Herreshoff, L. Francis (Lewis Francis), 1890-1972

Lewis Francis Herreshoff (1890-1972), the son of Nathanael G. Herreshoff, was a naval architect, editor and author of numerous books and articles. As a young man, Mr. Herreshoff had the opportunity to work in each area of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. During World War I, he designed for the U. S. Navy, and he later worked for naval architect W. Starling Burgess. By 1926, he was self-employed, designing racing and cruising yachts, canoes, kayaks and other small craft. His racing yachts include a 1930 America's Cup contender, the J class yacht WHIRLWIND; the almost unbeatable double-ended M class sloop ISTALENA; and the revolutionary R class sloops YANKEE and LIVE YANKEE. L. Francis Herreshoff became a well-known designer of graceful yachts; among the most famous are the schooner JOANN and the ketches BOUNTY, TIOGA and ARAMINTA. He published numerous articles, including many for the "How to Build" series of The Rudder magazine. His "How to Build" designs include NERIA, MARCO POLO, MEADOW LARK, and the unusual catamaran, SAILSKI. His books include "The Writings of L. Francis Herreshoff," "Capt. Nat Herreshoff: The Wizard of Bristol," "The Common Sense of Yacht Design" and "The Compleat Cruiser." Two books, "Sensible Cruising Designs" and "An L. Francis Herreshoff Reader," were published after his death.