The 'Golden Age' of America's Cup, now on display at Herreshoff

By Christy Nadalin
Posted 5/18/23

The new permanent "Hodgdon Collection" shows the evolution of America’s Cup yachts from 1851 to 1937.

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The 'Golden Age' of America's Cup, now on display at Herreshoff

Posted

The late George I. “Sonny” Hodgdon of Boothbay, Maine, was a fourth-generation wooden boat builder who was also known for his elegant scale half models of ship hulls — many of America’s Cup yachts throughout the years.

“A number of his family members worked here, in the early 1900’s through the 1940’s,” said Evelyn Ansel, Herreshoff Marine Museum’s Curator, explaining Hodgdon’s affinity for HMM, and the large collection of his models now gracing a previously underutilized section of the Burnside Street museum.
“They came to us on loan initially, and we had the opportunity to purchase them after his passing,” said Ansel. “We’re really lucky to have them.”

The Hodgdon models are the bulk of of HMM’s new permanent exhibit, its first in some time. “Challengers, Defenders, and Contenders: The Hodgdon Collection of America’s Cup Models – 1851-1937” opened in the beginning of May, and it promises to take visitors on a fascinating journey through the early history of the America’s Cup. The Hodgdon Collection showcases the evolution of yacht design, engineering, and innovation, highlighting the early vessels that competed for the oldest trophy in international sports.

The hull designs represented in Hodgdon’s models range from the familiar and expected to some pretty out-there designs. “There are some really interesting, radical designs that never really saw the light of day,” said Ansel. “Innovative, but they didn’t all scale up well.”

But many did — and those recognizable names are here as well. From the iconic schooner America, winner of the inaugural race in 1851, to the sleek J-class yachts that dominated the competition in the early 20th century, the exhibit offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolving technology and design that shaped these legendary vessels.

“The ‘Challengers, Defenders, and Contenders’ exhibit is a testament to the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the America’s Cup,” said Bill Lynn, HMM Executive Director. “We are thrilled to have an opportunity to showcase these magnificent models – some of which have never been on exhibit before – and educate visitors about the incredible feats of engineering and seamanship achieved throughout the Cup’s history.”

In addition to the models themselves, the exhibit, about a year in the making, features engaging interpretation and historic photos from HMM’s archive, including several previously unpublished photos from the John C. Hemment collection, as well as facsimiles of prints, paintings and historic photos from partner institutions. Several recently acquired artifacts, including one of the two wheels of 1903 Cup defender Reliance, are on display for the first time. It was acquired in 2019 after being found in the basement of a bar in Yonkers, N.Y.

“We were contacted out of the blue,” said Ansel. “And we are delighted to have it.”

Also on display with the wheel is the binnacle from Reliance. (The binnacle is a tall, narrow case that contains delicate navigational instruments so they are both protected and accessible to the helmsman.)

“We hope this will give the community another reason to come down and have a look around,” said Ansel.

Her next goal: working on an interactive kids’ track through the museum that will making HMM’s engineering and boatbuilding information more accessible and fun for younger visitors.

HMM is currently open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; after June 25 they will be open Tuesdays through Sundays. For more information, visit Herreshoff.org.

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