Godspeed- Hunt 52

3 August 2009 Godspeed Hunt 52

BOAT:  Godspeed
OWNERS: Bob Price; Judith Funderburk
DESIGNERS: C. Raymond Hunt and Associates New Bedford, MA http://www.huntdesigns.com/
BUILDER: Global Yacht Building, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
LENGTH: 52 feet [15.8 meters]
YEAR: 2009
HULL: Vinylester infused foam cored laminate with composite stringers
HISTORY:
 Appreciated by boating enthusiasts around the world, the preeminent designs of Raymond Hunt have become legendary. Godspeed is hull number one in a new series of large yachts by the design firm that bears Hunt’s name.
 The Hunt 52 is a departure from the hundreds of locally built sea kindly boats in the 20-30 foot range that were, and continue to be the foundation of the company. The new big boat is a response to customer demand.
 The new Hunt 52 offers classic lines and a large motor yacht feel with the seamless integration of a single level deck. A powered sunroof with opening side windows makes the salon feel spacious and airy.
 The gently curved reverse transom disguises a cleverly designed dingy garage that contains yet another Hunt designed boat.
 A trip down the Burma Road along Aquidneck Island’s west shore will lead you to the offices of Hunt Yachts. It is possible to learn about all of the Hunt Yachts and have a nice meal at the Marina Grille http://www.melvillegrille.com/at the same time.

Carol Ann - Boston Whaler

20 July 2009 Carol Ann BW

BOAT: Carol Ann
OWNER: Norman Kaplan, Newport http://newportriwatersports.com/blog/
DESIGNER: C. Raymond Hunt, Richard Fischer http://www.huntdesigns.com/
BUILDER: Boston Whaler, Edgewater, FL http://www.bostonwhaler.com/
LENGTH: 13 feet [3.96 meters]
YEAR: 1986
HULL:" Unibond” foam filled skin
HISTORY:
In the early 1900’s Canadian and Harvard graduate William Albert Hickman, [1878-1957] designed a boat that became the basis for one of the most popular boats in the world today. In 1958, the Hickman Sea Sled inspired designer Raymond Hunt, and hobbyist, Richard Fischer to experiment with a new technology. At that time, a boat made out of a foam filled skin was brand new. Hunt and Fisher started playing with different designs. Before long an overnight legend was born. With over 70,000 boats sold, the Boston Whaler 13 has become iconic.
In 1961, Life Magazine ran a photo of Richard Fischer sitting in one of his boats as it was sawed in half!  Later, stories about the boats supporting 10 people even after taking 1,000 rounds of automatic weapon fire became public. Hunt’s “cathedral hull” and Fischer’s foam filled skin became the triumph of the boating world.
In 1986, Norm Kaplan bought a new Boston Whaler to work as a part of the rental fleet for Adventure Watersports, located on Long Wharf in Newport. Since then, the boat has made 75-100 trips per season. It has out lasted three motors, and can be rented today by anyone interested in seeing Newport Harbor.

a20 April 2009 Weatherly Concordia Yawl

BOAT: Weatherly
OWNERS: Sharon DeLucca and Paul Castaldi, Bristol
DESIGNER: C. Raymond Hunt/ Concordia Co., South Dartmouth, MA http://www.huntdesigns.com/
BUILDER: Abeking & Rasmussen, Lemwerder, Germany https://www.abeking.com/
LENGTH: 39’ 10” [12 meters]
YEAR: 1955a
HULL: Mahogany over Oak
HISTORY:
If boats were guitars, the Concordia Yawl would be a Gibson Les Paul. The Concordia Yawl is not one of a kind, but rather a class of yachts with noble parentage.
Founded in 1926, the Concordia Company name has become synonymous with excellence in design and quality construction. Company founder Llewellyn Howland lost his personal yacht in the great hurricane of 1938. As a result, he commissioned naval architect and company partner C. Raymond Hunt to design a racer cruiser that would become legendary in the world of yachting.
Between 1938 and 1966 The Concordia Company commissioned 103 yawls- all but four were built by Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany, and all bear the distinctive star and moon cove stripe.
Besides good looks and charm, the boats have soul. Owners don’t just own, they love. By their own admission, Weatherly’s owners- Sharon and Paul- are “boat proud”. They brought Weatherly to Conanicut Marine Services in Jamestown last fall and found a place that can appreciate a fine wooden boat.
At present, Weatherly is “taking up” -allowing the wooden planks to swell- at Conanicut’s marina. Next week the rig will go in, and the process will continue. Soon she will be sailing. Weatherly is visible from the dock at East Ferry in Jamestown.