Balanced on every point of sail, steady under way, and graceful at rest—Sonny exemplifies the Sparkman & Stephens philosophy of marrying performance with seaworthiness.

THE YACHT

Construction

Sonny was crafted with mahogany planking fastened to white oak frames, bronze throughout, and a teak-laid deck. These timbers, chosen for resilience as much as for beauty, give her structure both endurance and elegance. Mahogany’s warmth, oak’s strength, and teak’s weathering qualities make her as robust at sea as she is graceful at anchor.

Rig & Sail Plan

Rigged as a Bermudian sloop, Sonny carries a tall single mast and generous sail area that allow her to perform with agility and poise. Her alloy spar, discreetly fitted with bronze, combines modern reliability with traditional aesthetics. From full canvas to storm sails, her wardrobe equips her equally for cruising and regatta competition.

Profile & Dimensions

At 53 feet 6 inches overall, with a waterline length of 39 feet 6 inches, Sonny balances power and grace in her proportions. With a beam of 12 feet 5 inches and a draft of 8 feet, she carries a displacement of 23 tonnes—a moderate, seaworthy hull form that was the hallmark of Sparkman & Stephens during the 1930s.

Interior & Accommodation

Her interior reflects both tradition and thoughtful renewal. Mahogany joinery frames a warm saloon, with galley, navigation station, and berths laid out in classic style. Modern comforts have been introduced with sensitivity: refrigeration and galley rebuilt in 2018, wiring renewed, plumbing updated—yet always in harmony with her original character.

Engine & Systems

In 2020, Sonny was fitted with a Yanmar 3JH40 diesel engine, ensuring dependable auxiliary power without compromising her traditional sailing spirit. Updated electrical and plumbing systems integrate discreetly, making her ready for both cruising comfort and the demands of offshore passage-making.

Principal Dimensions & Particulars

  • Designer: Sparkman & Stephens (Design No. 94, 1935)

  • Builder: Robert Jacob, Inc. · City Island, New York

  • Type: Bermudian sloop, racer–cruiser

  • Length Overall (LOA): 53 ft 6 in (16.31 m)

  • Length on Waterline (LWL): 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)

  • Beam: 12 ft 5 in (3.78 m)

  • Draft: 8 ft 0 in (2.44 m)

  • Displacement: 23 tonnes

  • Construction: Mahogany planking on white oak frames, bronze fastenings, teak deck

  • Rig: Bermudian sloop, single mast with alloy spar and bronze fittings

  • Engine: Yanmar 3JH40 diesel (installed 2020) · 40 hp

  • Fuel Capacity: approx. 180 litres

  • Fresh Water Capacity: approx. 200 litres

  • Accommodation: Saloon with dining area, galley, navigation station, forward and aft berths

  • Systems: Galley rebuilt 2018, refrigeration and electrics updated, plumbing modernised