BROKER’S COMMENTS 

The New York 32 always had a hard act to follow the legendary Hereshoff designs, but over the years in every type of race, they have exceeded expectations – evolving from the iconic designs of DORADE and STORMY WEATHER, the 32s were the expression of a trend with their reduced sail area, easy sections and outstanding sea-keeping.

SIRIUS, after a long and meticulous restoration completed by the Cantiere Navale in Argentario in 2006, has to be the most stunning New York 32 afloat (of the 20 boats built, one was destroyed by fire, the others are all still sailing or being restored).

This yacht lacks none of her original precious detail, allowing the interior to keep her 1930s ambience; on deck her brass and wood fittings relate also to another time – but the standard of her rebuild allows her to be sailed hard. She is one of the new stars of the Mediterranean Classic circuit and as the ladies of the New York Yacht Club had their way there is enough room below to go cruising in style!
 

HISTORY 

The 1930s were characterised by sailing fever, even with the Great Depression, Americans continued to invest in yachting. The members of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) wanted to cross oceans and compete in offshore regattas including the Newport to Bermuda – this was impossible in the club’s boat of the time, the NY 30. The ladies also complained about the lack of space below deck; the criticism was “ too much sail to go to sea without a seaman and too little space to accommodate one”.

To replace the NY 30, in 1936 Commodore W.A.W. Stewart organized a competition for the design and construction of the Club’s new boat, calling the best naval architects: John Alder, Luders, Ford & Paine, W J Roue, Belkar & Paine and Sparkman & Stephens. The instructions were a waterline no less than 30 feet, accommodation for 4 guests and one crew and the Scantling Rules of Lloyds.

Olin Stephens was chosen and Henry B. Nevins Shipyard of City Island offered to deliver all the boats within 1 year – on completion of the 20 boats the tooling was destroyed as established by the NYYC. According to the magazine, The Rudder, “ the club did not want a crowd on the starting line and, above all, if the class were enlarged, the boats could end up in undesirable hands.”

The boats were given sail numbers 1-20. SIRIUS was originally named DOLPHIN and is sail number 19.
 

CONSTRUCTION 

Philippine mahogany on white oak frames with Everder fastenings, steam-bent oak frames on 8” centres. 

DECK LAYOUT 

A large uncluttered centre cockpit with large bridge deck and an elegant compass and binnacle. There is no centre companionway to main accommodation – this is located on the trunk cabin where there are also two butterfly hatches. Another hallmark of the 32 are the very wide side decks making crewing on the boat very easy. All deck winches are original and made by Merriman. 

ACCOMMODATION 

The interior of SIRIUS is wonderfully true to her period – her restoration keeping the varnished mahogany panelled bulkheads and carefully painted white deck heads Nevins were famous for. There is a separate double stateroom aft of the companionway. The saloon is made up of two button back leather settees, port & starboard, a saloon table and varnished solid teak floorboards. To not comment on the attention to detail of fittings, hatches, catches, lamps, brasswork and glass would be missing out on the elements that go to create a 1930s ambience and make SIRIUS a special boat.

Moving forward in the boat, the galley is to port (originally for a forward hand to prepare meals!) with hot and cold water system, cooker and sink all again beautifully sympathetic with the period. The forecastle is equipped with a separate hand and wash basin and forward berth.
 

ENGINE/MECHANICAL 

Yanmar Diesel engine 2005 – 3 bladed SWP folding propeller
3 x batteries (2 domestic, 1 dedicated engine start.)
 

SPARS & SAILS 

Mast & boom of sitka spruce
Spinnaker pole
3 x mainsails (including 2007 by Olympic Sails, new main)
3 x heavy genoas (including 2007 by Olympic Sails, new genoa)
3 x light genoas (including 2007 by Olympic Sails, new genoa)
1 No. 3 genoa 2007 by Olympic Sails
1 x working jib
1 x yankee
3 x spinnakers
 

DISCLAIMER

These particulars have been prepared from information provided by the vendors and are intended as a general guide. The purchaser should confirm details of concern to them by survey or engineers inspection. The purchaser should also ensure that the purchase contract properly reflects their concerns and specifies details on which they wish to rely.