley, St. Lawrence Skiffs, Adirondack Guideboats, Canoes, etc.
17