A Grand History....

From the drawing board of America's greatest yacht designer, Nathanael G. Herreshoff, the world's most successful and powerful racing yachts took form.  Their venue was the peak of international yacht racing, the America's Cup.  Their time the "Gilded Age" of the late 1800s.   Testament to Herreshoff's naval architecture genius was the magnificent yacht Reliance - considered the the most powerful single masted vessel ever built. 

Ventura's documented status among America's landmarks is attributed to her Herreshoff pedigree and longevity.  She is a rarity among rarities, as one of the very few large Herreshoff yachts left in the world. Records of her history and that of "Captain Nat" are found in many great institutions including Harvard, M.I.T., the venerable Mariner's Museum, and the Smithsonian.  Modern media over the past several years have also featured Ventura on CNN, the BBC, Good Morning America and as far as the Tokyo broadcasting company NRK. 

A true wooden ship, Ventura's hull is solid mahogany, decks are Indian teak, and her hollow wooden mast is made of American spruce. She is 70 feet long, weighs 28 tons and very comfortably carries up to 30 guests.  Records indicate she was commissioned in 1919, launched in late 1920 or early 1921, and saw her first full season at a private mooring on Long Island's "Gold Coast" of Oyster Bay in 1922.   She was originally owned by philanthropist George Baker (founder of today's Citi Bank) and sailed primarily as Mr. Bakers' private duck hunting yacht!

Yacht Specs:

Port: North Cove Marina - New York, NY

Capacity: Up to 30 guests

Crew: 3 including Captain, 4 with galley assistant

Rig: Cutter Rigged Sloop

Length: 70'

Year Commissioned: 1919