Seawanhaka Sea Bird Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Seawanhaka Sea Bird lies in the proactive vision of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club's Flag Officers, who, during the winter of 1937, commissioned young Olin Stephens of Sparkman & Stephens to design a dedicated junior training boat. A prototype was subsequently ordered from the Penn Yan Boat Company, known for its innovation and craftsmanship in American boating. Penn Yan, founded in 1921, had established a reputation for high-quality wooden vessels and, during this period, was actively producing a diverse range of boats. The Seawanhaka Sea Bird proved to be a significant undertaking, becoming the largest class ever built by the Penn Yan Boat Company at that time. A fleet of 29 boats was ready for the 1937 season, establishing the Sea Bird as the primary one-design class for the club's junior program for approximately the next two decades. Constructed with a fiberglass and wood composite hull and deck, the Sea Bird embodies the traditional wooden boat building ethos of Penn Yan, combining durability with a classic aesthetic.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed as a one-design racer and junior trainer, the Seawanhaka Sea Bird, with its 24-foot length overall and 15-foot waterline, was intended to offer responsive and manageable sailing characteristics suitable for developing sailors. Its fractional sloop rig and fin keel are indicative of a design focused on performance and agility. Given its relatively small size and specific purpose, traditional performance ratios are not typically applied in the same manner as with larger cruising vessels. However, its design by Sparkman & Stephens, a firm celebrated for creating successful racing yachts, suggests an emphasis on balance, control, and a rewarding sailing experience. The lightweight displacement of 1,700 lbs and 175 sq ft of sail area would likely contribute to nimble handling and good performance in moderate conditions, making it an excellent platform for learning the nuances of sail trim and boat control.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a club one-design and junior training boat, the Seawanhaka Sea Bird features a functional rather than elaborate interior. With a length overall of 24 feet, space below deck would be inherently limited. While specific detailed interior layouts are scarce due to the boat's age and purpose, it is reasonable to infer that the accommodations would be minimal, focusing on essential shelter and storage rather than extensive cruising comforts. The layout would likely include basic seating and possibly a simple V-berth forward, prioritizing the sailing cockpit and deck space for crew activity. The emphasis would have been on robust, practical finishes suitable for frequent use and the rigors of training and racing.