Cruiser-Racer

Sparkman & Stephens unveiled the design for the first Pilot class in Yachting’s October 1945 issue. Aage Neilson, a freelance designer working with S&S at the time, drew the first Pilot class lines. In 1955 Hinckley purchased the design and created what was known as the “New Pilot” and “the ultimate in combining livability, seaworthiness and speed”. Constructed in wood, eight boats following these lines came off the production line, only one being rigged as a yawl. Hinckley wanted to build the boat for the “out-and-out cruising man and long distant racer”.

In later years, around 1962, the dimensions were increased to 35’9; DWL 25’0; Beam 9’6″ Draft 5’0″ SA 554 sq. ft. and Displacement 13,000 lbs. The boats were now constructed in fiberglass, and it was this design that became known as the Hinckley “Pilot 35” built exclusively by Henry R. Hinckley & Co. Of the 117 fiberglass Pilots built, 25 were yawls. Construction was top grade and included hand crafted furniture quality interiors made from Philippine mahogany with bronze fasteners.

Give us a call or make an appointment to come and see this very affordable classic.