The public is cordially invited to attend the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Sippican Historical Society to be held Tuesday, June 9 at Marion’s Music Hall. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and will feature a brief wrap-up of the Society’s business year, followed by the posthumous presentation to Richard A. Anderson of the 2015 SHS Award, honoring dedicated service and commitment to the preservation and enrichment of the Town of Marion.
The evening’s main event will be a lecture and image presentation by Halsey Herreshoff, member of the legendary yacht design and sailing family. The H-12 Fleet has been racing at Beverly Yacht Club every week in the summer since 1915, a benchmark which SHS is celebrating jointly with the BYC in this co-sponsored lecture. The Historical Society will also feature a photographic exhibit on the H-12 throughout the summer. Often referred to as the best small boat design ever for its perfect proportions and expert construction, it was created in 1914 by Halsey’s grandfather, Nathanael G. Herreshoff. Designed essentially as a learning boat for young sailors, the 12½-foot boat remains one of the most long-lived and popular one-design classes in New England. As a testament to their reputation for excellence, the small boats are still actively raced in Sippican Harbor a century after their introduction to the area. In fact, the 2015 H Class Championship will be held at The Beverly Yacht Club this summer, from July 31 – August 2, with 40 of the timeless 12½-footers expected to race in Marion that weekend.
Halsey C. Herreshoff is distinguished as the most active America’s Cup sailor during the 12 Metre Era. A crewman as bowman, crew boss, or navigator in six campaigns, he sailed in four America’s Cup matches. As a naval architect and marine engineer, Halsey Herreshoff has also contributed to the support of technology and management of many campaigns. He is the co-founder of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. Mr. Herreshoff’s lecture is presented free to the public, with no reservations required. The Music Hall is located at 164 Front Street, and ample parking is available across the street at Island Wharf. For more information, contact the SHS at 508-748-1116.