Nathael Herreshoff's Proa Model

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Earl Boebert, Mar 11, 2010.

  1. Earl Boebert
    Joined: Dec 2005
    Posts: 392
    Likes: 62, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 302
    Location: Albuquerque NM USA

    Earl Boebert Senior Member

    I'm starting a new thread to avoid cluttering the main proa thread (which I find fascinating, BTW).

    Anyhow, thanks to the good folks at the Herreshoff Museum, here's the sailing model of a proa that Cap'n Nat made. The sail on the right is from the sailing model catamaran that he did ca. 1875, and the similarity in cloth and condition leads us to date the proa from the same period.

    The model is a little over a foot long.

    Cheers,

    Earl
     

    Attached Files:

    Earl Boebert, Mar 11, 2010
    #1
  2. messabout
    Joined: Jan 2006
    Posts: 3,368
    Likes: 511, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 1279
    Location: Lakeland Fl USA

    messabout Senior Member

    Gorgeous model boat. I wonder which side of the boat the good Cap'n intended for the ama (windward/leeward). Either way, shunting the thing would be an exercise in agility. Lotta sail on that little boat.
     
    messabout, Mar 14, 2010
    #2
  3. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,802
    Likes: 1,721, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    If the sail is set on the side he designed, it is a standard Pacific proa.
     
    gonzo, Mar 14, 2010
    #3

  5. Earl Boebert
    Joined: Dec 2005
    Posts: 392
    Likes: 62, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 302
    Location: Albuquerque NM USA

    Earl Boebert Senior Member

    That's consistent with what little we know about his inspiration, which was a book or manuscript on South Seas sailing craft, sent to him by a sea captain.

    Cheers,

    Earl
     
    Earl Boebert, Mar 14, 2010
    #4
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.