Fishers Island 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The narrative of the Fishers Island 31 begins in 1928, just before the economic upheaval of the 1929 stock market crash, with production continuing until 1946. Only 14 of these elegant sloops were built, yet they have been widely recognized as among the greatest all-around yacht designs of their era. The design itself evolved from earlier Herreshoff creations, notably the Newport 29 and as an improvement upon Captain Nat Herreshoff's famous 26-foot Alerion, reflecting a continuous pursuit of refinement and performance.

Sidney Herreshoff, the designer, envisioned a yacht that could be rigorously raced on the classic regatta circuit while simultaneously offering a generous cockpit and a comfortable interior suitable for family cruising. This duality was a hallmark of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company's ethos, which, under the leadership of brothers John Brown and Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, was dedicated to ingenuity and excellence in design, construction, and manufacturing. The company was renowned for its vertical integration, handling nearly every aspect of boat production in-house, ensuring superior quality control and innovative solutions. The Fishers Island 31 class exemplified this commitment, showcasing remarkable qualities of construction, seaworthiness, and an almost natural beauty. While the core design remained consistent, minor variations could be found in specific sail plans, offering slightly more sail area on some vessels than on earlier plans, and some individual boats featured unique cabin arrangements or rigging modifications like the addition of a permanent backstay.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Herreshoff Fishers Island 31 is characterized by a "versatile full keel sloop design" with an overall length of 43.5 feet and a waterline length of 31.5 feet. With a displacement of 18,000 pounds, her displacement-to-length ratio calculates to 257.09, placing her in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This suggests a yacht with a substantial feel in the water, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway and the capability for serious offshore work.

Her sail area to displacement ratio stands at 20.02. This relatively high number indicates that the Fishers Island 31 is well-powered and likely exhibits good performance in lighter air conditions, while still possessing the inherent stability to handle stronger breezes. Owners and enthusiasts describe the boat as one that can be "pushed hard" in racing scenarios, yet remains manageable and seaworthy. Her handling is often praised for its balance and responsiveness, sometimes featuring an easily managed self-tacking club-footed jib and cockpit-mounted bronze winches for ease of operation. The full keel design contributes to excellent directional stability and a smooth ride, particularly in choppy waters, reflecting the boat's design for both competitive racing and comfortable cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Fishers Island 31 are not extensively documented in raw data, available information and historical accounts highlight a thoughtful and elegant approach to her accommodations. The design successfully marries a "generous cockpit" with a "comfortable interior," fulfilling Sidney Herreshoff's vision of a dual-purpose yacht.

The interior of the Fishers Island 31 typically features a "timeless and elegant" aesthetic, often showcasing a warm combination of painted off-white paneling complemented by satin varnished mahogany trim and joinery. This classic Herreshoff finish speaks to the builder's commitment to quality and enduring style. Common interior layouts would include traditional V-berths forward, a salon area with settees and a table, a compact galley, and a head compartment. Some of these layouts were even "modified by the Concordia organization," indicating a degree of customization and adaptability in their arrangements over time. On deck, the boats feature original skylights, hatches, and opening cabin ports, which would have provided essential light and ventilation below. The overall impression is one of traditional yachting comfort, designed for extended stays onboard, whether at anchor or during a passage.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Herreshoff Fishers Island 31 consistently laud the vessel for its solid construction and inherent seaworthiness, attributes that define the Herreshoff legacy. These yachts are cherished not only for their beauty and style but also for their robust build quality, which has allowed many to endure for decades and continue sailing actively today. The boats are known to be competitive on the classic regatta circuit, offering spirited performance that belies their age.

A testament to their formidable construction and capabilities, at least one Fishers Island 31, Wizard (formerly Patapsco II), famously circumnavigated the world, underscoring the model's offshore prowess and durability. This epic voyage speaks volumes about the trust and confidence owners place in these classic Herreshoff designs. While specific "common problems" are not widely reported, the continued active sailing and restoration efforts for these historic yachts reflect a dedicated community of owners committed to preserving and enjoying these exceptional vessels. The enduring appeal of the Fishers Island 31 lies in its blend of racing pedigree, comfortable cruising amenities, and the timeless craftsmanship of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company.