A Half Century of Sailing, Camaraderie, and Stewardship
In April 1970, the boat that we now know as Hound slipped into the water for the very first time. 55 years later, this 59-footer is still attracting admirers wherever she sails; even non-sailors can appreciate her unique combination of classic lines and glossy updates.
Designed by K. Aage Nielsen and built at Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany, the boat has an excellent pedigree. But what’s far more important than her sturdy combination of aluminum, wood, and now carbon is the people she’s attracted over five decades. Not just the history of Hound, then; The Heart of Hound.
Just like a good joke, facts about Hound seem to come in threes:
- She’s on her third owner, and her third keel.
- She has spawned at least three romantic relationships.
- She has covered close to 300,000 miles.
- She’s posted Newport to Bermuda Race class wins in three different decades.
And then there’s the exception: only once has this fine vessel been transported by ship. Otherwise, as her captain says, “Hound always travels on her own bottom.”
Combining historic photos with first-hand accounts, this coffee-table book gives readers a peek into yachting’s past—and might also inspire future voyages. Historian and author Maynard Bray calls it well-researched before pausing to wonder what designer K. Aage Nielsen would think. “For sure, he’d revel in her racecourse wins and feel very good about the beautiful and seakindly hull shape. It’s also likely that Aage would have embraced the modernization and be absolutely delighted that the boat is still going strong.”
The Heart of Hound: A Half Century of Sailing, Camaraderie, and Stewardship
240 pages
Available Fall 2025
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