This freshly launched Concordia yawl was left, glistening in the new summer sun.

Crop

Expensive, but very simple boats. I watch up to 14 Concordia yawls, that are launched each spring in our harbor. I rarely (ever?), see new additions to Concordia yawls. That got me thinking. Is this Concordia snobbery?

I don't think so. Here's my opinion: Because these boats are used primarily for New England coastal sailing - just as they have always been used - they are a 'full cup' sailboat.

This is a sailboat design evolved from centuries of sailing - now frozen in time: Circa: 1938. Copious stowage, comfortable cockpit under sail or anchor, secluded decks to be alone for a bit, inviting shelter below from the elements, a real working galley, a separate cabin and head, a place for everyone to sit and read, a comfortable berth for the night - for all.

Not a house; this is a sailboat to sail - to escape to.

A couple, a family, a close guest - all experienced - goes off for a few days - weeks - or the summer, with everything they need; just like a generation(or two), before them did on these same boats.

Not that much has changed on the water so these Concordia's are still filled to the brim, today, with all their new owners need, or want.

Some would call these Concordias cramped, by today's standards. On the other hand, there isn't any room left in a full cup.

Owners of these precious, near family members, spend lavishly to keep the boats in pristine condition. None the less, the boats with their original tillers or tiny wheels - ice boxes - hand operated galley pumps - rigging - etc; the Concordia's don't change. Their cup is full.