SOLD – 34′ 1954 Nielsen-Luke YawlEmail This Listing to a Friend

JESTER is a 34′ coastal cruising yawl designed by Aage Nielsen and built by Paul Luke in 1954. Her design (#251) was based on the hugely successful Hinckley Pilot, which Nielsen designed while working for Sparkman & Stephens. JESTER and her three sisters were drawn with 8” more bow overhang than the Pilot, a doghouse, and a yawl rig. All four of these boats are still sailing, the other being CARINA II, HARVEST, and NAVIGATRIX.

JESTER underwent a significant restoration from 2003-2008 at French & Webb in Belfast, Maine. According to 2009 survey by Paul Haley, that work included replacement of the keel timber, stern post, horn timber, and forefoot. The floor timbers were replaced, new frame ends scarfed in, and the majority of bottom planking replaced. Haley says in his report: “this work was done to higher standards than when the boat was built. This will make the under body of the vessel strong and tight. The new materials that were used are much more rot resistant, and the boat will be around for many years to come.”

Further to the structural work on the bottom, JESTER’S rebuild at French & Webb also included and entirely new and re-configured interior, new plywood/Dynel decks and a new modified cockpit. The Yanmar Diesel engine was rebuilt, and all plumbing and electrical systems were replaced. The spars were stripped and re-varnished and new standing and running rigging was installed.

Essentially, JESTER was a new boat in 2009.

All updates appear to honor the design integrity and in no way take from her original simplicity. Topsides are carvel planked mahogany, bottom planking is wana, frames are steam-bent oak, and floor timbers are Angelique. The ballast keel is lead and all hardware and fasteners are bronze.

Sails are in good condition.

JESTER is stored indoors in Brooklin, Maine.

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