Resolute: Launch by Herreshoff Manuafacturing Company
26' 2" x 6' 6", ca. 1917
Five of these double-cockpit launches were built after they were designed by Nat Herreshoff for possible use by the U.S. Navy during the First World War. Legend has it that because the Herreshoffs wouldn't allow other builders the use of their design, the navy went elsewhere after obtaining only one boat. Two boats that were built to this design by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company ended up at the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club on Long Island, this one having served Long Island beforehand as a tender for the America's Cup defender Resolute. Year after year, Resolute, this boat that took on its name for obvious reasons, and Emerald, her sister club launch, shuttled between shore and the moored fleet carrying club members and their guests. Arriving at Mystic Seaport weathered and worn from her many years of service, Resolute has been thoroughly and beautifully restored by Mystic Seaport's shipyard staff. She is once again operational and carries paying passengers along the Museum waterfront. You may also charter Resolute for a 90-minute cruise.
STATUS: Restored, operating, excellent condition.
DONOR: Purchased from SCYC
Accession No. 1980.133
Resolute information is from Mystic Seaport Watercraft by Maynard Bray, Benjamin A.G. Fuller and Peter T. Vermilya. This book is available in our Museum Web Store.
Here is a further sampling of the more than 500 vessels owned by Mystic Seaport.