From its humble beginnings as an exporter to its rise as a respected builder of high-quality sailing yachts, LeComte Yachts, founded by Adolf “Dolf” LeComte, carved a significant niche in the marine industry. Known for their robust construction, elegant designs, and superb joinery, LeComte vessels continue to be cherished by owners worldwide, long after the yard's closure.
The Origin Story
Adolf “Dolf” LeComte, a visionary in the yachting world, initially facilitated the export of Dutch-built yachts to a burgeoning American market. This experience soon led him to establish his own shipyard, LeComte-Holland, in 1956, in the town of Jutphaas, just south of Utrecht in the Netherlands. LeComte's early ambition was to deliver yachts that met the discerning standards of an expanding international clientele.
The company's initial projects reflected a strong emphasis on traditional wooden construction and collaborations with esteemed American naval architects. Early contracts with the renowned John Alden Co. resulted in classic wooden vessels like the 33-foot Malabar Senior sloops and the graceful 42-foot Nordfarer yawls. LeComte also undertook the finishing of Halmatic-molded 38-foot Challenger yawls, blending their craftsmanship with emerging material technologies.
History and Evolution
A pivotal moment in LeComte-Holland's history occurred in 1961 when the company fully embraced fiberglass construction. This transition began with the introduction of the Medalist 33 sloop, a model that would become a cornerstone of their fiberglass fleet. This strategic shift allowed LeComte to leverage the advantages of the new material, offering durability and reduced maintenance while maintaining their commitment to high-quality finishes.
In 1963, Dolf LeComte further cemented his company's presence in the American market by purchasing waterfront property in New Rochelle, New York. This acquisition led to the development of a 32-slip marina, incorporated as Glen Island Yacht Club, which not only served as a sales office but also housed a dedicated staff for commissioning and servicing yachts arriving from Holland. Today, Dwight LeComte serves as the General Manager of Glen Island Yacht Club, maintaining a connection to the family's legacy.
The company's growth necessitated an expansion of its manufacturing capabilities. In 1968, LeComte-Holland inaugurated a modern building facility in Vianen, situated on the Lek River, just south of their original Jutphaas location. Beyond recreational yachts, LeComte also engaged in a significant program of military and commercial fiberglass powerboat construction. This included projects such as 20-meter pilot boats for the Hook of Holland, landing craft for the Dutch Marines, and fishing trawlers. These ventures provided valuable experience in foam-cored hull construction, a technology that would later influence their recreational designs, particularly in rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and tunnel-hulled landing craft.
The LeComte legacy of boat building concluded in 1994 when Dolf LeComte retired, leading to the closure of LeComte-Holland and the sale of the Vianen facility to a non-marine industrial user.
Design Philosophy and Identity
LeComte Yachts earned a sterling reputation in the sailing world for their unwavering commitment to quality. The builder was renowned for constructing solid-glass hulls, a testament to their dedication to structural integrity. Decks were typically Airex-cored, providing strength and rigidity without excessive weight. Interiors were a hallmark of LeComte craftsmanship, featuring yacht-quality varnished finishes that exuded a luxurious and classic feel. Beyond construction, LeComte boats were characterized by attractive and competitive hull and rig designs, balancing performance with comfortable cruising.
Over its history, LeComte collaborated with several prominent naval architects, bringing a diverse range of design expertise to their models:
- John Alden Co.: Responsible for the early wooden Malabar Senior sloops and Nordfarer yawls.
- William H. Tripp Jr.: Designed the flush-deck, teak-decked 52-foot Ocean Racer, introduced in 1965.
- Alfred E. Luders: Credited with the design of the Fastnet 45 sloop/yawl, which joined the LeComte family in 1968. Luders also contributed to the redesign of the Fastnet 45 into the ALC-46.
- Sparkman & Stephens: Lent their design expertise to the ALC-40 sloop.
- Adolf "Dolf" LeComte: Himself designed the ALC-35 sloop, which phased out the Medalist 33 in 1970, and the ALC-40 in 1971. He was also involved in the redesign of the Fastnet 45 into the ALC-46 in 1973.
- Ted Hood: Designed a new, taller rig that became available for later versions of the Medalist 33.
Iconic Models and Legacy
LeComte Yachts produced a series of significant and successful models that solidified its standing in the marine industry:
- Malabar Senior 33 & Nordfarer 42: These early wooden yachts, designed by John Alden, established LeComte's reputation for classic lines and solid construction in the pre-fiberglass era.
- Medalist 33: Launched in 1961, this sloop marked LeComte's decisive entry into fiberglass construction. Initially sold in the U.S. by George O'Day and US Yachts, the Medalist 33 was a popular choice, with some later versions featuring a longer cabin and updated rigs by Ted Hood.
- North East 38: Introduced in 1962, this sloop/yawl further expanded LeComte's fiberglass offerings.
- Ocean Racer 52: Designed by William H. Tripp Jr., this flush-deck, teak-decked vessel premiered in 1965 (though some sources indicate 1968 as the start of production) and exemplified LeComte's ability to produce larger, high-performance yachts.
- Fastnet 45: A Luders-designed sloop/yawl, the Fastnet 45 joined the LeComte lineup in 1968. Approximately 19 units of this powerful and sea-kindly vessel were built.
- ALC Series (ALC-35, ALC-40, ALC-46): These models represented an evolution in LeComte's design philosophy, with Adolf LeComte himself playing a significant role in their conception and refinement. The ALC-35 replaced the Medalist 33 in 1970, followed by the ALC-40 in 1971, which replaced the North East 38. The ALC-46, introduced in 1973, was a redesign of the Fastnet 45. The ALC-40 notably benefited from the design input of Sparkman & Stephens. These yachts were known for their robust build and seaworthiness, appealing to cruisers and performance-oriented sailors alike.
In addition to their renowned sailboats, LeComte's active program of building military and commercial fiberglass powerboats, including pilot boats and landing craft, demonstrated their versatility and advanced understanding of fiberglass construction techniques, particularly foam-cored hulls.
The Builder Today
While LeComte-Holland ceased operations in 1994 with Dolf LeComte's retirement, the impact of LeComte Yachts endures. Their vessels are highly regarded for their exceptional build quality, classic aesthetics, and enduring performance, making them sought-after in the pre-owned yacht market.
The legacy of LeComte is maintained through a dedicated community of owners. Websites like SailboatData.com mention a "LeComte Owners Web Site," indicating a network where enthusiasts can connect, share knowledge, and celebrate these classic yachts. The continued operation of Glen Island Yacht Club in New Rochelle, which Dolf LeComte established, also serves as a tangible link to the company's past and its commitment to yachting excellence. LeComte yachts today appeal to those who appreciate a blend of traditional craftsmanship, sturdy construction, and capable sailing performance, offering an ownership experience rooted in a rich history of quality boat building.
