Refit for legendary Herreshoff Schooner ‘Vagrant’

Vagrant in her early days.
Photographer Unknown
Vagrant in her early days.
Photographer Unknown

The classic 39m (128ft schooner), launched in 1913, will be rebuilt completely by Royal Huisman’s dedicated refit department.

Herreshoff’s legacy has fascinated yachting lovers for more than a century. ‘Vagrant’s’ owner – well aware of the yacht’s history – clearly briefed Team Huisfit to reconstruct ‘Vagrant’s’ magnificent grace and style, inside and out, with the utmost respect and care for her historic value, but also to re-engineer her with the most modern quality materials and board systems for sensible, effortless and safe operation.

Vagrant sailplan.
Vagrant Profile.

With this extensive refit, ‘Vagrant’ and her magnitude will be preserved well into the future.

‘Vagrant’ is at the Royal Huisman facilities in Vollenhove where the yacht will be fully stripped. The rebuild will begin with the sandblasting and preservation of her 33m (109ft) over-a-hundred-years-old steel hull, after which a new deck and all necessary outfitting will be re-installed.

Dykstra Naval Architects and Rondal will provide the re-rigging of her schooner-rigged sail plan with yankee, staysail, main staysail and queen fisherman, while a new Rondal aluminum masts will be constructed for the inside furling of the fisherman and mainsail.

The luxury owner’s and guest accommodation will be refurbished, whilst new crew’s quarters are created in Royal Huisman’s joinery. Without compromising on

space the engine, generators, heating, air conditioning and more will be smartly concealed behind wooden panels and cabinetry.

Thanks to her owner’s vision and respect for her legacy ‘Vagrant’ will not become a piece of forgotten history, but instead, will remain a living legend – sailing and enjoyed by many for decades to come.

Specifications of Schooner ‘Vagrant’
Designer: Herreshoff
Construction: Steel
Launched: 1913 (Rhode island, USA)
Refit: 2017-2019 (Huisfit)
Length incl. bowsprit: 39m / 129ft
Hull length: 33m / 109ft
Length waterline: 25m / 82ft
Beam: 7m / 24ft
Draft: 4m / 14ft

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