We acquired a Herreshoff 12-1/2 in 2001. It did not have a builder's plate and the hull number was unknown. Since our intent was to re-name her to the original and ensure she was configured authentically, it was important to determine her hull number. We decided that, since there were only 364 boats built, they could all be tracked down and we could determine our own hull number by process of elimination. At the time we had no idea how foolhardy a mission that was. We eventually discovered our hull number, and in the process the Herreshoff 12-1/2 Footer Regsistry was developed.

The first version was published in 2004, and a whitepaper version of it was published in 2005 in the Proceedings of the first Classic Yacht Symposium. It continues to be improved and updated. It not only documents the status of the boats, but also documents the changes to construction techniques made over the years. A searchable online database was added in 2006. We have just expanded the documentation effort to include all of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company sailing vessels.

The goal is to be the place where someone comes when they want information on a Herreshoff sailing vessel, whether it be because they want to find a boat to buy, because they want the history of their own boat, or because they are just looking for information. The lofty objective is to identify the location and current owner, or the ultimate fate, of all 1100-or-so vessels. Since the mission is to be a functional, useful tool, we continue to add new features to the website that houses this information. We are anxious for feedback and suggestions as to how to make this resource more useful.

We have just put up an online discussion forum. The forum is freely accessible for viewing, though we encourage you to register for an ID. This will get you access to the Private Messages feature. The process to obtain an ID is quick, easy, and free. It is also be flexible, so you can make as much or as little information about yourself public as you wish. There are sections for discussing design classes, specific boats, restoration, and an area to post boats available for sale. It will take a little while for critical mass to develop. The more people that use it, the richer the content will be. So please check it out. There is a link in the menubar.