1907 Herreshoff P-Boat, Chester Yacht Club, Nova Scotia, New Price: $224,990
A Legendary Racing Yacht with an Unmatched Heritage
SENECA is an historic Herreshoff P-Boat, HMCo. #670. Few classic yachts can match the storied pedigree and modern readiness of the 1907 Herreshoff P-Class SENECA. Conceived by the “Wizard of Bristol” Nathanael G. Herreshoff—famed designer of multiple successful America’s Cup defenders—SENECA was built to defend the prestigious 1907 Canada’s Cup. Her daring lines and rapid acceleration astounded the competition as she defeated the Canadian challenger ADELE in a resounding 3–0 series victory.
Renowned for her ability to continue winning races, SENECA offers the thrilling helm balance that made Herreshoff designs legendary. Her moderate displacement, fine entry, and modern rig yield performance akin to a much younger racing yacht—yet every sailing experience is imbued with a century of tradition.
Today, SENECA stands as an enduring icon of early 20th-century yacht design and racing innovation. Extensively restored and upgraded while preserving her authentic spirit, she is that rare combination of a proven historic competitor and a ready-to-sail treasure.
Historical Significance:
Nathanael G. Herreshoff Masterpiece: Built in 1907 at the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company (HMCo #670).
Triumphant Defender: Successfully defended the 1907 Canada’s Cup in a best-of-five series, earning her a lasting place in sailing lore.
Distinguished Provenance: Changed hands among notable yachtsmen; she spent time with the Royal Canadian Yacht Club and continued to excel in Great Lakes and East Coast events.
SENECA’s Half Hull is displayed in the New York Yacht Club’s Model Room
Click here to read more about the refit, and click here to read more history.
DIMENSIONS
LOA: 47 ft
LWL: 32 ft 4 in
Beam: 9 ft
Draft: 6 ft 8 in
Ballast: 10,000 lb lead keel
Displacement: ~12 tons
CONSTRUCTION
-Hull Material: Yellow pine over white oak; rebuilt areas finished with double-planked with white cedar topsides and fiberglass-sheathed deck. White Oak floor timbers.
-Silicone bronze fasteners and bronze keel strapping.
-Complete Structural Rebuild: Major hull restoration, fresh fasteners, and new finishes throughout.
RIG SPARS & SAILS
-Modern Caron Rig (2016) - Double spreader carbon-fiber mast and aluminum boom (US Spar Craft) combine classic style with state-of-the-art performance and weight savings
-Stainless steel wire shrouds and stays, new 2016
-Mechanical back-stay adjuster
-Aluminum Boom, new 2016
-Whisker pole
-Harken Mk II furling system
-1 Mainsail (North Sail cover)
-2 Jibs 150% & 90%
-1 Spinnaker
-Old Aluminum mast available
DECK LAYOUT, EQUIPMENT & GROUND TACKLE
-Flush Deck Sloop -Clean lines and ample working space with Harken hardware and self-tailing winches for efficient sail handling
-Classic Cockpit - Self-draining and comfortable, with a teak grate for style and practicality
-Deck Hatches: Three wooden hatches - One butterfly hatch and two dorade boxes with open vents and solid wooden hatch replacements. Beige canvas hatch covers
-Aluminum fortress anchor
-Wood Tiller
-ARCO-HUTTON 56 self-tailing mounted forward by companionway to port and starboard
-ARCO-HUTTON 50 self-tailing mounted on deck to port and starboard.
-ARCO-HUTTON 20 self-tailing mounted aft on deck to port and starboard.
-ARCO-HUTTON 50 self-tailing mounted forward by mast to port and starboard
-Boat hooks, four winch handles
-Fenders, dock lines
MECHANICAL - ELECTRICAL - TANKAGE
-Vetus 32 HP, four -cylinder Diesel engine - Reliable inboard diesel with 20 gal fuel capacity (aluminum) for fuss-free maneuvering & cruising
-Transmission: Hurth Borg Warner 2:1 gear ratio
-2 Blade adjustable propeller - 1” bronze shaft
-Batteries: Two batteries (In boxes).
NAVIGATION - COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS
-Tack Tick - Speed/Depth/Wind
-Standard Horizon Chartplotter
ACCOMMODATION & DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT
-Minimalist Interior -True to her racing heritage, basic accommodations and a spacious engine bay.
SAFETY
-Modern Safety & Systems: Updated electrical panel, battery banks, and engine installation meet contemporary standards while respecting her classic design
PFDs, throwable ring, two fire extinguishers
-2 bilge pumps w/alarm
RESTORATION & REFIT
In 2005, a syndicate headed by Lee Sweet of Chester, Nova Scotia, brought SENECA to Tern’s Chester basin shop to start an extensive refit. Tern Boatworks refastened the keel, completely rebuilt the deck, replaced garboard planks, strakes, her stern and other areas weakened by her age. She was repainted, refit with new deck hardware, rigged, and launched in time for her 100th birthday in 2007. Following the refit, the owner continued to make upgrades to ribs, the stainless mast step structure and rudder post.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
-Her 2022 & 2026 liability insurance survey notes: SENECA has had consistent care and improvements.
-2026 Survey available (Lunenburg Marine Surveys)
WHY SENECA?
The next owner of SENECA will become a steward of a living piece of American yachting history. Her proven record on the racecourse, combined with her extensive restorations, makes her equally at home chasing silver or embarking on spirited coastal cruises. For those seeking a rare Herreshoff with documented provenance, museum-worthy significance, and turn-key readiness, SENECA is an unparalleled opportunity. Inquire now to schedule a viewing and begin the next chapter in this champion yacht’s extraordinary story.
Disclaimer
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.