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HISTORY

1981 24’ Fenwick Williams Gaff Yawl

Always the prettiest boat in harbor, extensively refit fully upgraded, Pelican is ready to continue sailing, anywhere. Actively sailed on Chesapeake Bay, even winning 2nd place in the 30-mile 2017 NASS Race (PHRF). She's faster than she has a right to be, and a delight to sail: in light air there are more sail combinations, and in heavy air she comes alive. Sailing to the finish in the 2017 NASS Race, we were making speeds of over 5 knots consistently and tacking through 90 degrees in 15 knots gusting over 20.

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Pelican was built by John Seaman of eastern Long Island, and launched in 1981 in Greenport/Southhold. Her design originated in 1932 for an entry into a series in the magazine The Rudder. Mr WIlliams described her as his ideal short-handed passagemaker.


Built for a New York City lawyer, her original 1932 design was modified by Fenwick Williams in the late 70s for a larger cabin to accommodate his height. She spent the first 22 years in the area of Shelter Island. Her second owner, a Manhattan architect sailed from Long Island to Maine in summer.

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