Sappho's Mast

by Prentice Cushing

1996

Last December we discussed the remains of Sappho's mast, rescued by Dave Knickerbocker and Lew Werner. A copy of the article found its way to Halsey C. Herreshoff via our good friend Ed Dumoulin, Chairman Emeritus of the America's Cup Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Halsey is now president of the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, RI, the parent organization of the Hall of Fame, across the street.

Halsey wrote us in March saying that he enjoyed the issue of High Tidings and that they had a similar situation with the 80'topmast of the 1899 Cup defender Columbia had served as their waterfront flagpole, but after decay was discovered they have moved it inside for preservation as an invaluable artifact. He said that while they have many exhibits from the Herreshoff, J-boat, and 12 meter Cup eras they are deficient in exhibits representing the early defenses. They felt that this important artifact would heighten their ability to tell the elements of the early Cup history and inquired if we would consider adding it to their collection.  

After discussions by the DMA and Yacht Squad boards, I delivered the remnants to the Museum this summer and have received from Halsey a letter saying, “On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I thank you and the Flag officers of the Douglaston Yacht Squadron for the generous permanent loan of the tow mast sections from the 1871 America’s Cup defender, Saphho. The Sappho mast sections represent an important new addition to the America's Cup Collection of the America's Cup Hall of Fame. We anticipate display of these artifacts in the prototype exhibits of the Hall of Fame and will provide historical information and recognition of your loan." We discussed the possibility of making a replica of the original bronze plaque which was recovered and now is in safe custody with Lew. It would be appropriate for us to raise a small sum to donate such a replica to the Museum, to which can be added appropriate wording as to its past with the Manor Association and the Yacht Squadron. I will discuss this further with Halsey and hope to propose a course of action in the near future.  

The Museum, founded in 1971 by A..Sidney and Rebecca Chase Herreshoff, preserves the accomplishments of "Captain Nat" Herreshoff, the "Wizard of Bristol," who needs no introduction to any knowledgeable sailor. If you have the chance to visit Bristol by water or auto on your way to or from Newport, by all means do so. You should become a member, for which you will receive an interesting newsletter, invitations to special events, and, of course, admission. Application froms are available from the Club manager.

We recently received a copy of an August 1972 article showing Past Commodore Stanley E. Schank (of the Boat Club of Grosse Point City NU) receiving the Thistle winner's cup. Most of the article, entitled "Sailor's Treasure Recalls Sappho's Defense," was devoted to describing the acquisition by Stan (now of Palm Beach FL) of a magnificent wooden chest with sterling silver hardware and a WPD monogram, the purple velvet-lined interior of which contained crystal decanters etched with a NYYC burgee, the Douglas private signal (now adapted to our burgee) and the label of the maker, Tiffany &-Co. Stan, who learned to sail here while his father, Roy, was Commodore, related how he and his father were probing about an old tool shed in the Manor and discovered a blackened grime-covered old chest with disintegrated leather, on which they deciphered the word Sappho. Purchasing it for ten dollars, they could not believe what they found after cleaning, polishing, and rejuvenating such a priceless treasure. We're glad that it's had better care than our mast.