Contact
Contact Information:
Len Smith is an independent researcher of historic yachts and commercial vessels. Allen Briggs, also an independent researcher, is an ongoing contributor to this blog.
E-mail: lsmithcapital@yahoo.com
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Classic Sail News from 1885-1935 to present 
Do you have a photo of the Cressida ? Have a family connection to her.
Hollister Houghton
August 1, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Dear Hollister, Yes we do have copies of photos, plans, magazine articals etc. of Cressida in our files. Some is from Mystic Seaport Museum and some from other sources. The vessel herself, as far as we have been able to determine, remains in Trinidad in deteriorating condition. We have been trying to get contact information with the yard manager there so we can have firsthand knowledge of what is happening with her. Pleas tell us more about your family connection. More later. Best Len
classicsailnews
August 3, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Dear Hollister, I have something I would like to send you by snail mail. Please provide me with an address. Best Len
classicsailnews
August 5, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I was Captain on the Yankee Clipper 1999 when it was owned by Windjammer Barefoot Cruises.
If I can answer more questions, please feel free to contact me.
Gunter
August 6, 2016 at 6:39 am
Hi Gunter, I am glad to hear from you. Where are you now, and if I may ask, what are you doing? I am not sure what to ask you about the vessel herself at this stage, but down the road your knowledge may become important. As you probably know, Yankee Clipper is still in Trinidad, awaiting her fate. There are people interested in putting her back in service, either as a commercial venture or carefully restored to her original configuration as a yacht. There is also a scrap dealer interested in cutting her up. Time will tell. Best Len
classicsailnews
August 6, 2016 at 1:21 pm
Do you have photos and plans of sy Intrepid 1893 and sy Utowana 1891? I am planing to build a model
of this beautiful ships.
Juergen Willing
August 11, 2010 at 9:19 am
Dear Mr. Willing, We do have a very little information on the 1893 Intrepid, and a little more on Utowana. Do you plan to build static display or sailing models?
classicsailnews
August 12, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Your website says you have more info on Elk, later Janeen, then Polynesia1928, (1), 130′ 7″ Des. G. L. Watson & Co. Ltd. (drawings by J. R. Barnett), Blt. Scott Shipbuilding. Orig. Gaff, later Staysail. I sailed aboard her when she was “Polynesia” in 1964 and owned by Mike Burk of Windjammer cruises. Any info would be appreciated.
Cheers, David Murray
David Murray
September 13, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Dear Dave, I don’t yet have a great deal more on this vessel. My late friend Al Urbelis sailed as her captain for one trip in the early 70’s. He left because he had safety concerns that were not being addressed. If my info is correct what is left of her is probably still in Cuba. I may have her LWL somewhere, if I find it I will let you know. Beam 25′, Draft 16′. You might also contact Peter Barlow about her at peterbarlow@att.net. You might also contact her designers, G. L. Watson & Co. Dr. William J. Collier is the manager of the firm, and may be reached at william@gkwatson.com. Best Len
classicsailnews
September 14, 2010 at 8:28 pm
I was interested in the history of the Katoura, Elfay, Magdallen. as my Granfather was her Master at one time and I believe sailed her over from the States.I think she was owned by the Jameson brothers whisky fame I do have some photos
Brtian Ollington
December 21, 2010 at 9:18 am
Dear Brian, I too would like to know more about Katoura, Elfay, Magdallen. There are some things in the works which may enable a better reply shortly. Best Len
classicsailnews
December 21, 2010 at 4:41 pm
I was wondering if you have any photos of Illyria, Malaina, Madalan yacht. My father served on the Madalan in the Coast Guard and I can’t find any photos of this ship. If you do have photos could you please e-mail them to me so I can print one for my father. He is almost 89 and would like nothing more than to have a photo of his ship. Thank you
Nonie Natoli
October 18, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Hi Nonie, We are glad to hear from you. Yes we do have additional information on this vessel, both before and possibly after her Coast guard service. You will be hearing from us again. Best Len
classicsailnews
October 19, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Dear All,
Does anyone possibly have any information about the Lawley designed schooner Valmore, built 1904 and last heard of in Lloyds in 1939. The plans are at MIT and will be ordered soon but I know little about her history and fate.
and …. please keep up the good work on this fantastic site. Spend hours just browsing on a regular basis
regards
ron valent
ron valent
October 26, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Hi Ron, We don’t have anything in our files about Valmore, but will ask around. Best Len
classicsailnews
October 26, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Can’t vouch for the sourcing here but:
“1945 – Schooner Valmore disappeared [4] off North Carolina.”
http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2012/05/bermuda-triangle-cursed-2126703.html
gerard koeppel
January 30, 2017 at 11:29 pm
Hi Gerard, Valmore was under tow. A storm came up, and the towboat could not handle the situation. Cut the towline. Valmore was lost with all hands. Best Len
classicsailnews
March 15, 2017 at 9:06 pm
OK. Thanks Len.
I have found on the internet that she was very successful on the Great Lakes when owned by the mayor of Chicago who seemingly was quite a character. She won the Mackinac Race 3 times in a row. Apart from that I know nothing.
Will you be in Bristol again in April?
regards
ron
ron valent
October 26, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Len…Do you have sourcing on Valmore under tow, towline cut, all hands lost? Thanks. Gerard
gerard koeppel
March 15, 2017 at 9:57 pm