1927 28′ Herreshoff S Boat “VINDEX”
Description
** THIS BOAT IS ORIGINALLY LISTED ON “ARTISAN BOATWORKS” **
Boat : 1927 28′ Herreshoff S Boat
Boat name : “VINDEX”
Location : Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Asking price : US$48,000
Designer : Capt Nat Herreshoff
Builders : Herreshoff Manufacturing Co
This beautiful yacht was built in 1927 for William DeForrest Manice of Newport, RI, whose son became the 8th Commodore of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club (1963-1967). VINDEX was ordered with the optional teak package, and she retains her original cockpit/cabin coamings, bulkheads, and her extraordinary one-piece teak sheerstrakes. VINDEX was originally known as Narragansett Bay Herreshoff S Class “S3” from 1927 to 1939, before being sold to the Western Long Island Fleet (Larchmont, NY) where she was renumbered and identified as “S30”. Her current owner purchased VINDEX in 1997, and she has since been active with the Narragansett Bay fleet as “S30”.
VINDEX has a truly excellent race record. Most notably, she won First Place in the Herreshoff S Class Centennial Series sailed in Larchmont, NY and Narragansett Bay, RI with 22 S boats from the Quisset, Larchmont and Narragansett Bay fleets competing. VINDEX has been consistently upgraded and has had several major refits over the 26 years her current owner has cared for her.
Most recently, a new mast and all new standing rigging were added. The forward 2/3rds of her keel plank were replaced just afterward. At the same time, new ballast bolts, new garboards, and new broadstrakes were installed. All frames and floors have been replaced, as well as deckbeams and deck, which is covered with Dynel. Transom and toe rails have also been redone with teak. She has had regular upgrades on running rigging, hardware and sails. VINDEX is strong and tight and completely race-ready. She is currently on her mooring in Bristol Harbor, RI, enjoyed as a racer and a great daysailer, fitted out with excellent cockpit cushions and a Torqeedo motor with a side-mounted deck plate for easy handling.
Designed in 1919 by the legendary Nathanael Greene “Captain Nat” Herreshoff—affectionately known as the “Wizard of Bristol”—the Herreshoff S‑Class emerged as a revolutionary one‑design, famed for their elegant overhangs, pronounced spoon bow, curved mast, and unmistakable Herreshoff cabin trunk—each contributing to both performance and beauty.
Today S-boats remain thrilling to sail and race: In light airs, their tall rigs often outperform modern boats; in heavy winds, the flexible mast “spills” wind and the high-ballast ratio ensures exceptional stability. There are currently racing fleets thriving in Narragansett Bay, Western Long Island Sound, and Buzzards Bay, where finishes are often determined by mere seconds. Most impressively, nearly half of the original 94 Herreshoff S-boats built between 1919 and 1941 are still sailing. Whether racing competitively with an existing fleet or leisurely family daysailing, a Herreshoff S-Class is sure to please.
VINDEX — Hull #1056 (1927)
History:
Commissioned in 1927 for William DeForest Manice of Newport, RI, VINDEX was ordered with the premium teak package. delivered as S3 and later renumbered S30 upon her sale to the Western Long Island Fleet (Larchmont, NY) in 1939. VINDEX retains original cockpit and cabin coamings, bulkheads, and an exquisite, one‑piece teak sheerstrake—highlighting the craftsmanship and enduring materials signature to Herreshoff yachts.