Rozinante (Herreshoff) Information, Review, Specs

The Rozinante’s journey began in 1952, when L. Francis Herreshoff's plans for this distinctive canoe yawl were first published in 'The Rudder' Magazine. Herreshoff, a renowned philosopher and yacht designer, was celebrated for his approach to "wholesome, good-looking, uncomplicated yacht design." He notably featured the Rozinante in his influential book, 'Sensible Cruising Designs,' which further cemented her status in the sailing community. His vision for the Rozinante was to create a vessel that was both beautiful and highly capable, a "canoe yawl" that offered a pure sailing experience.

In the mid-1960s, the Kenner Boat Company, a builder known for its expertise in fiberglass construction and for translating classic wooden designs, took on the production of a fiberglass version of the Herreshoff Rozinante. This move allowed more sailing enthusiasts to enjoy the celebrated lines and performance of the Rozinante without the intensive maintenance associated with traditional wooden hulls, aligning with Kenner's ethos of producing durable and low-maintenance vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Herreshoff Rozinante is widely regarded as a great performer across a range of wind strengths, praised for being an "exceptionally sweet-sailing boat." Her design, featuring a full-keel and double-ended hull, contributes to excellent directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Analyzing her specifications reveals a balanced design:

• With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.82, the Rozinante exhibits a moderate sail plan for her displacement. This suggests she will perform reliably in various conditions, rather than being an extreme light-air flyer, which is consistent with her cruising intentions.
• Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) is remarkably high at over 50.8%. This significant amount of ballast relative to her overall weight indicates exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a strong breeze and maintain a more upright stance under sail.
• The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of around 213.49 places the Rozinante in the moderately heavy category for a sailboat of her length. This contributes to her comfortable motion and seaworthiness, making her well-suited for extended cruising despite her compact size.

Collectively, these attributes describe a vessel that is inherently stable, tracks well, and provides a rewarding sailing experience. She is "striking in looks and performance," reflecting her designer’s emphasis on elegant, seaworthy characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

Given her length overall of 28 feet and her primary design as a daysailer and coastal cruiser, the Herreshoff Rozinante offers a compact and functional interior. Descriptions and images of similar designs by L. Francis Herreshoff, such as those featured in his book 'The Compleat Cruiser,' suggest a utilitarian yet "snug" layout designed for basic comfort rather than extensive living.

The interior typically features two primary berths, often arranged as settees in a small main cabin or a V-berth forward. Headroom is generally limited, a common characteristic of boats of this design and era, optimizing for sleek exterior lines and sailing performance. Storage would be modest, consisting of lockers under berths and perhaps some shelving. Ventilation would typically come from a forward hatch and companionway. While exact specifications for Kenner’s fiberglass version are scarce, the focus would have been on durable, low-maintenance finishes, likely incorporating some wood trim to maintain a classic aesthetic within a fiberglass structure. The interior is designed to be a functional shelter and sleeping space for short cruises, emphasizing the joy of sailing over lavish accommodations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and enthusiasts consistently praise the Herreshoff Rozinante for her exceptional sailing qualities and timeless beauty. She is frequently described as a genuinely "sweet-sailing" boat that elicits admiration wherever she goes. Many consider her a classic design, valuing her solid construction and comfortable, seakindly motion in various sea states, a testament to L. Francis Herreshoff’s masterful naval architecture.

While specific owner reviews for Kenner's fiberglass Rozinante are not widely detailed, owners of Rozinantes in general appreciate the simplicity and purity of the sailing experience she offers. Common maintenance considerations for any vessel of her vintage, whether wood or fiberglass, typically revolve around the upkeep of original systems such as the engine, electrical, and plumbing. For the fiberglass versions, this often includes potential re-bedding of deck fittings and ensuring the integrity of the core materials, though Kenner's reputation for durable construction would mitigate some of these concerns. Ultimately, the Rozinante is cherished for her enduring elegance and ability to deliver a deeply satisfying traditional sailing experience.