Farallon Clipper Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Farallon Clipper was purpose-built for the steep chop and heavy winds characteristic of the Northern California coast. With a full keel and a displacement approaching 18,000 pounds, the boat exhibits exceptional directional stability and a "sea-kindly" motion that modern, lighter-displacement hulls often lack. Its performance is best described as methodical and powerful; it does not accelerate like a contemporary racing yacht, but it maintains momentum through waves with remarkable tenacity.

Handling is defined by a heavy weather helm when over-canvased, a trait common to many pre-war designs. However, when the sail plan—originally a fractional sloop rig—is properly balanced, the Clipper tracks with "hands-off" precision. Owners frequently cite the boat's ability to "heave-to" comfortably, a critical safety feature for offshore passages. While the sail-area-to-displacement ratio suggests a moderate performer, the boat’s ability to point high into the wind while maintaining its footing in 25-knot gusts made it a dominant force in the San Francisco Bay's "Farallon Islands Race," for which the class was named.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 38-foot vessel of its vintage, the Farallon Clipper offers a surprisingly functional and warm interior, characterized by the extensive use of mahogany and teak. The layout is traditional: a V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker, and a main salon featuring two longitudinal settees. The galley is typically located aft, flanking the companionway to minimize motion for the cook while underway.

Interior variations were common, as many hulls were finished to suit the specific requirements of their first owners. Some versions feature a "doghouse" (an elevated aft portion of the cabin trunk) that significantly increases headroom and light in the galley and navigation area. This design choice distinguishes the more cruise-oriented hulls from the "flush-deck" variations that prioritized a lower center of gravity for racing. Despite the relatively narrow beam by modern standards, the use of white-painted overheads and fine wood joinery creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance rather than claustrophobia.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Farallon Clipper class maintains a storied reputation within the San Francisco yachting community. The boat Mistress (Hull #1) is frequently highlighted in regional maritime history as the vessel that proved the design's viability. The class has been a staple of the Master Mariners Benevolent Association regattas for decades. Detailed historical accounts of the class’s development and its role in early West Coast ocean racing are documented in the archives of The Haggin Museum, where researchers can view the original blueprints that illustrate the subtle design evolutions across the 19-boat production run.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Farallon Clipper must approach the purchase with the understanding that these are wooden vessels nearing or exceeding 80 years of age.

• Fastener Fatigue: The original construction utilized bronze or galvanized fasteners. Over time, "iron sickness" can occur in the oak frames if galvanized bolts were used, leading to wood rot around the fastener. A thorough survey should include "pulling" a few fasteners below the waterline to inspect for wastage.
• Deck and Cabin Trunk Leaks: Many Clippers originally featured canvas-covered decks. If this has been replaced with fiberglass ("glassed over"), moisture can become trapped between the wood and the glass, leading to pervasive dry rot in the deck beams and carlins.
• Keel Bolts: Given the age and the heavy lead ballast, the condition of the keel bolts is a primary safety concern. Original bolts may be reaching the end of their fatigue life and often require replacement to ensure the structural integrity of the hull-to-ballast joint.
• Rib and Frame Health: Inspect the "turn of the bilge" for cracked or "sistered" frames. The stresses of heavy-air racing in San Francisco Bay often resulted in fractured oak ribs in the midships section.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for Farallon Clipper technical data is the Stephens Bros. Archive at The Haggin Museum. While there is no longer a formal manufacturer-backed class association, the Master Mariners Benevolent Association (MMBA) in San Francisco serves as the de facto community hub for owners. This organization facilitates the preservation of classic wooden yachts and hosts the annual Master Mariners Regatta, where Farallon Clippers are frequently among the most celebrated participants.

The Verdict

The Farallon Clipper is a connoisseur’s yacht, offering a level of historical pedigree and aesthetic grace that is unattainable in modern fiberglass production.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Crafted during the golden age of Stephens Bros. boatbuilding.
• Heavy Weather Prowess: Engineered specifically for high-wind, high-chop environments.
• Aesthetic Value: Regarded as one of the most beautiful "classic" lines on the West Coast.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: As a vintage wooden vessel, it requires significant annual upkeep and specialized shipwright knowledge.
• Draft and Beam: The deep draft and narrow beam limit its utility in shallow coastal waters and provide less interior volume than modern 38-footers.
• Structural Risks: Potential for costly repairs related to fasteners and frame health due to the vessel's age.