Alden Sloop/Cutter - Forbes Family Sloop

One of John Alden's finest designs was the Sloop-Cutter Design No. 531, for Mr. Ralph Forbes, of Boston, MA.   In 1932, Mr. Ralph E. Forbes of Boston, MA, commissioned the renown George Lawley and Sons to build S/Y Lark.  Ralph Emerson Forbes was the son of William Hathaway Forbes and Edith Emerson (daughter of Ralph Waldo Emerson).  The Forbes spent many years of memorable sailing with their family and notable guests out of Naushon Island.  This is a two owner yacht that has been sailed by the Forbes family for 50 years.  She is very capable at sea, racing and entertaining guests.  In 1972, Captain Eric Little (a master shipwright), purchased the S/Y Lark, sailing her every summer in the Elizabeth Islands, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and cruising Cape Cod.  During the winters, Captain Little completed restorations including replacing a majority of the frames, floors, and planking.  George Lawley and Sons built hundreds of ships and yachts, most notably the yachts Puritan and Mayflower respective winners of the 1885 and 1886, America's Cup (and the fine sloop Lark).

Principal Dimensions                  Imp.        Metric

Length on Deck                          44' 4"          13.51

Designed Waterline Length          29' 6"            8'99

Beam                                          10'9"           3..28

Displacement:lbs/kg                 20,900           9,480

Frames:  White Oak 2 1/4" X 2", fastenings of bronze.

Planks: Carvel on Frame with Mahogany Planking 1 1/4".

Deck Planks:  4/4 Douglas Fir, Overed with 1/2" marine plywood, coated with west system expoy and 2 coats of beige Awlgrip paint.

Deck Beams: White Oak 2 1/2" X 2" Varnished.

Transcom: 6/4 Mahogany.

Mast Step: 8/4 White Oak.  Four Hanging Knees: 8/4 White Oak.

Floors: Replaced White Oak in transcom, midships, some foward, and engine room. 

Keel Bolts: 3/4 Bronze.   Keel/ballast: Lead 2000lbs.

Mast and Spares:  Stika Spruce with 1/19 stainless steel wire and hounds.

Sails: Hood Dacron Mainsail, 3 Jibs@ High Boy, Warp Drive, 3# Foresail, Staysail Self Tacking 12oz  (Tan Bark) 2004, Light Sails 8oz #3 Genoa and Large Reacher.  4 Extra 1950's Era Foresails.

Engine: Universal Atomic 4 cylinder diesel, mounted aft of midships.

Rudder & Shaft:  Carbon Fiber 2011.    Fuel tank: Bronze in stern.

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

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