Washington Winter Show 2015

53 This page is sponsored by Betsy Huffman, Marjorie Hulgrave and Heather Nolan in honor of The Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services seas, then gracefully sweeping downwards as you looked aft. I remember the massive metal fittings on the deck, the chrome so bright it looked as though it had been newly polished. And I can still recall the detail in her molded cove stripe, finished with hand-applied gold leaf. Yes, Hinckley’s are arrestingly elegant, but beyond their physical beauty they convey a sense of quality and pedigree that even the untrained eye can recognize. All of which means that Hinckley’s command a level of respect not seen by any other boat manufacturer. Hinckley’s hold a special place in the hearts of yachtsmen around the world. Founded in 1928 by Henry R. Hinckley in Southwest Harbor, Maine, the Company has not just endured but thrived for almost a century by building some of the finest yachts in the world. Hinckley’s are widely admired for their sweeping lines, their impeccable woodwork, and the shining chrome of their hardware — elements that together stimulate the senses and convey a sense of wonder. But just as important is what you do not see, and this is an area Hinckley is equally famous for. This is something I discovered while restoring my own Hinckley. After forty years of active service, I discovered that my vintage Bermuda 40 really only needed cosmetic upgrades, a testament to Hinckley’s quality and craftsmanship. Since the outset the Company has widely recognized for the quality workmanship that goes into their boats. Hinckley’s stringent construction standards and constant pursuit of innovation means that whoever’s operating a Hinckley vessel can rest assured their boat will meet whatever challenges it might face. That’s important both for peace of mind, and to insure the most enjoyable possible experience on the water. What’s more, at a time of shuttered factories and labor farmed out to other nations, Hinckley has prevailed by building boats of the highest standards and by respecting fundamentals like craftsmanship, heritage, and owner-satisfaction. And they do it all right here in the U.S.A., just as they always have. Over the years many Hinckley boats have been designed in-house, while others have been conceived of by some of the biggest talents in the business — names like John Alden, Ted Hood, McCurdy and Rhodes, Sparkman & Stephens, and Bill Tripp, to name a few. What’s more, Hinckley has long been known for adapting to new materials. In the 1950s the Company helped to pioneer the transition from wood to fiberglass in hull production, and today they lead the way with state-of-the-art materials like Kevlar and E-glass. In fact, that respect for new technology is embedded in Hinckley’s DNA. Although the Company is best known for their sailboats, Henry Hinckley entered the market as a manufacturer of motorboats with a 36' version he introduced in 1933. Its product launch helped to establish the Company as a builder of boats that were both sublimely elegant and state- of-the art. One of their best-loved boats, the Picnic Boat was introduced in 1994. Not surprisingly the boat’s iconic design has been widely mimicked, though no manufacturer has been able to match it in terms of either beauty or quality. Nor can any of those competitors actually call their version a “picnic boat” since the name has been trademarked by Hinckley. Today Hinckley produces a breathtaking array of both sailboats and powerboats, ranging in size from a relatively modest twenty-nine feet to ones more than twice that length. Moreover, the Company is a leader in fashioning state-of-the- art vessels that cleave to classic design — the perfect balance of tradition and technology. So whether it’s a vintage Sou’wester 30 sloop or a Talaria 55 motor yacht right off the production line, it’s never hard to identify a Hinckley. With designs that are both timeless and unique, most would agree that Hinckley’s are A beautiful Sou’wester 50 in Watch Hill, RI. A line up of five Hinckley motor cruisers in the 1930s. Southwest Harbor, ME.