Donegal-Concordia Yawl- Newport, R.I.

1 Feb 2009 Donegal

BOAT: Donegal
OWNER: Terrance J. McClinch
DESIGNER: C. Raymond Hunt, Marblehead, MAhttp://www.huntdesigns.com/
BUILDER: Abeking and Rasmussen, Lemwerder, Germanyhttps://www.abeking.com/
LENGTH: 39 feet 10 inches [12 meters]
YEAR: 1956
HULL: Mahogany on Oak
HISTORY:
Designed in 1938 by renowned naval architect C. Raymond Hunt, the Concordia Yawl is arguably the most successful large one design wooden boat in history. Originally designed as a racing boat that could double as a cruiser, the Concordia Yawl has become something of a legend. The first four boats built in Padanaram, Massachusetts were followed by a partnership with Abeking and Rasmussen in Germany that resulted in another ninety nine boats [total 103] - all of which are in existence today.
Donegal is the home away from home for visiting master shipwright David Stimson of Maine. Mr. Stimson is leading a team of shipwrights as they build “Cherokee” - a six metre racing yacht under construction at The Museum of Yachting. At night, after a long day at work, Mr. Stimson is snug aboard Donegal, tied off against the winds at the in water docks of the International Yacht Restoration School [IYRS]. On these cold winter nights Mr. Stimson is cozy below decks with a warm fire and a hot cup of tea.

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.