Bridges Point Boatyard, nestled in the maritime heart of Brooklin, Maine, stands as a testament to classic American boatbuilding. While the original boatyard has seen transitions, its enduring legacy is firmly tied to a single, iconic design that has captivated sailors for decades: the Bridges Point 24.
The story of Bridges Point Boatyard begins with Wade Dow, a seasoned boatyard owner in Brooklin, Maine. Dow harbored a vision for a new fiberglass daysailer, one that would combine traditional aesthetics with modern performance. To bring this vision to life, he collaborated with the renowned local naval architect Joel White. White, a legend in the boatbuilding world, designed the Bridges Point 24 in 1984 specifically for Dow's boatyard. The design aimed to create a responsive, safe, and easily manageable sailboat that could be mass-produced in fiberglass, making a classic design accessible to a wider audience. The original Bridges Point Boatyard, founded around 1986, began building this celebrated design.
History and Evolution
Under Wade Dow's leadership, Bridges Point Boatyard became synonymous with the Bridges Point 24. Over approximately 25 years, Dow, alongside his son Forrest and two other builders, meticulously constructed 80 units of the Bridges Point 24 at their Brooklin facility. These boats quickly garnered a devoted following for their wholesome traditional looks and joyful performance.
A significant transition occurred in 2008 when Wade Dow retired. While the original Bridges Point Boatyard continued to offer various marine services such as hauling, storage, and repairs, the production of new Bridges Point 24s at that facility ceased. However, the beloved design was not to fade away. In 2012, Bill Wright, himself a Bridges Point 24 owner and part of the Joel White Boat Company (JWBCo.), recognized the enduring appeal of the design. He purchased the molds, ensuring the continuation of the Bridges Point 24's legacy under the new entity, the Bridges Point Boat Company, which now builds the boats on Mount Desert Island, Maine.
Design Philosophy and Identity
The core of Bridges Point Boatyard's reputation, and subsequently the Bridges Point Boat Company's, lies in its commitment to a design philosophy that marries traditional elegance with practical performance. The Bridges Point 24 is celebrated for its shapely, traditional lines, offering a timeless aesthetic that appeals to purists and modern sailors alike.
The designer, Joel White, imbued the BP24 with characteristics of an easy, stable, responsive, and safe sailboat. While the lines harken back to classic wooden boats, the construction material chosen for production was fiberglass, allowing for durability and reduced maintenance while retaining the classic look. This combination defines the brand's identity: classic charm with modern practicality.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Without a doubt, the Bridges Point 24 is the single most iconic and significant model in the history of Bridges Point Boatyard. It is a trailerable sailboat designed as both a daysailer and a capable cruiser. The original Bridges Point Boatyard built 80 hulls of this design. The last boat produced by Wade Dow's Bridges Point Boatyard was hull #82, named "Promise".
The impact of the Bridges Point 24 on the sailing community is evident in its devoted following. It is highly regarded as a small yet capable vessel, proving that a boat can possess classic beauty while offering reliable and joyful performance on the water. Though less than 100 boats were built by the original yard, their quality and design have ensured their continued desirability in the used boat market and prompted the continuation of the design by the successor company.
The Builder Today
Today, the original Bridges Point Boatyard in Brooklin, Maine, continues its operations as a marine service provider, offering hauling, storage, and repair services. The legacy of building the Bridges Point 24, however, has been taken up by the Bridges Point Boat Company, led by Bill Wright. This new entity continues to produce the Bridges Point 24, keeping the revered design alive for a new generation of sailors.
Modern Bridges Point 24s appeal to sailors who value classic aesthetics, ease of handling, and a high-quality build. The ownership experience is typically one of pride in a boat that performs well and draws admiring glances, fostering a strong community among its owners who appreciate its unique blend of tradition and practicality.
