Gannon & Benjamin 75′ Schooner, REBECCA OF VINEYARD HAVEN

Broker’s Comments

REBECCA OF VINEYARD HAVEN was launched by the famous Martha’s Vineyard shipyard of Gannon & Benjamin that operated until 2001. Design elements inspired from classic designs from Nathaniel Herreshoff, John Alden and Olin Stephens are apparent in her lines. REBECCA is traditionally built, with a combination of domestic and tropical hardwoods including Angelique, White Oak, and Silver Bali. Since her launching, REBECCA has cruised and raced in Europe, New England and the Caribbean, participating in many classic regattas on both sides of the Atlantic. Her first owner spent 10 years cruising her, making two Atlantic crossings, (13 days from Cape Verde to St. Lucia)!

REBECCA OF VINEYARD HAVEN has proven herself offshore and ready to participate in events, winning the Sweethearts Regatta in the BVI and the Classic Class in Antigua Classics 2002.

She was donated to Mystic Seaport in 2019, where she was used for day sailing and extended charters or race sponsorships in addition to traditional work done by the Mystic Seaport staff.

She is now at the end of her three-year commitment, and ready to move on to her next owner and go off sailing again!

Owner’s Comments

Sailing under the flag of Mystic Seaport Museum, Rebecca of Vineyard Haven has sailed the waters between Mystic and Maine, participating in events such as the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta, New York Yacht Club Annual Cruise, Pat West Regatta and many more, winning a few of these races and placing in more.

The mission for REBECCA OF VINEYARD HAVEN at Mystic Seaport Museum was for this spectacular vessel to be shared with as many sailors and visitors as possible, while using the resources of the Museum’s Preservation Shipyard to keep her in Bristol fashion. A show stopper both on the docks in Mystic or underway, REBECCA OF VINEYARD HAVEN manages to turn heads even when surrounded by other classic wooden boats in Mystic.

On the ocean, REBECCA OF VINEYARD HAVEN sails like a dream. One of my top ten sails ever was a late fall sail from Vineyard Haven to Mystic in a strong north-easterly, sailing against a foul tide through Woods Hole while making 5 knots over the ground and 11 through the water, then bearing away down the Elizabeth Island making over 10 knot for hours of champagne sailing.

We look forward to welcoming new caretakers to continue the great history of such a great yacht.