PRICE: $ 125,000.00
Year: 1929
Length: 44'
Located In: Cataumet, MA
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Hull Material: Wood
Specs
Builder: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company – Bristol, Rhode Island
Designer: Sidney Herreshoff
Dimensions
LOA: 43 ft 3 in
LWL: 31 ft 6 in
Beam: 10 ft 8 in
Draft: 6 ft
Engine
Total Power: 40 HP
Engine Brand: Yanmar
Year built: 2022
Engine Model: Yanmar 3JH40
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Electrical Equipment
Charging System – New 2021
Batteries – New 2021
Sails and Canvas
Mainsail – Thurston/Quantum Sails - 2014
Jib – Thurston/Quantum Sails -2014
Dodger – Thurston/Quantum - 2014
Sail Covers – Mainsail and Jib - 2014
Additional Equipment
Galley Refrigeration - Replaced 2014
Garmin Chart Plotter
VHF Radio
Depth Sounder
New Cockpit and Interior Cushions – 2015
Maxi Prop with Line Cutter
Yacht design is a world of compromise; the give and take between performance, safety and aesthetics is a difficult- often impossible- line to walk. However, the design boards of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company in Bristol, Rhode Island seemed to have mastered the balance more often than not. Yachting history is full of fast, Frankenstein like hulls; somewhat ponderous, yet beautiful yachts; and dull looking boats that can endure hurricane conditions without spilling the soup. Vanity aside, designing boats that remain sound through generations and relative in terms of performance only adds to the challenge- but, the Bristol dynasty was able to repeat this success again and again.
One of these revered Herreshoff designs is the Fishers Island 31, an evolution of the 26' Alerion III designed by N.G Herreshoff in 1912 and modified by his son, Sidney DeWolf Herreshoff, during the Haffenreffer years. As with the H12, Newport 29, Buzzards Bay 25 and other notable craft, the original Alerion lines were stretched, pulled and pushed to develop another class all its own; each arguably among the best of its peers. The first of this FI31 class -14 hulls built in total- was ordered in late 1926 and launched the following spring. The FI31's lines extended the ALERION's length to nearly 44' overall with greater overhangs and a waterline of 31' 6". Along with that increase in length, a deeper draft of 6' and a flatter sheer curve were used to improve cabin headroom below.
AZURA (HMCo. 1132) was the 6th hull of the Fishers Island 31 Class and was launched in 1929 for George Fields. In 2003, AZURA was purchased and brought from Long Island, NY to Cape Cod by Steve Ballentine, owner of Ballentine's Boat Shop, where she was given a fairly comprehensive once-over. Work at this time included; a complete refastening with bronze fasteners, the installation of additional bronze strapping around the mast step, fiberglassing the cockpit well, and a top to bottom refinishing. In 2013, after a decade of enjoyment, Ballentine sold AZURA to Bruce Bradley, grandson of a previous owner, who renamed her PROCYON, as she was known during his family's first ownership in the 1950s.
During the nearly two decades of Ballentine and Bradley's ownership, the boat has remained in the care of BBS and kept to the highest of standards. PROCYON has been carefully maintained with attention paid to all exterior paint and varnish yearly. Her painted topsides are double planked- save the teak shear plank- with Douglas fir and cypress. Closer to the keel, the hull is single planked yellow pine and painted with anti-fouling paint. The teak decks are original; their rich color and texture underfoot maintained with yearly sanding and oiling. The boat's framing and centerline structure are original white oak with yellow pine used for the deadwood.
Interior furnishing is of the subtle elegance known to Herreshoff yachts. Painted off-white paneling and satin varnished mahogany accents keep the spaces bright and timeless. As with many of her sister-ships, PROCYON's original racing accommodations were modified for a second life of coastal cruising; in this case, by Concordia in the 1940s. Standard during the 1920s, yachts of this size employed a paid hand to care for the boat and their interior layout was designed as such. When launched, PROCYON was fitted with a bunk forward, small galley and head near the mast. The main saloon was for the owner's use and included only minimal comforts for extended stay.
PROCYON's 1940s reworked cabin arrangement now features a larger galley aft, a pair of Concordia style pipe berths in the main saloon with shelves above each, and large enclosed head amidships. The largest modification by Concordia was to lengthen the cabin house forward of the mast to provide standing headroom in the v-berth; a welcome addition to any crew. Large teak butterfly hatches add ample natural light and ventilation to the open space. A wood stove mounted forward in the main cabin ensures early and late season cruising remains civilized.
On deck, PROCYON has kept much of her original hardware. Where reasonable, her running rigging has been modernized to ease the burden when crewing shorthanded or sailing solo. A club footed jib- relatively small compared to modern boats- is self-tacking. The mainsheet has been moved to a traveler aft of the cockpit with a cam cleat arrangement. The running backstays sheet to additional bronze cockpit winches. Even with all of the control lines lead aft, the cockpit still feels spacious and comfortable for a large crew.
Outwardly, PROCYON stays true to her classic appearance, but she has been thoughtfully updated to provide more modern comfort and reliability. Namely, replacing her tired auxiliary with a new 40hp Yanmar diesel in 2022. The originally outfitted icebox has been replaced with refrigeration over the decades. This system too was updated with a newer unit by Bradley. Electronics are minimal, but provide all necessary tools. A newer Garmin chart plotter, VHF radio, and depth sounder make up the bulk of the boat's technology.
Today, PROCYON stands out as an excellent example of unmatched Herreshoff design and construction, thoughtful updates, and a long history of caring ownership. The 31's abilities are legendary; remaining balanced and well mannered in the slightest zephyrs to the freshest of breezes. Whether you're looking for a competitive yacht for the classic race circuit or a comfortable family cruiser, the Fishers Island 31 continues to impress and will no doubt prove her worth to the next generation of steward.
She is currently at Ballentine's Boat Shop in Cataumet, MA, and available to be seen by appointment. Please contact Amy or Matt at via Email for more information about this listing or to schedule an appointment for viewing. Or call for Amy or Matt at 508-563-2800.
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