For over a century, Weeks Yacht Yard has been a steadfast beacon of maritime tradition and innovation on the south shore of Long Island, New York. Founded in 1898, this esteemed boatyard has consistently upheld a reputation for quality craftsmanship, transitioning from classic wooden boat construction to modern fiberglass techniques while maintaining its commitment to a discerning clientele. As one of the oldest operational boatyards in the United States, Weeks Yacht Yard embodies a rich legacy of boat building and service.
The Origin Story
The story of Weeks Yacht Yard begins with its visionary founder, Frank M. Weeks, a native of Patchogue, New York. The Weeks family had long been established along the famed Patchogue River, setting the stage for Frank’s maritime endeavors. In 1898, Frank M. Weeks launched and sold his very first vessel: a "W" Class catboat aptly named "Onion." This unique moniker was a nod to the onion field situated behind his home, where he cultivated produce for the market. From this humble yet significant beginning, Frank M. Weeks embarked on a prolific career, designing and constructing numerous celebrated yachts, encompassing both sail and power. His initial foray into boat building laid the groundwork for a generational enterprise rooted in quality and service.
History and Evolution
Weeks Yacht Yard has enjoyed a continuous history, distinguishing itself as one of America's enduring boatyards. Since its inception in 1898, it has operated as a full-service marina, adapting and expanding its capabilities over more than a hundred years. The yard has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, maintaining its family-owned status and now entering its "third century of operation," a testament to its enduring legacy and commitment.
Throughout its history, Weeks Yacht Yard has embraced evolving boat-building techniques and materials. While deeply rooted in the tradition of wooden boat construction and restoration, the yard has also skillfully integrated fiberglass boat building into its repertoire. This blend of traditional and modern methods allows the yard to cater to a diverse range of vessels and client needs, ensuring its relevance and continued success in the marine industry.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Weeks Yacht Yard has cultivated a strong reputation within the sailing community, primarily known for its expertise in building and servicing one-design class sailboats. The yard prides itself on maintaining a dedication to its customers, offering comprehensive services that underscore its commitment to excellence. Their unique identity is deeply intertwined with a focus on specific, often classic, sailboat designs.
While the yard's primary focus has been on producing specific one-design classes rather than collaborating with a wide array of external celebrity naval architects, their in-house capabilities and understanding of design principles have been paramount. They are noted for their skill in both new construction and meticulous restoration, ensuring that vessels, whether new or antique, meet the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The legacy of Weeks Yacht Yard is intrinsically linked to the distinct boat models it has built and championed. The very first boat, the "W" Class catboat "Onion," holds a special place in the yard's history, representing its foundational design and construction prowess.
In more recent times, Weeks Yacht Yard has become the dedicated manufacturer of several popular one-design classes. Among these is the Force 5 sailboat, a 14-foot day-sailing and racing dinghy that was originally introduced by AMF Alcort in 1973. Weeks Yacht Yard has since taken on its manufacturing, ensuring the continued availability of this high-performance dinghy. The yard also builds DN Iceboats, a class born from a design contest, further showcasing their versatility in specific niche markets. Additionally, Weeks Yacht Yard continues to produce Traditional One Design Cat Boats, including their own "WP Cat" line, reinforcing their connection to classic American sailing traditions. These specific class affiliations highlight the yard's commitment to precision, consistency, and the cultivation of active racing and cruising communities around these designs.
The Builder Today
Today, Weeks Yacht Yard remains a vibrant and essential marine facility located at 10 Riverview Court, Patchogue, NY. It operates as a full-service marina, providing an extensive array of marine services, including mechanical work, expert carpentry, meticulous restoration, high-quality refinishing, fiberglass repair, and rigging services. The yard also offers comprehensive dockage with 70 deep-water, pier-style slips, catering to a diverse range of vessels and their owners.
The yard’s enduring commitment to excellence and its long-standing family ownership ensure a personal and dedicated approach to every project. Weeks Yacht Yard appeals to boat owners who value tradition, quality craftsmanship, and a full-service experience. While an explicit "owner community" might not be formally structured in the same way as larger production builders, the focus on one-design classes inherently fosters strong camaraderie and loyalty among those who own and race these boats. The yard’s continuous operation for over 125 years speaks volumes about its loyal customer base and its integral role in the Long Island marine landscape.
