Naval architect Geerd N. Hendel (1903–1998) lived in midcoast Maine and designed a truly amazing variety of watercraft. His designs are sophisticated and polished yet respond admirably to the functions they were to perform. Hendel designed the Boothbay Harbor One Design, recreational sailboats, sportfishmen, yachts, trawlers, and logging towboats. He was a pioneer in designing aluminum boats for saltwater use.
This is the story of how a young and talented German naval architect came to America during the Great Depression, became a citizen, and went on to design some exceptionally fine yachts and commercial vessels. Geerd Hendel worked at first for other designers such as Starling Burgess and after World War II went out on his own. This book shows by example how Hendel’s work evolved and what a remarkably wide range of watercraft left his drawing board to see fruition. Roger Moody gives us the rundown on a remarkable career that those of us interested in boats and local history should know more about. —Maynard Bray, Brooklin, Maine, is a prolific writer who led watercraft preservation at the Mystic Seaport from 1969 to 1975. He has spent decades building and restoring boats and has been the technical editor for WoodenBoat magazine for nearly 40 years.
Lloyd Hansen Thomas Biography
This 50 page biography is available through the author for $15.95 by emailing [email protected]