Acadia: Racing Sailboat
** It's first in class for Acadia and Mystic Seaport **
Acadia, a 21-foot solo, transatlantic racing sailboat, commonly known as a Mini, raced successfully by Clay Burkhalter in the 4,200 mile France to Brazil 2007 MiniTransat, joins the Seaport fleet. Burkhalter sailed the course in 25 days, crossing the finish line in 12th place. He was only the fifth American to have completed the race, which has been running since 1977.
"Acadia's innovative design and construction was realized right here in Stonington, Connecticut," said Mystic Seaport president Steve White. "With this acquisition and our building relationship with Clay, Mystic Seaport is embracing today's sailing technology - just as the Chrles W. Morgan stood for innovation in its day."
While the Morgan required a crew of 35 on each of its 37 voyages, the Acadia has only one crew member.
Rod Johnstone, the designer of world renowned J-Boats, and also Clay's uncle, designed Acadia. Clay, with the help of family and friends, did a significant amount of the construction. In many ways, the project was similar to one 33 years ago that took place in Johnstone's garage in Stonington... there, the first J24 was designed and built, with family and friends helping with the construction.
Here is a further sampling of the more than 500 vessels owned by Mystic Seaport.