CAPTAIN KIDD

The first Herreshoff 12 1/2 footers (15’ 10” overall) were built in 1914 by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co, of Bristol, RI and the unique popularity and longevity of this design has continued for more than a century. The Herreshoff 12 is still considered to be one of the finest, if not the finest, small sailing yachts ever created.

CAPTAIN KIDD has a colorful and storied provenance. She was built by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. in 1936. Herreshoff’s Construction Record indicates CAPTAIN KIDD was Hull #1298 commissioned by Wolcott Blair, a member of the New York Stock Exchange, for $895. KIDD was likely the last Herreshoff 12 built with oak trim.

CAPTAIN KIDD’s second owner, Eugene Lee, was the production designer for Saturday Night Live for almost 50 years from the show's premiere in 1975. He won Tony Awards for the Broadway productions of Candide, Sweeney Todd, and Wicked. During Lee’s ownership, CAPTAIN KIDD was fully restored by the renowned Ballentine’s Boat Shop of Cataumet, MA in 2012. The restoration included replacement of all oak frames, bronze fasteners, floor timbers, and hull planking. New deck beams were fit and a plywood deck laid down on top covered in fiberglass and painted with non-skid. While a new keelson was installed, the original lead ballast and yellow pine deadwood were suitable for reuse. The final touch was the re-installation of her original Herreshoff builder’s plate (Hull #1298).

Prior to Lee’s death in 2023, ownership of CAPTAIN KIDD passed to Philip Hood of Fairfield, CT. in August, 2020. Five years later in July, 2025, Mike Donovan and Leslie Brennan of Saratoga Springs, NY became CAPTAIN KIDD’s fourth owners. Her home port is the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club.

CAPTAIN KIDD, fully restored and professionally maintained, shines as one of the best authentic examples of this iconic Herreshoff masterpiece.