Studying a Schooner

[Clyde A. Phillips]

What’s a schooner doing on this site? Do you remember the story of Ack’s designing the Newporter? He built a small schooner, named her the Island Girl, and sailed south. During the next couple of years he put pencil to paper and came up with that winning design that many, rightly, call the most beautiful boat in the world. His schooner was built from plans by Murray Peterson of a 42 foot two masterpiece, one of his “Coaster” series. Ack’s desire was to design a rig easily handled by a man and wife team. I’ve sailed many solo trips and never failed to literally sail the boat. I came away from these trips saying that a man and a boy can easily handle a Newporter; short of that, a man and an automatic pilot can do it. The boy or the pilot keeps the course while the man sets the sails. Then it’s just sail, sail, sail.
Would you like to have a schooner? The one pictured was for sale when I downloaded the pictures, and it’s a 42 footer, like Ack built. Now, look at her under sail. Picture yourself setting those sails by yourself. Do you think they could be shortened in a flash? Or would you rather have a ketch, jib headed and all that? Keep looking at the pictures. Think about what it would take to sail her. Understand Ack’s desire and remember the Newporter. Did Ack fulfill his desires in his new design? I think you’ll agree with me that he did a masterful job at finishing the job he set out to do.

Enjoy that boat of yours.

[Justine]

Hi,

Man she is pretty but I don't think it could be a single handler. I don't think I'd want to have to take down sails in a storm. Would be way more than one person could handle. I think that Ackerman design is just as beautifull under sail but he made it so one person could sail a Newporter.

Justine

[Clyde A. Phillips]

Justi,

You figured that one out right on the money. Ack gave the world a comfortable ride on an easily handled vessel. It's really good to hear from you. You have been missed.

Peace,

Clyde

Justine said:

Hi,

Man she is pretty but I don't think it could be a single handler. I don't think I'd want to have to take down sails in a storm. Would be way more than one person could handle. I think that Ackerman design is just as beautifull under sail but he made it so one person could sail a Newporter.

Justine

[bob mitchell]

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[bob mitchell]

That's actually a photo associated with Clyde's "Studying a Schooner" forum post. If you click right here on "Studying a Schooner" It will take you to all the details, which are quite interesting.