Built as a private racing yacht in 1922

History

Designed by William Hand, the Schooner Nathaniel Bowditch was built in 1922 in East Boothbay, Maine as a private racing yacht. In 1923 she was entered the Bermuda Cup under her original name, Ladona. She won the race in 1927. Her second owner renamed her Jane Dore after his daughter.

In 1942 she was commissioned by the US Coast Guard and assigned to Offshore Patrol to search for German submarines off New York Harbor. During this time she received two citations by the Commander of the Eastern Sea Frontier US Coast Guard for seaworthiness in poor weather.

Thanks for taking us back in time to sail as seamen 100 years ago. We are reminded that precision teamwork is as efficient in setting the sails as motorized winches. Your crew is a wonder to watch and work alongside. The food is terrific and the sea breezes and scenery ain't too bad either!
  —Gay and Mark H. Minnesota

After the war she got into the fishing industry as a commercial dragger out of Stonington, CT.

In 1971 the Bowditch was purchased by American Practical Navigators, Inc. She was completely rebuilt for passenger trade. She was renamed Nathaniel Bowditch after the brilliant mathematician and author of The New American Practical Navigator.