pacious enough for a crew of four, this traditional lapstrake is elegant to behold. When Robert Halpert of Jackson, Mississippi commissioned his own Penobscot 14, he asked that she be named Moonfleet after a favorite childhood novel. In keeping with her mysterious name, Moonfleet’s glossy black hull and brightly finished exterior convey an alluring, mystic charm. Gunter rigged with 95 sq. ft. of sail, this Penobscot 14 is responsive to light breezes and heels well under a good wind. A pleasure to sail,she is also rigged for rowing, with two oarlock positions. Though it was hard to see Moonfleet leave the shop, we were excited to see her set sail.
Currently, another version of the Penobscot 14 is taking shape in the shop.
For a boat that people often call “cute,” this sweet lapstrake tender has graceful lines and is remarkably simple to rig and launch. She also boasts exquisite materials, including mahogany framing and redwood thwarts and floorboards. A perfect first sail, this stout little dinghy, who we’ve dubbed Lesson One, has become our shop mascot.
A hiker-class racing sailboat from the 1800’s, the sleek, daring Delaware River Tuckup holds the promise of a thrilling sail for a crew of up to five. She will be built close to original specifications obtained from the ships plan department at Mystic Seaport, CT but with a conversion to the modern method of glued-lap. As is the custom for this fancy racer, she will receive a flashy paintjob, 160 sq. ft. sail, and a barn door rudder displaying her name and logo.
Inspired by the fine response to Moonfleet our next Penobscot 14 will have a hull constructed in much the same style as her sister vessel but with no flotation bulkheads and open plank seating. While she will also carry the same Gunter rig, her interior will be painted with little or no brightwork, finishing her out as a work boat.