Uncas
Buzzards Bay 18 (Herreshoff K-Class / daysailer)
Nathanael G. HerreshoffAfter more than a century, Artisan Boatworks revived the Buzzards Bay 18 class—Uncas is the first BB-18 built since 1904, blending original lines with 21st-century craftsmanship.
A Classic Reborn Under Maine Skies
The ambition behind the yacht Uncas was as much cultural and historical as it was functional, as the client sought to resurrect a class of daysailer long lost to time—the Buzzards Bay 18, which was designed by Herreshoff in 1904, with no original example surviving today. The project’s essential aim was to produce a faithful interpretation of the design, which required meticulous adherence to the original Herreshoff blueprints and proportions, thus preserving the character, balance, and aesthetic lineage of the class. This faithfulness was paired with a commitment to modern build integrity, integrating advanced materials and methods—epoxy, modern adhesives, and structural engineering—while retaining the historical appearance and spirit.
Precision, Collaboration & Heritage Engineering
The realization of Uncas involved a meticulous, multi-faceted approach that successfully united historical scholarship with cutting-edge composite construction. The design team at Artisan Boatworks employed a deep-dive archival process to faithfully recreate the lost Herreshoff design, strategically applying modern materials and engineering to achieve a vessel of superior strength and durability without compromising the elegant, classic aesthetic.
Details
Gallery
Features
Details that embody the intention and spirit of the designer
Authentic Herreshoff Hull Lines
Designed from original plans, Uncas’s graceful overhangs, balanced sheer, and skimming-dish underwater sections mirror the original BB-18 class.
Refined Wood-Epoxy Composite Shell
Classic cedar / mahogany planking over epoxy-treated frames—offering longevity and rigidity without compromising visual authenticity.
Custom Bronze and Period Hardware
Every fitting—cleats, chainplates, turnbuckles—is either reproduced from Herreshoff originals or custom-finished to match the era’s patina.
Graceful Single-Sail Daysailer Rig
A balanced, efficient rig tailored for responsive handling and simplicity, harkening back to the elegantly sailed days of early 20th-century yacht design.
Exquisite Finish & Surface Detailing
Fine varnish work, hand-sanded transitions, and precision joinery give Uncas a museum-level appearance beneath her performance exterior.
Testimonial
