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Written by Kim Kavin
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Monday, 07 July 2008 02:56 |
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No, that's not a historical photograph of the 162-foot schooner Westward, arguably the fastest sailing yacht in the world when she launched in 1910. It's her replica, Eleonora, sailing past New York's Statue of Liberty in yesterday afternoon's stormy haze--and offering those of us who weren't around in the early part of the 20th century a glimpse at what the original Westward might have looked like back in her days of racing glory (minus the modern dinghy in tow, of course).
I snapped this shot while taking part in a "friendship sail" with about 18 North Cove Marina boats that trailed Eleonora down the Hudson River, welcoming her to the United States. She was stopping over in Manhattan on her way up to Newport, Rhode Island, for a summer full of the kinds of classic yacht regattas and races that typically showcase yachts of her caliber only in the Western Mediterranean.
When Eleonora arrives in Rhode Island, it will be the first time her design has been seen there since her predecessor, Westward, was built in that state's town of Bristol by the legendary Herreshoff Design Company. And certainly, her cruise in New York Harbor yesterday marked a rare sight in the waters in and around where America's Cup races were held from 1870 until 1920.
Eleonora is one among just a handful of classic-style yachts available for charter in the world today, but alas, her owner told me, she will not be offering charters during her time in U.S. waters this summer. Instead, she'll become available again when she heads down to the Caribbean this winter at a lowest weekly base rate of 53,000 euro for eight guests with nine crew, under the guidance of management firm Edmiston & Company.
Contact any reputable charter broker to learn more about charter opportunities, or view the yacht's own website if you're interested in the spectacular racing history of her predecessor, Westward."
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Beverly Parsons has been chartering since 1969. She is a licensed, bonded broker and a founding member of the professional groups AYCA and CYBA International. Contact Beverly.
Nicole Caulfield is licensed, bonded, and a longtime member of FYBA and AYCA. She brings a unique perspective as a broker, having worked aboard yachts for nearly 10 years. Email Nicole
Sharon Bahmer is an expert at booking charters in the Americas, from Alaska to Brazil. She's also a member of FYBA and CYBA. E-mail Sharon
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
DJ Parker has been a leader in the charter industry since 1980. She is currently president of the American Yacht Charter Association. E-mail DJ
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
