Designed by the legendary Nathanael Herreshoff, this classic 12-foot dinghy represents the pinnacle of small boat craftsmanship from America's most celebrated yacht designer. Known as the "Wizard of Bristol," Herreshoff created this diminutive sailing craft with the same attention to detail and engineering excellence that made his America's Cup defenders famous. The Herreshoff 12½ embodies traditional New England boat building at its finest, featuring elegant lines and proportions that reflect decades of refinement in small boat design. Despite its modest size, this dinghy demonstrates remarkable sailing characteristics, offering responsive handling and surprising stability that makes it equally suitable for young sailors learning the fundamentals or experienced yachtsmen seeking pure sailing enjoyment. Originally intended as a tender and training boat, the Herreshoff 12½ has found favor among sailing purists who appreciate its honest sailing qualities and timeless aesthetic. The design's enduring popularity stems from its ability to teach proper sailing technique while providing genuine sailing pleasure. For those seeking an introduction to classic yacht design or a charming day sailor that connects them to sailing's golden age, few boats offer the heritage and sailing satisfaction of this Herreshoff classic.
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What is the Herreshoff 12 12's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Herreshoff 12 12 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.34. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Herreshoff 12 12's comfort ratio?
The Herreshoff 12 12 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 13.66. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Herreshoff 12 12 safe for offshore sailing?
The Herreshoff 12 12 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.17. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Herreshoff 12 12?
The theoretical hull speed of the Herreshoff 12 12 is 4.74 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Herreshoff 12 12 weigh?
The Herreshoff 12 12 has a displacement of 1,250.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 15.83 ft.
How much does a used Herreshoff 12 12 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used Herreshoff 12 12 sailboats typically sell for between $19,000 and $19,000, with a median asking price of $19,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Herreshoff 12 12?
The Herreshoff 12 12 was designed by Nathanael G. Herreshoff, first built in 1914.