Herreshoff Museum - A Gem Beside Narragansett Bay
Several months ago, I took a trip to Rhode Island and found
myself with a few hours to kill. Being
that I was in an area of the country that was full of boating history, I
figured that I could find a nautical museum of some sort to pass the time
away. After Googling on my phone for a
bit, I came across the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island. I punched the address in my GPS and was on my
way.
The Herreshoff Logo |
I had heard the Herreshoff name before. I knew that the
Herreshoff Brothers were boat builders in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and
they were renowned for their innovation in the boat building world. Together, they ran the Herreshoff
Manufacturing Company. Over the years,
they built everything from custom sail boats to steam yachts to torpedo boats. Some of their boats are still in service today
and only a few individuals are lucky enough to still own one. What the Herreshoff’s were best known for was
their contribution to the racing community.
Between 1895 and 1920, Herreshoff designed and built yachts successfully
defended the America’s Cup 5 times:
Defender (1895), Columbia (1899, 1901), Reliance (1903) and Resolute
(1920).
The museum sits on the same property along the northeast
side of Narragansett Bay where the manufacturing company existed years ago. Many of the buildings still exist today but
have now been repurposed. The museum
itself is small in size compared to the adjacent buildings but still very easy
to find because of the racing yacht America standing tall next to it. America successfully defended the cup in 1992
and was designed by Eric Goetz, a resident of Bristol, RI and well renowned
designer himself.
As you approach the museum, you are greeted by the America, 1992 America's Cup Winner. |
After wandering around for a bit, looking at souvenirs, I
stepped into the room next door. This is
where the fun began! The space was
filled with boats of all shapes and sizes, some sail and some steam powered but
all designed and built by the brothers Herreshoff. I felt like a squirrel that had just broken
into a nut factory!
Along with each vessel there was a historical summary and a description
of the concepts used in its construction.
Not only were these pieces of art there for the touching but you were
also encouraged to board the larger ones so that you could explore the
interior, something that I did with delight.
My favorite boat in the museum was Thania, a 60 foot steam motor yacht
built in 1905 and used by Harvard University up until 1970.
Thania is a 60 foot steam motor yacht designed and built in 1905 |
Looking at the helm in Thania |
Looking aft from the forward section in Thania |
There was also Sprite, a catboat which is the oldest
Herreshoff boat in existence, having been built in 1860. Bambino was also something that caught my
eye. It is the largest sailboat in the
museum and possessed beautiful lines and gorgeous wood trim.
A view of Hornet with Thania in the background. |
Sprite |
For me, this was a place where I could have spent all day,
and I almost did. It seemed that I had
only been there an hour, but a quick glance at my watch proved otherwise. What seemed like only an hour actually was 3 ½
hours and I had run out of time. I was
very glad to have found this little gem though, and if you love boating,
especially if you love sailing, I would highly recommend you stop by the
Herreshoff Marine Museum the next time you are anywhere in the area.
Happy Boating
Captain Frank
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