The Constellation was a 12-meter class yacht that successfully defended the America’s Cup in 1964 for the United States. Designed for speed and agility, this sleek racing yacht became an iconic part of sailing history, showcasing cutting-edge craftsmanship and innovative design for its time. This Constellation model is constructed using western red cedar, rosewood, and mahogany. It is built using the plank-on-frame construction method, ensuring both durability and authenticity. Each model is 100% hand-built, requiring hundreds of hours to complete, and undergoes a strict quality control process before leaving the workshop. Master artisans meticulously craft each model using historical photographs, drawings, and original plans to ensure accuracy. Every detail, from the wooden deck structures to the intricate rigging, is carefully recreated to honor the yacht’s legacy. The deck features finely polished wooden planks, with precisely scaled deck fittings such as winches, cleats, and blocks, replicating the original yacht’s racing setup. The mast and boom are carefully assembled with hand-stitched canvas sails, accurately rigged with intricate lines and tensioned shrouds. The cockpit area is designed with detailed wooden structures, reflecting the real yacht’s layout. The hull is smoothly painted in classic white, with a contrasting dark red underbody, staying true to Constellation's original color scheme. The model is mounted on a sturdy black wooden base with a brass nameplate, making it an elegant display piece for sailing enthusiasts. Perfect for home, kitchen, or maritime décor, the model is mounted on a solid wooden base with a brass nameplate, ensuring a stable and elegant display. Note: Model arrives with the mast and sails folded down for easy shipping; all riggings are done, just need to raise the mast up and make some adjustments to straighten out the sails, assembly in minutes. Please take a look at the assembly youtube video here . Embrace the little challenge of bringing your model to life, just as sailors prepared their vessels for the open sea.
History
The Constellation was a schooner launched on June 20, 1889, in Newport, Rhode Island, before a crowd of 300 spectators. Designed by Edward Burgess, the yacht was christened by Elizabeth Morgan, wife of owner E.D. Morgan. It became a part of the New York Yacht Club fleet and was anchored near Morgan's estate, *Beacon Rock*. However, after just two years, Morgan sold the yacht on September 10, 1891. Bayard Thayer of the prominent Thayer family purchased *Constellation* for $40,000 and continued its successful racing legacy. Under Thayer's ownership, the schooner won numerous races in its class. In 1899, he sold the yacht to Francis Skinner of the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead, Massachusetts. In 1914, *Constellation* found its longest owner, Herbert M. Sears, commodore of the Eastern Yacht Club. Serving as the club's flagship, it was affectionately known as the *Queen of the Eastern*. That same year, the yacht underwent a significant refit, including the installation of an auxiliary motor and an updated interior. In 1921, a 22-foot motorized tender was added, followed by a 6-cylinder Winton diesel engine in 1924. Modifications continued with a shortened rig, reduced masts, and a false metal keel replacing the centerboard in 1934. The Constellation was immortalized in two paintings by renowned artist John Singer Sargent, depicting Commodore Sears on its deck. However, with the looming war in the Atlantic, the yacht was laid up in 1941 at the George Lawley & Son shipyard. Later that year, Sears donated its metal hull to support the war effort, leading to the yacht;s dismantling in Neponset, Boston. Today, salvaged elements such as the stern board and wheel remain on display at the Eastern Yacht Club, preserving Constellation's legacy.
