We are asked many times, what defines a classic wooden boat? 

To answer this question we quote the writings of 'Nat Benjamin' of the Gannon and Benjamin Railway. Traditional American Boat builders. The answer whilst specifically referring to yachts applies equally to all classic wooden boat design and construction.

QUESTION: What is a classic yacht? 

ANSWER: by Nathaniel P. Benjamin

After more than thirty five years of continuous involvement with wooden sailing craft,  

'I am more convinced than ever that a plank-on-frame vessel is the ultimate in yacht construction.'

Not only does this method produce an enduring vessel with integrity, heart and soul, but it also requires a process that is so ancient and noble as to inspire the builder to work above his ability, to continue challenging himself in his expression of the rarest combination of science and art. 

A 'classic yacht' must represent a graceful and well-proportioned hull whose individual parts are not only enduring but are created by a traditional process of skill and inspiration. A classic yacht speaks to you in a distinct and compelling voice.

A little bit about Gannon and Benjamin

In 1980, Ross Gannon and Nat Benjamin had an idea to start "a funky, friendly boatyard like the ones in Ceuta or Martinique," on the beach in Vineyard Haven Harbor, where wooden boat owners could haul their boats, have repairs done, or work on their vessels themselves. In addition, new boats could be built, mostly designed by Nat. That idea became the thriving business now known as Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway on Martha's Vineyard. 

At Gannon & Benjamin, there is a passion for sailing not always found at other boatyards. "People tell us, 'It's great to come to a yard where the people who work there are all sailors,'" says Ross. "Everybody here either owns a boat or sails a lot. It's our hobby as well as our job."

The growing interest in Nat and Ross' work is reflected in the many newspaper and magazine articles published over the years around the world. And that interest is based on the quality and honesty that goes into every project they take on.

"Getting all the details right, not cutting corners, and using the best materials are what build longevity into a boat," says Ross.

The launch of Charlotte a 50feet classic wooden schooner,designed by Nat for use by his family and friends, is a husky, old fashioned style gaff rigger with substantial bulwarks, ample beam and moderate draft. She is a long waterline vessel with relatively short overhangs, easy lines and full sections. The deck is 1 5/8" thick old growth teak sprung to the angelique covering boards and nibbed into the king planks. There is a dog house aft, a midships cabin and a foc’scle scuttle. Her interior layout includes a nav station and two berths in the dog house, a double berth to starboard, galley to port and, under the midship deck house, a spacious main saloon with two pilot berths and settees and a head with shower. Forward of the foremast is the foc’sle with 3 berths. Charlotte’s hull construction is very traditional with black locust and angelique single sawn, grown frames, 1 ½" silver balli and angelique planking, angelique backbone, hackmatack hanging knees and fastened with silicon bronze throughout. She carries 16,000 lbs of external lead ballast. As can be seen, the launch of a classic wooden boat is a significant event, anywhere in the world.
 

But Nat and Ross want it clearly understood that they do not consider their business an "artistic endeavor," if this means "turning out little gems of boats that no one can afford.

If every wooden boat has to be an expensive boat, there wouldn't be many of them around. We take pride in getting all of our work done in a reasonable period of time and at a good price."

And Nat's designs are known for their speed, seaworthiness, practicality and simplicity. "In my few years of 'messing about on boats," says Nat, "I have tried to include the basic ingredients for safety, speed, and comfort, with a strong emphasis on good looks. I am not concerned with any rating system;

I prefer to see men, women and children sailing with a smile. I feel it's very important to keep an eye on current trends, but not to be influenced by the glitter, only the grace."

27 second high speed film of a boat build from christopher Cohen on Vimeo.