Description
The Herreshoff Biscayne Bay 14 (commonly called the Biscayne Bay 14 or Biscayne Bay 14 skiff) is a classic wooden daysailer designed by Nathanael Greene Herreshoff (NGH) in 1925 as model #908 (or related to #951s class), originally built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company (HMCo) for use in the shallow, warm waters of Biscayne Bay, Florida (e.g., for the Adirondack School's Coconut Grove station). It was a multi-chine, V-bottomed, decked sailing skiff with a fractional sloop rig, emphasizing simplicity, speed, safety, and excellent handling in shoal areas; only about 14 hulls were originally produced by HMCo in 1925–1926 (a small class, sometimes associated with the "Suicide" class for its lively performance). Modern replicas and amateur/professional builds (often from WoodenBoat plans published in issues 96–98, 1990–1991) continue today in small numbers by builders like Artisan Boatworks, Eric Dow, or individuals, with options for shallow-draft keel/centerboard (original intent, floating in ~1 ft) or deep-draft fixed keel for better windward ability. Features include a narrow beam for easy trailing/launching, low freeboard with a small foredeck and open cockpit for 2–4 people, centerboard trunk (or fixed keel variant), gaff or Bermuda rig in replicas (fractional sloop standard), light displacement for responsive performance, and suitability as a delightful, low-cost daysailer for protected waters, exploring, or club racing—known for being fast, able, and beautiful under sail.
