Nestled at the head of Somes Sound in Mount Desert, Maine, Mount Desert Yacht Yard has long been a significant name in American yachting. What began as a local hub for yacht storage and repair blossomed into a renowned design and building yard, leaving an indelible mark with its distinctive approach to cruising sailboats.
The Origin Story
Mount Desert Yacht Yard's transformation into a boatbuilding powerhouse truly took shape in the late 1940s and 1950s. At the helm was E. Farnham Butler, a visionary who steered the company beyond mere maintenance into the realm of design and construction. Butler, along with his key associates, naval architect Cyrus Hamlin and Ted Earl, embarked on developing a unique line of cruising boats. While the yard's precise "first boat" built under this new direction isn't explicitly documented, Butler's personal craftsmanship, evidenced by a 1949 Mermaid sloop he constructed, hints at the skilled hands guiding the yard's early boatbuilding endeavors. Their original vision centered on creating light displacement, reverse sheer cruising boats ranging from 22 to 36 feet—a concept that would define the yard's identity.
History and Evolution
The mid-20th century marked a pivotal period for Mount Desert Yacht Yard as it solidified its reputation as a builder of innovative sailing yachts. The yard primarily embraced traditional wooden construction, often employing the strip-planking technique for its hulls, which allowed for lightweight yet strong designs. Unlike many builders who transitioned to fiberglass in later decades, Mount Desert Yacht Yard largely maintained its focus on crafting exquisite wooden vessels, a testament to its commitment to classic boatbuilding artistry. There is no widespread information suggesting a significant shift to fiberglass production, reinforcing their dedication to traditional methods.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Mount Desert Yacht Yard earned a sterling reputation in the sailing world for its distinctive design philosophy. The yard became synonymous with "light displacement, reverse sheer cruising boats." This unique reverse sheer, where the sheer line curves downwards towards the bow and stern, was a signature characteristic, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical advantages, such as increased interior volume.
Their boats were known for being not only innovative but also exceptionally practical, particularly the Amphibicon, which was lauded as "possibly the finest trailerable cruising sailboat ever designed." This emphasis on trailerability underscored a commitment to versatility and accessibility for cruising enthusiasts. The yard's designs prioritized performance without sacrificing comfortable cruising capabilities.
Crucially, the success of Mount Desert Yacht Yard's designs was deeply rooted in the collaborative genius of its primary designers: E. Farnham Butler and Cyrus Hamlin. Butler, as the yard's owner, was a driving force behind the designs, while Cyrus Hamlin, a distinguished naval architect who also taught the discipline, provided invaluable expertise. Together, they crafted yachts that balanced speed, stability, and comfortable accommodations, setting them apart in the marine industry.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The legacy of Mount Desert Yacht Yard is best exemplified by its series of iconic models that continue to be cherished by classic boat enthusiasts. The Amphibicon, a 25' 5" (7.8m) monohull, stands out as a groundbreaking design, recognized by some as the first boat explicitly designed as a trailerable cruising boat. Its smaller sibling, the Amphibi-ette, launched in 1960, a 24' (7.3m) centerboard sloop, offered a lightweight, strong, and easily trailerable option ideal for couples and small families.
However, it was arguably the Controversy series that truly cemented the yard's design prowess. This family of boats embodied the core "Controversy concept" of light displacement and reverse sheer. Key models included:
- The Controversy 26, a 25' 11" (7.9m) monohull, first introduced in 1954.
- The Controversy 27, a 27' 5" (8.4m) monohull, entering production in 1960, known for its light displacement and good performance.
- The Controversy 30, a 31' 2" (9.5m) monohull, also launched in 1960.
- The largest of the series, the Controversy 36, was a 36-foot masthead sloop or yawl, with the original vessel, "Constellation," hitting the water in 1960. These larger models retained the signature light displacement and reverse sheer, offering excellent headroom and an open interior thanks to their innovative wooden strip-planked construction.
While precise production numbers are not readily available, the enduring popularity and dedicated following of these models speak volumes about their impact. The yard's commitment to practical, well-engineered designs created a unique niche in the industry.
The Builder Today
Today, Mount Desert Yacht Yard continues its long-standing tradition of serving the marine community from its historic location in Mount Desert, Maine. Under the leadership of John Butler, son of E. Farnham Butler, the yard operates as a comprehensive marine service provider. Its current offerings focus on essential services for boat owners, including yacht storage, maintenance, and repair. While the yard's historical peak as a builder of new, production sailing yachts has evolved, its legacy of craftsmanship and innovative design lives on through the continued care and service provided to a new generation of boaters. The ownership experience is rooted in the quality and tradition that the Butler family has fostered for decades, appealing to those who appreciate heritage and meticulous marine care.
