1929 Herreshoff Fishers Island 31

	Contact Information Contact Seller Contact Name: Amy or Matt Phone: (508) 563-2800 Click Here

	Email Address: bruce.bradley@live.com . PICS & ADDITIONAL DETAILS HERE: https://ballentinesboatshop.com/procyon.html . Beautifully preserved classic Herreshoff sloop with an historic legacy. We have cruised and raced the boat extensively and have done well, even against modern boats. We are in our late 70s and now need to downsize. New owner will need to make the commitment to maintain and preserve this well known classic. AZURA (HMCo. 1132) was the 6th hull of the Fishers Island 31 Class and was launched in 1929 for George Fields. In 2003, AZURA was purchased and brought from Long Island, NY to Cape Cod by Steve Ballentine, owner of Ballentine's Boat Shop, where she was given a fairly comprehensive once-over. Work at this time included; a complete refastening with bronze fasteners, the installation of additional bronze strapping around the mast step, fiberglassing the cockpit well, and a top to bottom refinishing. In 2013, after a decade of enjoyment, Ballentine sold AZURA to Bruce Bradley, grandson of a previous owner, who renamed her PROCYON, as she was known during his family's first ownership in the 1950s. PROCYON has been carefully maintained with attention paid to all exterior paint and varnish yearly. Her painted topsides are double planked- save the teak shear plank- with Douglas fir and cypress. Closer to the keel, the hull is single planked yellow pine and painted with anti-fouling paint. The teak decks are original; their rich color and texture underfoot maintained with yearly sanding and oiling. The boat's framing and centerline structure are original white oak with yellow pine used for the deadwood. All service records available. Interior furnishing is of the subtle elegance known to Herreshoff yachts. Painted off-white paneling and satin varnished mahogany accents keep the spaces bright and timeless. As with many of her sister-ships, PROCYON's original racing accommodations were modified for a second life of coastal cruising; in this case, by Concordia in the 1940s. Standard during the 1920s, yachts of this size employed a paid hand to care for the boat and their interior layout was designed as such. When launched, PROCYON was fitted with a bunk forward, small galley and head near the mast. The main saloon was for the owner's use and included only minimal comforts for extended stay. PROCYON's 1940s reworked cabin arrangement now features a larger galley aft, a pair of Concordia style pipe berths in the main saloon with shelves above each, and large enclosed head amidships. The largest modification by Concordia was to lengthen the cabin house forward of the mast to provide standing headroom in the v-berth; a welcome addition to any crew. Large teak butterfly hatches add ample natural light and ventilation to the open space. A wood stove mounted forward in the main cabin ensures early and late season cruising remains civilized. On deck, PROCYON has kept much of her original hardware. Where reasonable, her running rigging has been modernized to ease the burden when crewing shorthanded or sailing solo. A club footed jib- relatively small compared to modern boats- is self-tacking. The mainsheet has been moved to a traveler aft of the cockpit with a cam cleat arrangement. The running backstays sheet to additional bronze cockpit winches. Even with all of the control lines lead aft, the cockpit still feels spacious and comfortable for a large crew. Outwardly, PROCYON stays true to her classic appearance, but she has been thoughtfully updated to provide more modern comfort and reliability. Namely, replacing her tired auxiliary with a new 40hp Yanmar diesel in 2022. The originally outfitted icebox has been replaced with refrigeration over the decades. This system too was updated with a newer unit by Bradley. Electronics are minimal, but provide all necessary tools. A newer Garmin chart plotter, VHF radio, and depth sounder make up the bulk of the boat's technology. The Fishers Island 31 is an evolution of the 26' Alerion III designed by N.G Herreshoff in 1912 and modified by his son, Sidney DeWolf Herreshoff, during the Haffenreffer years. As with the H12, Newport 29, Buzzards Bay 25 and other notable craft, the original Alerion lines were stretched, pulled and pushed to develop another class all its own; each arguably among the best of its peers. The first of this FI31 class -14 hulls built in total- was ordered in late 1926 and launched the following spring. The FI31's lines extended the ALERION's length to nearly 44' overall with greater overhangs and a waterline of 31' 6". Along with that increase in length, a deeper draft of 6' and a flatter sheer curve were used to improve cabin headroom below. Today, PROCYON stands out as an excellent example of unmatched Herreshoff design and construction, thoughtful updates, and a long history of caring ownership. The 31's abilities are legendary; remaining balanced and well mannered in the slightest zephyrs to the freshest of breezes. Whether you're looking for a competitive yacht for the classic race circuit or a comfortable family cruiser, the Fishers Island 31 continues to impress and will no doubt prove her worth to the next generation of steward. Electrical Equipment Charging System – New 2021 Batteries – New 2021 Sails and Canvas Mainsail – Thurston/Quantum Sails - 2014 Jib – Thurston/Quantum Sails -2014 Dodger – Thurston/Quantum - 2014 Sail Covers – Mainsail and Jib - 2014 Additional Equipment Galley Refrigeration - Replaced 2014 Garmin Chart Plotter VHF Radio Depth Sounder New Cockpit and Interior Cushions – 2015 Maxi Prop with Line Cutter