S&S Finisterre Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Finisterre was designed with a Displacement/Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 470, placing it firmly in the heavy-displacement category by modern standards. However, its performance belied its weight. The boat's primary strength lies in its exceptional "sea-kindliness" and ability to maintain momentum in a seaway. The beam of 11 feet 3 inches—unusually wide for a 38-foot boat in the 1950s—provides immense initial stability, allowing the vessel to carry a full press of sail longer than its contemporaries.

As a yawl, the Finisterre offers a versatile sail plan that is particularly effective for short-handed handling. According to editorial retrospectives in Classic Boat Magazine, the "jigger" (mizzen) allows the helm to be balanced with surgical precision, enabling the boat to steer itself for long periods even without an autopilot. When the centerboard is lowered to its full depth of 7 feet 10 inches, the boat exhibits surprisingly sharp upwind pointing ability. With the board up (drawing only 3 feet 11 inches), it becomes an ideal platform for downwind running or navigating shallow tropical reaches, reducing drag and improving off-wind speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many dedicated racers of the mid-century that featured "pipe cot" interiors, Carleton Mitchell insisted that the Finisterre be a true home afloat. The layout was revolutionary for the time, incorporating luxuries that are now standard but were then considered extravagant for a racing boat, such as a large refrigerator, pressurized hot water, and a dedicated galley designed for use at sea. The interior is characterized by traditional wood joinery, typically finished in rubbed mahogany or white-painted bulkheads to enhance the sense of space.

While the original Finisterre was a custom wooden build, its success prompted a series of "sister ships" and production variants built to S&S Design #1054. These include vessels like Katingo and Daphne, which followed the same lines but often featured minor interior modifications to suit their respective owners. The design's influence also trickled down into production fiberglass boats; the Tartan 34C and the Allied Seabreeze 35 are often considered the spiritual and technical "siblings" of the Finisterre, utilizing the same keel-centerboard philosophy to balance racing performance with cruising comfort.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Finisterre is one of the most documented individual yachts in existence. Carleton Mitchell chronicled his voyages and the boat’s philosophy in numerous books and articles, most notably in The Winds Call and Islands to Windward. His writings in Sports Illustrated and National Geographic during the 1950s and 60s brought the Finisterre—and the lifestyle of the gentleman racer—into the American mainstream. The boat’s "hat-trick" in the Newport Bermuda Race remains the benchmark for offshore excellence and is a frequent subject of study at the Mystic Seaport Museum, which holds many of Mitchell's papers and photographs.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For those seeking to maintain or purchase an S&S Finisterre or one of its close design relatives, several technical areas require rigorous inspection:

1. Centerboard Trunk Integrity: The trunk is a common point of failure. In wooden versions, freshwater rot can develop at the head of the trunk where it meets the cabin sole. In metal-reinforced versions, galvanic corrosion between the board and the pivot pin can lead to seizing.
2. Mizzen Mast Compression: The yawl rig places specific loads on the aft deck. Inspect the mizzen step for signs of compression or moisture intrusion in the deck core, as these can lead to structural misalignment of the rig.
3. Keel-to-Hull Joint: On the keel-centerboard configuration, the joint where the ballast keel meets the deadwood is subject to significant stress. Look for "smile" cracks at the leading edge, which may indicate the need for new keel bolts.
4. Galvanic Protection: Because these boats often utilize a mix of bronze, lead, and stainless steel in the centerboard assembly, maintaining a robust sacrificial anode system is critical to prevent "electrolysis" from weakening the pivot assembly.

Community & Resources

The primary authority for technical data and historical verification is the Sparkman & Stephens Association, which maintains an extensive archive of original blueprints and design notes for hull #1054. Additionally, the Mystic Seaport Museum serves as a vital resource for researchers interested in the Carleton Mitchell collection, offering insight into the original specifications and equipment used during the boat’s historic racing career.

The Verdict

The S&S Finisterre remains a masterpiece of compromise, successfully bridging the gap between a rugged offshore cruiser and a dominant racing machine.

• Pros:
  • Legendary sea-kindliness and heavy-weather stability.
  • Shoal draft capability via the centerboard allows for world-class cruising versatility.
  • Timeless aesthetic appeal and immense historical pedigree.
• Cons:
  • High maintenance requirements associated with centerboard trunks and yawl rigs.
  • Heavier displacement makes it less competitive in modern "light air" around-the-buoys racing.
  • Complex sail handling compared to a modern sloop.