...As a child I sailed in 12 1/2s, Fish and “A” Boats. When I saw and sailed in your Pisces 21 my dream came true. I’m turning 81 in a couple of months and to have the simplicity, seaworthiness and beauty to sail solo or with “several” adults is fantastic. I will cite a particular day this past summer. Wind steady, West to SW about 12-15 knots, gentle swells and small chop. I sailed 21 nautical miles in just under 4 1/2 hours. The feeling of freedom, excitement and unbelievable beauty, coupled with the silence and total dependency on wind made for a spectacular memory. I hope in some way I have conveyed to you the enjoyment you have provided me. As always,

 

Rod   "Akela", Bass Harbor, Maine

I chose the Pisces 21 as it was the best answer I could find for a traditional, high quality wooden boat that is as beautiful to look at as she is well built. She continues to turn heads whenever out for a sail, and always invites admiration at the dock. Those who have been out for a sail as guests routinely relate that they have had a unique and special sailing experience.  I've always been looking for my next boat.  Not this time, however.  I've found the perfect boat for day sailing in and around coastal waters.  Bigger isn't better, and one would be hard-pressed to find a more suitable boat, in terms of size, construction, and beauty.

Michael   "Yin Yang", Wilmington, North Carolina

 

What a great boat….the Pisces 21 is the real DaySailer for DaySailors! Ours was the first glass hull Pisces 21 built four years ago by the Classic Boat Shop. She was also the first equipped with an ultralight carbon fiber mast. She is easy to sail and turns on a dime. We often achieve 6+ mph on a close haul! The hull design and abundant sail allows surprising movement in very light air; a real plus for us since our purist, and frugal, instincts built our craft sans engine. We have been towed home only once and only after all the brew was consumed. We know we are biased, but our Pisces is a real beauty with classy varnished wood trim and lines that draw many complements. As they say here in Maine, she is a

real "Keepah."

John   "KEEPAH", Surry, Maine

Having owned a Sabre 42 several years ago, I was looking for a day-sailer that was easy to sail and dry - a truly "fun" boat that my wife, who is just learning to sail, and I could easily handle. We tried sailing on a traditional Herreshoff 16 and a gaff-rigged Pisces 21 and we were sold. The gaff-rigged Pisces 21 has been fabulous and a joy to sail; it is dry and fast, particularly in light winds, and sails extremely well against its PHRF rating of 294. It has exceeded all our expectations. Classic Boat Shop's workmanship is exceptional, and the Company really stands behind its product. I heartily recommend this boat and its builder.
Mike   "Bluefish" of Oyster Bay, New York

When I choose the Pisces 21  I was looking for a day sailor with lines which was capable of being single handed but could comfortably seat 6 adults and had the feel of a larger boat. The Pisces 21 accomplished all my objectives. The Pisces compares very well with other boats I have sailed. I have owned several boat the same size, an Ensign and a J 22. The Pisces is stiffer to the wind and much more like a larger boat then either the Ensign or J.

 

Joe  "Maine Squeeze" of Medomak, Maine

I was first attracted to the Pisces 21 because of her beautiful lines. I fell in love when I experienced how beautifully she sails. I sail on Biscayne Bay off of Miami and there is never a time on the water where I don't get at least two comments regarding how beautiful "Fish" is. The Pisces 21 is a great day sailor. I can't imagine there is a better day sailor on the water.

 

Dan  "Fish" of Miami, Florida

After exhaustive review ... we decided on the Pisces. It has turned out to be a delightful experience owning and sailing this visually beautiful, nimble and sturdy boat. I receive many complimentary remarks about the boat while sailing .... The electric engine makes it very easy to leave and come back to the dock where I have a lift with remote control.... I often sail by myself which this boat allows me to do with ease. This summer I was caught out on Lake George in a heavy wind and rain squall with winds that read 40 knots on my instruments. Much to my amazement I was able to survive with out tipping. It scared the you know what out of me but I was able to get back home in one piece and the boat did not suffer any ill effects.... this little honey meets my needs exactly.

Dave    "Penelope II" Lake George, NY

I gave up on sailboat racing it's too management-intensive. And long-distance is not in our future right now. If we do, we'll probably charter a boat.... we got acquainted with Jean and his work, and a couple of years ago, started to think about buying a new sailboat. I was looking for a fun, safe day sailer that was easy to handle and also would work for single handing. In all respects, the Pisces met all our needs.

My wife and two kids, now age 13 and 14, are new-ish to sailing. They took a sailing course last summer at the Wooden Boat School in Brooklin, and liked it well enough to take the class again this summer.

One of the reasons we decided to go ahead with buying the boat is because they liked sailing the Haven 12 1/2 at the school, the Pisces is a slightly larger sistership so our boat is familiar to them.

I have the highest regard for Mr. Beaulieu and his crew.

Jean's approach to boat building is meticulous and he's very service-oriented. That's one of the reasons we've stayed with him over the years. He's been a great guy to work with.

 

Kent     "PICARO” of Eden Praire, MN and Brooklin, ME

 

 

 

After sailing a classically-styled Hinckley for a number of years, there was only one day sailor for us – the Pisces 21.  Traditional design, beautifully built and breathtaking to sail – I could not have asked for more.

 

All the Best,

 

Bob     “AURORA” of San Francisco, CA

Each time “Sherrie Ann” sets sail we look forward to another rewarding day on the water.   She is a very comfortable day sailor, responsive and well balanced at the helm, paces well off the wind and is a sure head turner with her traditional lines.  A prettier sloop, either under sail or at anchor, you will not find.
We look forward to the holidays and wish you and yours the very best.   Take care.

Jim      “SHERRIE ANN” of Oklaoma KS, and Boothbay Hbr, ME

Having moved Payah-kun, an N/M 46, to live year-round in Southwest Harbor, a sailing option for spring and fall at home in Cold Spring Harbor, NY seemed a good idea.  And, having known Jean Beaulieu for a couple of years, it made sense to consider his beautiful Pisces.  When I learned that her genesis, the original Herreshoff Fish Class, was designed in 1916 for use in our harbor, where at one point more than 50 were actively raced, the deal was sealed.  With a cockpit the size of a 40' cruising boat, she is easily single-handed in all conditions, and is particularly able in light air which is important on Long Island.  I am rarely on the water for an hour without a boat appearing on my hip to ask about her.  There are now three Pisces in Oyster Bay/ Cold Spring Harbor.  While we might fall short of 50, I am sure more will be on the way.

Paul     “SKIPJACK” Oyster Bay NY and Southwest Hbr, ME

 

Jean, of course being born a Piscean did help, but actually you,

Jean , sailed by in your first boat while I was struggling to bed down my 12 ½ Herreshoff being terrified of slipping off the narrow sides.  Apsara far surpasses that boat and the 12 foot I owned as a child.  I can’t imagine owning another boat now that Apsara has captured all my fears of sailing and set me free on the waters. Thank you,

 

Polly     “APSARA” Northeast Hbr, ME

(The Pisces is)..the best performing of the Fish class derivatives in both light and heavy airs, tracks beautifully, tacks through 70 degrees routinely and maintains momentum through the tack and in a choppy sea .  (She is) also comfortable and roomy with high seating and adequate back rests. Every time I go out the boat gets unsolicited complements from other sailors.  When I sail in 25 knots in comfort and security-albeit with a reef , other day sailors are amazed...

 

Eric      “WANDERBEAR” of Marion, MA

 

Note from builder:  Before his Pisces Eric owned a Morris 36 for 15 years and enjoyed sailing her from Marion to Bermuda (and raced as well), many cruises to Maine, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland (including a circumnavigation of Newfoundland), Labrador and the Gulf of St Lawrence.  He is a blue water sailor and loves to sail in winds that most would prefer not to. Eric is seen here sailing double reefed in 30 knots gusting to 40 in the inner harbor of Marion. Last season Eric beat his own record of 100 sailing day up to 128 days!  Considering the inclement weather we had in the Northeast, you do the math.....he is my hero! 

 

Great Moments with Serendipity

 

My boat, Serendipity, is Pisces Hull No. 1.  She is, I think, the most basic version of the boat that Jean has built.  I have no engine, no roller furling, wooden spars, white three-strand running rigging and traditional bronze hardware and blocks.  Except for the cold-molded hull and synthetic sails and lines, the boat feels and looks exactly like I imagine the first flotilla of Herreshoff Fishes felt and looked to the members of Seawanhaka Yacht Club on that long ago summer in 1916 when the first fleet was delivered. 

 

Some of my best moments are just enjoying the beauty of the boat.  I love it when I am slipping along in a light breeze, sprawled out to leeward to generate enough heel to keep the sail full.  She moves with almost no air.  I love the gleam of the mast and spars and coamings and sheer strake, the wrap of the wood around the cockpit, the cozy cocoon of curves.  It is perfectly relaxing, just inches from the water.  Sailing the boat requires almost no effort, the tiller hardly needs attention.  This boat keeps you very close to the sea, both physically and spiritually, in a way few larger boats can.

 

I have always loved the comments my boat inspires.  In normal life ashore I am a regular looking, middle aged guy, not worth a second glance.  On Serendipty, we become Richard Gere, Rudolf Nureyev and the Great Gatsby all rolled up into one handsome, elegant and classic presence.  I often take colleagues sailing on Wednesdays after work through the summer.  We’ll sail through a Wet Wednesday race and nearly every boat will call to me as I go by and comment on what a fine looking boat we are, and this from people who like racing and should be watching their tell tales!  I once had Chuck Paine aboard when he was in Oakland for the West Coast boat show.  We sailed past the outer dock of the show and within a few moments every person lined up on that dock to get aboard the big, fancy, sparkling chrome plated wonder yachts was instead watching us sail by, in our small, beautiful, easy sailing yacht which epitomizes what we all seek from sailing.  East Coasters transplanted to California will inevitably sail over to say hello, to ask if we are a Herreshoff of some sort, to mention having seen a similar boat back in Rhode Island or Massachussetts or Maine.   I’ve had Hinckleys and Aldens and Little Harbors take quick tacks just to cross my stern and look down on us, with envy. 

 

I’ve loved taking my kids sailing or bringing friends out for a day.  When my daughter was about eight years old we sailed out to Angel Island, picked up a mooring for the night and rigged a little barbecue to make dinner before sleeping on the cockpit sole under a boom tent.  Now 13, she can sail the boat and next summer I hope to run her through a set of exams to “license” her to take out friends.  The big cockpit is great for hosting parties.  All through the summer I take out groups of up to six adults.  We sail on the Estuary, the little slip of water between Oakland and Alameda, where we are shielded from San Francisco’s raw cold westerlies and famous fog.  We’ll tack up the Estuary without having to touch the sheets, sail past the commercial ships in the Port of Oakland and watch them work cargoes, then come about and run back to my slip.  With the main well eased and the jib wing and wing on the club, we again leave the sheets and break out a little folding table.  Out come our dinner sandwiches and California wines and cheeses.  Often the wind goes light, but Serendipity only needs a breath of air to keep moving, and with friends on board and a crimson sunset lighting the sky and painting the water pink, who wants to hurry?

 

Sometimes I go on great smashing voyages.  I keep my boat five miles into the Estuary, a good 12 miles downwind from the Golden Gate.  With no engine, it is a big day to sail that long slog to windward, particularly as the typical summer wind on San Francisco Bay is 15 to 20 knots and kicks up a nasty chop when the current ebbs.  After passing under the Bay Bridge we need to reef, generally both reefs in the main.  Sometimes we throw in the single reef on the jib as well.  She heels over, puts her shoulder down and scoots ahead.  In the central Bay, where a normal day is like your blusteriest day of the year on Penobscot Bay, she seems a bit small, but never overburdened.  She is much drier than the local Knarrs or IOD’s, though we will take a few wave tops over the coamings while beating to windward.  Serendipity has been on the far side of the Golden Gate and loved swooping down the long Pacific swells we found there.  She is not an ocean boat, but I never say so out loud, because she doesn’t know that.

 

I sometimes think of having a bigger boat which would allow me to go cruising.  I used to have a Nonsuch 30 at the same time I had Serendipity.  Once I decided I was spending too much time cleaning and maintaining and paying for two boats, and not enough time sailing, it was obvious which boat would stay with me.  I can always find cruising boats to charter, but it is very hard to find a boat to love.  I expect to keep Serendipity as my “old man boat”, even when I need a cane to get down the dock.  She is so gentle I should be able to sail her as long I can haul the halyards, and with her cute little bronze winches, I should be able to do that much for as long as I keep track of the winch handle.

Jonathan      Pisces Hull #1, November 1999

                  “SERENDIPITY” of San Francisco, CA