Several years ago I was given the responsibility of developing the new Classic Yacht Association photo album. After considerable discussion, we are finally ready to move forward. I hesitate to call this a photo album, because I intend to compile a lavish and historically comprehensive book. It will showcase our vessels and provide the reader with a broader insight into the history of motor yachting. 

The publication will be organized chronologically by decade and year and not by fleet. This will allow a more accurate development of the history and evolution of our classic yachts.  There will also be sections on the major boat yards as well as monographs of significant naval architects and designers plus historical photos.  Since the book will have an historical emphasis, The International Board has decided that affiliate vessels should not be included, although there will be a section delineating the Affiliate Class within the Classic Yacht Association. 

My goal is to feature each vessel in a two-page layout, although the large number of member vessels may require some limitations. It is important that we have a new and updated history from each participant. Individual histories will be strictly limited to 350 words or less and all submissions will be edited as necessary.  Since the publication will contain high-quality color photos, it is absolutely imperative that each participant submits clear, high-resolution images of their vessel. I am requesting four to six images with a minimum resolution of 300dpi, preferably in a TIFF format, although I will consider working with JPEGs if necessary.  I anticipate featuring two to three photos of each vessel and will make the selection from your submissions based on the layout and design of the book.

We are asking the Commodore of each fleet to coordinate the response from their membership and insure that all requested information is submitted in a timely and compliant manner. The Commodore may appoint another representative as long as all contact information is provided. As we move forward, there will be strict deadlines for receipt of all photos and histories.  If we have not received your information by the deadline, you will not be included in the book.  Provided everything proceeds smoothly during the editing and layout process, I am anticipating a publication date of Fall 2013, although these projects often take on a life of their own.

I am looking forward to a vibrant and exciting publication and would encourage all of you to obtain the best possible photographs of your vessels, since they will be representing the Classic Yacht Association to the general public in the years ahead. 

Sincere regards,
David Huchthausen

Specifications for Vessel Histories

Your Vessel history should be written as concisely and articulately as possible, since space will be limited. It should include the date of construction, name of the yard or builder as well as the navel architect or designer, if known. Please list the Length, beam and draft accurately. You should also describe the power, type of engine(s) and the dates of any re-power, if known. If your vessel has special historical significance or has been involved in any important events or won any major awards or trophies, please describe them. If it was conscripted into the war effort, please let me know, as I would like to include a list of those vessels that served during WWII. If you have quality historic photos, please send them. It is also informative to include a history of ownership, if known. If you have questions, please refer to the last CYA Album published in 2003. If your vessel was included in that book, you may use that history and update or embellish it as necessary.

Specifications for Photo Submissions

Please submit sharp high-quality high-resolution color photos of your vessel in a digital format. Historical images may be in black and white. I am requesting four to six images with a resolution of 300-600dpi, preferably in a TIFF format, although I will use JPEGs if necessary. Please do not edit your images in Photoshop before sending them !! I have a color calibrated pre-press monitor, and I suspect that most of you do not. If you change the contrast or level balance of the image, I will have no record of that and it may make it more difficult to obtain the best possible print. I am very adept at Photoshop and will be making adjustments and edits to each image as necessary.

Please burn your photos onto a CD that is clearly labeled with the name of your vessel as well as your name and contact information.  If the fleet representatives wish to include multiple vessels on a single CD, you may do so, but please make sure that each vessel has it’s own clearly labeled folder and an accurate index is submitted listing the contents of the CD.  The history of each vessel should be submitted in a word .DOC format and included on the CD with your photos or within your individual folder if multiple vessels are submitted on a single CD.

All Submissions Must be received by July 10th 2012

David Huchthausen
The Bemis Building Suite 402
55 South Atlantic Street
Seattle WA 98134
206-587-4036
Cell 409-9822
David@Huchthausen.com

A very Preliminary Table of Contents:

Classic Yachts
The Classic Yacht Association

• -  Introduction
• -  History of the Classic Yacht Association
• -  General History of Motor Yachting
• -  The Formative Years 1900 – 1919
• -  The Golden Age of Yachting 1920 – 1929
• -  The Depression Years 1930 – 1941
• -  Yachts at War - World War II
• -  The Post War Era 1945- 1959
• -  The Evolution of Yacht Design
• -  The Builders – Backyards to Boat Yards
• -  Designers and Naval Architects
• -  Glossary
• -  Index

Matthews Boats - the Marquee Class for the Bell Street Rendezvous 2012!

Links

Matthews Boat Company, a brief history of an exceptional boat company that built exceptional boats from 1890 until the mid-1970's.

Scott J. Matthews, a brief biography of the man who founded the Matthews Boat Company and who designed and built Matthews boats for many decades.

Detroit, built in 1912, the first gasoline-powered vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean unassisted was a 35-foot Matthews boat with a crew of four.

Matthews Boat Owners Association, great information about other Matthews boats and the history of the Matthews Boat Company.

Powerboats - the American Classics: MATTHEWS BOATS by George S. Nammack

Photos                         

Curlew 1931	Pied Piper 1940	Empress 1953
Greta 1956	Starlight Express 1956

Videos

Onward: Scott Matthews Voyage of Discovery from Peter Huston on Vimeo.

From the Commodore's Cruise on Lake Union, February 26, 2012:

Enchantress Cruises has been added to the Classic Charters page.  They offer gourmet cruises around Lake Union and Lake Washington aboard their 1948 Monk "Carol M".  Visit their website at enchantresscruises.com/