Rolling the 64′ Schooner MISTRAL

Courtesy of Legendary Yachts, Inc.

Washougal, Washington — George H. McEvoy, of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, watched with keen interest as Legendary Yachts, Inc. slowly rotated his Mistral to an upright position. She was designed by L. Francis Herrshoff in 1937 and is being faithfully recreated by our team of craftsmen for a fall 1999 delivery. Mistral measures 63′-6″ x 15′ x 6′-3″ and will carry a baldheaded gaff main and foresail rig of approximately 2,000 sq. ft.

After completing her galvanized steel framework, we systematically constructed her cold-molded hull. The hull is four layers, totaling 2″ thick. The inner layer is 1.25″ cedar and layers #2, 3 & 4 are 1/4″ mahogany. The inner layer was fastened to the framework from the inside and the three successive layers were stapled and glued with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. We used two drums of WEST SYSTEM epoxy and hardener (105/205) in the construction of her hull. WEST SYSTEM epoxy was integral to the successful completion of Mistral’s hull, including triple coating of the entire interior hull surface area (1,200 sq. ft.).

The next step in this 18-month process was to turn her right-side up, so that the work on her teak decks, interior and exterior can commence. Two wooden jigs were attached around her massive hull, each having six landings, which allows the 14,500 lb. hull to be smoothly and safely rotated by the use of comealongs (one pulling and one releasing). She rolled 33 ft. across the shop floor, taking under 1.5 hours for the entire process. As the sun shone on the interior of her hull for the first time, everyone in the shop breathed a collective sigh. “The interior of her hull looks better than the outside of most boats,” said Mr. McEvoy, noting the fairness and glossy epoxy coating on the inside of the yacht.

Upon completion of her turnover, finalization of the interior and exterior details has begun. We are planning to equip her with a 135 hp. Perkins diesel, 10kw Northern Lights generator, carbon fiber spars, rod rigging, electric winches, bow thruster, air conditioning, convection oven, halogen cook top, water maker, vacuum toilet system, electric anchor windlass, and computer navigating system integrating the autopilot, GPS and Radar. Mistral’s interior will be a blend of native and exotic woods, Brazilian granite, leather upholstery, gold-plated fixtures, and will accommodate seven guests.