Fishers Island One Design Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Fishers Island One Design begins in 1923, the year production commenced at the Nevins Inc. shipyard in City Island, New York. Henry B. Nevins, Inc. had by then solidified its reputation for unparalleled quality and custom yacht construction, known for its commitment to producing aesthetically pleasing vessels that also excelled in performance. Initially, these 24-foot sloops were designed with a gaff rig. However, reflecting evolving yachting trends and performance aspirations, the entire fleet underwent a significant re-rigging in 1929, transitioning to the more modern Marconi/Bermudian sloop configuration.

Designed by Charles D. Mower, a noted yacht designer whose original plans for the Fishers Island One Design are preserved within his collection at the Mystic Seaport Museum, the vessel was conceived as a competitive one-design. While initial information suggests approximately 25 were built, an article in 'Classic Boat' magazine from December 2014, cited in boat records, specifies that only 16 of these yachts were constructed in 1923, with 14 reported to have survived into the 21st century. After a decade of active racing at Fishers Island, the fleet was sold en masse to the Gibson Island Yacht Club on Chesapeake Bay, and later, many continued to race as a fleet at the Groton Long Point Yacht Club in Connecticut.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fishers Island One Design is characterized as a light sailboat capable of very high performance, particularly for its size. With a length overall of 24 feet and a waterline length of 15 feet, it boasts a calculated hull speed of 5.19 knots. Its design as a fractional sloop, particularly after the 1929 re-rigging, contributes to its ease of handling, as smaller headsails inherent to fractional rigs simplify tacking, a clear advantage in a racing environment. The boat features a keel/centerboard configuration, offering a versatile draft that can be reduced from 4.0 feet to 1.5 feet, providing flexibility for navigating shallow waters while maintaining good upwind performance. The continued existence and active racing of Fishers Island One Design fleets highlight their enduring appeal and competitive sailing characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary purpose as a one-design racer and its compact 24-foot length, the Fishers Island One Design features a characteristically minimal interior layout. Publicly available information regarding specific interior details such as headroom is limited. However, consistent with small, performance-oriented sailboats of its era, accommodations would likely have been basic, designed more for day sailing or very short overnight trips rather than extended cruising. The interior would typically consist of a simple cuddy cabin, potentially offering a V-berth forward and perhaps limited seating, prioritizing sail and equipment storage over elaborate living spaces. The emphasis of the design would have been on lightweight construction and sailing efficiency, with a focus on a functional cockpit suitable for racing.