Hansen Gaff Schooner
Basic data
| Category: | Sailboat |
| Year of construction: | 1894 |
| Length: | 1364 cm |
| width: | 296 cm |
| Depth: | 190 cm |
| Material: | Wood |
| Motorization: | Unknow |
| Berth: |
Centro Nautico Marina 1, Italy
|
Specifications
Hansen Gaff Schooner "Sif" – Historic Sailing Ship from 1894 with Unique Heritage and Sailing Characteristics
The "Sif" is a classic gaff schooner with a rich maritime history dating back to the late 19th century. This wooden sailing ship was built in 1894 at the renowned N.F. Hansen shipyard in Odense, Denmark. The design is based on the revolutionary lines of Nathaniel Herreshoff's "Gloriana," an influential figure in the development of modern yacht designs. The "Sif" is thus a tangible example of the transitional period in yacht building, where speed, balance, and seaworthiness became increasingly important.
Note: Photos 2 through 6 are current photos, the remaining photos are historical photos that provide an impression of the ship's potential after restoration
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Hansen
- Type: Gaff Schooner
- Length: 13.64 meters
- Width: 2.96 meters
- Draft: 1.90 meters
- Material: Wood
- Number of Masts: 2
- Mast Material: Wood
- Cruising Speed: 11.11 km/h
- Maximum Speed: 13.89 km/h
- Registration: Previously registered in Lloyd’s Register of Yachts (1895–1911) and in the United States under number 937425
- Designer: Lind Hansen, inspired by Herreshoff
- Build Number: 937425
Historical Background
The "Sif" began her life as a gaff cutter but was later converted into a gaff schooner. This rigging is known for its versatility and ease of handling, making the ship suitable for both regattas and longer voyages. Throughout her 131-year history, the "Sif" has sailed the North Sea, the Mediterranean, and various European inland lakes. She has participated in prestigious classic regattas such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, Imperia, and Cannes.
Between 1985 and 2000, the ship underwent extensive restoration, including work on the deck, hull structure, interior, and rigging. In 2003, the rigging was further optimized. Despite these previous efforts, the ship is currently in a condition where a full structural restoration is necessary to make her seaworthy again.
Sailing Properties and Design Features
The "Sif" possesses several features that distinguish her within the world of classic sailing yachts:
- Gaff Schooner Rigging: This configuration allows for various sail combinations, offering flexibility in changing weather conditions.
- Clipper Bow and Sleek Hull: These elements contribute to efficient water displacement and an elegant appearance.
- Lead Ballast Keel: Increases stability and reduces heeling under sail.
- Suitable for Shorthanded Sailing: In the past, the ship has been successfully sailed by just two experienced sailors.
- CIM Rating: In the past, the "Sif" had a favorable rating for participation in classic regattas in the Mediterranean.
Restoration Potential
Although the "Sif" is currently in poor condition, she offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of classic yachts and maritime heritage. The combination of her historical value, proven sailing performance, and distinctive design makes her an attractive project for a restoration yard or collector. A full restoration would enable her to participate in international regattas again or be used as a private yacht for long-distance cruises.
Conclusion
The "Sif" is more than a classic sailing ship; she represents an important chapter in the history of yacht building. With her origins in 1894, her connection to Herreshoff’s design philosophy, and her presence at leading regattas, she is a rare example of maritime craftsmanship. For those seeking an authentic restoration project with historical depth and future sailing potential, the "Sif" offers a unique opportunity to breathe new life into a piece of sailing history.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- We advise making use of the viewing day.
- The boat is on the shore.
- This boat is delivered without a trailer.
- This boat is sold under general auction conditions.
- This concerns a public auction, which means that the purchase cannot be returned based on the legal right of withdrawal.
| Brand | Hansen |
| Type | Gaff Schooner |
| Length | 1364 |
| Width | 296 |
| Depth | 190 |
| Year of construction | 1894 |
| Material | Wood |
| Dinghy | No |
| Is a trailer included? | No |
| Number of engines | 1 |
| Is the engine operational | Operation of the engine is unknown |
| Maximum speed | kilometers per hour | 13.89 |
| Engine type | Inboard |
| Brand motor | Unknow |
| Number of masts | 2 |
| Mast material | Wood |
Hansen Gaff Schooner "Sif" – Historic Sailing Ship from 1894 with Unique Heritage and Sailing Characteristics
The "Sif" is a classic gaff schooner with a rich maritime history dating back to the late 19th century. This wooden sailing ship was built in 1894 at the renowned N.F. Hansen shipyard in Odense, Denmark. The design is based on the revolutionary lines of Nathaniel Herreshoff's "Gloriana," an influential figure in the development of modern yacht designs. The "Sif" is thus a tangible example of the transitional period in yacht building, where speed, balance, and seaworthiness became increasingly important.
Note: Photos 2 through 6 are current photos, the remaining photos are historical photos that provide an impression of the ship's potential after restoration
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Hansen
- Type: Gaff Schooner
- Length: 13.64 meters
- Width: 2.96 meters
- Draft: 1.90 meters
- Material: Wood
- Number of Masts: 2
- Mast Material: Wood
- Cruising Speed: 11.11 km/h
- Maximum Speed: 13.89 km/h
- Registration: Previously registered in Lloyd’s Register of Yachts (1895–1911) and in the United States under number 937425
- Designer: Lind Hansen, inspired by Herreshoff
- Build Number: 937425
Historical Background
The "Sif" began her life as a gaff cutter but was later converted into a gaff schooner. This rigging is known for its versatility and ease of handling, making the ship suitable for both regattas and longer voyages. Throughout her 131-year history, the "Sif" has sailed the North Sea, the Mediterranean, and various European inland lakes. She has participated in prestigious classic regattas such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, Imperia, and Cannes.
Between 1985 and 2000, the ship underwent extensive restoration, including work on the deck, hull structure, interior, and rigging. In 2003, the rigging was further optimized. Despite these previous efforts, the ship is currently in a condition where a full structural restoration is necessary to make her seaworthy again.
Sailing Properties and Design Features
The "Sif" possesses several features that distinguish her within the world of classic sailing yachts:
- Gaff Schooner Rigging: This configuration allows for various sail combinations, offering flexibility in changing weather conditions.
- Clipper Bow and Sleek Hull: These elements contribute to efficient water displacement and an elegant appearance.
- Lead Ballast Keel: Increases stability and reduces heeling under sail.
- Suitable for Shorthanded Sailing: In the past, the ship has been successfully sailed by just two experienced sailors.
- CIM Rating: In the past, the "Sif" had a favorable rating for participation in classic regattas in the Mediterranean.
Restoration Potential
Although the "Sif" is currently in poor condition, she offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of classic yachts and maritime heritage. The combination of her historical value, proven sailing performance, and distinctive design makes her an attractive project for a restoration yard or collector. A full restoration would enable her to participate in international regattas again or be used as a private yacht for long-distance cruises.
Conclusion
The "Sif" is more than a classic sailing ship; she represents an important chapter in the history of yacht building. With her origins in 1894, her connection to Herreshoff’s design philosophy, and her presence at leading regattas, she is a rare example of maritime craftsmanship. For those seeking an authentic restoration project with historical depth and future sailing potential, the "Sif" offers a unique opportunity to breathe new life into a piece of sailing history.
VIEWING DAY INFORMATION
- The viewing day of this Hansen Gaff Schooner is on Friday 26 September 2025 van 10:00 until 12:00 in Centro Nautico Marina 1 (IT).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- We advise making use of the viewing day.
- The boat is on the shore.
- This boat is delivered without a trailer.
- This boat is sold under general auction conditions.
- This concerns a public auction, which means that the purchase cannot be returned based on the legal right of withdrawal.
| Brand | Hansen |
| Type | Gaff Schooner |
| Length | 1364 |
| Width | 296 |
| Depth | 190 |
| Year of construction | 1894 |
| Material | Wood |
| Dinghy | No |
| Is a trailer included? | No |
| Number of engines | 1 |
| Is the engine operational | Operation of the engine is unknown |
| Maximum speed | kilometers per hour | 13.89 |
| Engine type | Inboard |
| Brand motor | Unknow |
| Number of masts | 2 |
| Mast material | Wood |
