Grebe

Grebe was designed by William Gardner and built at Henry B. Nevins Boatyard in 1921 for J.L Saltonstall et al. She was one of four Sixes built to the second International Rule in America in preparation for the British American Cup. During the races she was helmed by Dick Boardman and was the highest point scorer for the American team. With a large hull, she performed particularly well in heavy weather.

L. Francis Hereshoff notes in a letter describing the races and the boats that Boardman was the only helmsman on the American team who was not surprised by the nature of the British waters. Grebe won the first and fourth race.

She was the only American boat that appeared again at the 1922 British American Cup, where she again performed well, coming fourth in the first race and third on the remaining races, helping America win the cup that year.

Grebe was later bought in Detroiy, MI about 1964. The deck was rebuilt with plywood and a small trunk cabin added. The owner extensively rerigged the spar with custom stainless steel spreaders, tangs etc. She was sailed on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair for several years. IN the 1970s and 80s Grebe was left at a boatyard on the river at the old Detroit Edison canal.

Read more about Grebe and the British American Cup here.