About Y1 Yankee

Y1 was built by Britt Brothers at the Bath Iron Works, with Starling Burgess overseeing construction. It had many unique features in the trim, since it was the prototype boat.

Launched and raced on September 9, 1937.

As told by Robert Harrison Smith: This photo of Yankee (#1) was taken by my Dad, Francis Smith on Dorchester Bay, Boston harbor.  I am on the tiller and my old friend John Delano is hidden behind the mainsail. 

The boat was moored at Savin Hill YC in Dorchester, Mass.  Wonderful memories sailing that boat all over Boston Harbor and Quincy Bay with family and friends in the mid to late 1960's. I brought the boat to Falmouth, Maine in 1973, sailed it all over Casco Bay for many years and sadly had to retire the old girl in the late 70's.  Wonderful design. Lively responsive one design.  15 knots of breeze and light chop was heaven on the water.  Made for a very happy sailboat.

Robert H. Smith

Bonita Springs, Florida

Dec 16, 2025

Comment: My dad Philip Stocker was second owner of #1. She was in Maine. Anyone know if she has survived? Wonderful boat to sail! Bill Stocker, Cape Cod

Sightings of Y1 YANKEE continued for decades after the boat was scrapped. Is this because Starling Burgess touched her, sailed her, oversaw her construction?

Or is it simply because when a YOD sailboat changes owners, some people do away with the boat’s name, and simply called it their “Yankee.”