Andrew Davidhazy (andpph@davidhazy.org) has 2 questions:

Question 1: My Heritage does not have an "eye" on the bow to connect a winch to to pull her up on the trailer.  It seems like it would be good to have such a thing installed to pull the boat onto the trailer. Opinions??

Mark Raine commented: I saw your note about raising the mast which I did for the first time this Spring.  Once I get it in the tabernacle it is simple to do. I have a fitting at the forward base of the mast that accepts the boom and then a gut (??) setup attached  more or less permanently to the chain plates.  the I use a 4:1 tackle to raise and lower.  Moving the mast after it is horizontal takes time and a couple separate "A" frame supports.  I'll work out a "system" to do it alone but often times easier and safer to just get a bunch a friends and/ or neighbors to lift it on and off the boat.

Andy Davidhazy replied and asked: Getting the mast onto and off the boat is one thing and I appreciate the challlenge posed by that.  It seems that with each passing year this becomes harder to do! And then I have to raise it to its overwinter location up inear the rafters of a barn.  This is the second: Can you clarify what is this "gut" thing? Got a photo??

Andrew Davidhazy spending day or weekend on board?  btw, you have shore power?

Christy Haase Just the day, wish it could be longer! Well, maybe with better weather  Aeolus has a charger installed by previous owners, very nice feature to keep batteries charged and yes utilize shore power. She stays quite dry and is cozy. Be excellent if her interior was a little more finished, just another task

Christy Haase PS does Adria have a dodger? Think Phil's boat does? Seems like a useful addition.

Christy Haase Another PS, she stays dry on the inside, bilge, cockpit, and outer compartments another story as we've all dealt with it sounds!

Andrew Davidhazy yup ... it was installed just before Steve Cassella sailed her to Hawaii. It matches the deck color scheme!  We have not used it this year. It might be more useful in the PNW. Sue made a bimini that attaches to the dodger but we used that only once and it did help keep us in shade a couple of summers ago.

Christy Haase Very nice, yes a dodger would be good today up here!

Andrew Davidhazy Question: how does shore power get into the sailboat? Using a special connector or simply bringing in an extension cord somehow.

Andrew Davidhazy by special connector I mean I have seen heavy duty AC power cords leading from shore to the cabin of boats and there they have installed a special connector or coupler ... twist connector.

Christy Haase A special extension cord running from the dock outlet and plugging into the charger. There's a control panel for lights, etc but I've had wiring issues with mast replacement. For interior light I just plug directly into extension cord with multiple outlets or use a more cozy candle lantern.

Andrew Davidhazy Thanks ... we currently have no shore power on board. Something that I hope to install during the hibernation months if I remember to do it!

Andrew Davidhazy wait ... how does the extension cord go into Aeolus and reach the charger?

Christy Haase Through the cabin doors, there is a gap just enough for the cord to fit with the doors remaining closed as normal. My dad made an extra long cord, it then attaches to another extension cord inside. The charger itself has a short cord to plug into. Not ideal to have to double up but it works! Is that what you're asking btw? I'm not an expert electrician it might go without saying

Christy Haase Also if I recall think the charger was a bit spendy. The diesel was meant to charge the batteries via an alternator type of um, thing. It didn't work and turns out it was jury rigged from a car! So I was able to find one of like two remaining proper al...See More

Andrew Davidhazy OK ... I understand now. Heat and a fan to circulate air inside is what I have in mind. Battery charger too although I have been topping off the battery with a small solar panel. We'll see what develops! ... for next Summer though. Boat comes out of water on Oct 17 or so.

Christy Haase Hi sorry I missed one of your notes, yes the coupler (?) is three prongs and twists, a little tricky to use but think it stays more weatherproof. Good luck with the charger project! It is nice to have! Should help with humidity issues. Adria might be more airtight than Aeolus? Do your port lights open? That was a project before tree on my house, was getting those replaced. Sorry Adria had to head out of the water seemingly so soon. I will probably pull Aeolus out this winter too, she needs bottom paint and other things, of course!

On Sept. 15 received following communication from Kenny Hopkins:

Hi Andy, I finally got my outboard installed on Minka. Was hoping to get her in the water soon but life reared its head
and it may be awhile. Non the less, work on her is progressing. I have recently moved to Florida if you want to update my info. on the Heritage site.
 
Kenny Hopkins, P.O. Box 171, Wellborn, Florida 32094 Cell - 443 553 8365, no home number.
 
Also, I have requested member status on Facebook/Heritage owners group under Cheryl Harris/Skull Canyon Leather. My girlfriend set up the Facebook page for me as I do not participate on it much at all.
 
Hope all is well and you had a good sailing season, just starting here in Florida. I think your son should buy Howies boat in south Florida. I may try and go have a look out of curiosity. Am traveling for a couple of weeks coming up for work but will try and have look at her when I can. If I do I will take some pictures of her and forward to you. Best regards, Kenny Hopkins

On March 29, 2015 the following letter was received from Ray Waldmann:

Andy, thanks for keeping the flame alive for the dedicated band of Heritage 20 owners.  Our campaign to restore and upgrade Ellie continues.  In the months weve owned her, weve refinished all the teak, repainted the bottom and changed the deck color to a lighter gray, refinished the boom (the mast was in great shape when we got her), had cockpit seat cushions and a mainsail cover made, installed the grab rails and life lines, repainted the interior walls and cabinetry, installed a depth finder (to replace a nonworking one), connectors for the navigation lights, and an interior light along with a battery monitor, removed the paint from the brass fittings, and touched up the hull scrapes and dings.  A few pictures of her current state are attached.

We also commissioned a friend, who sailed for many years around Puget Sound and does watercolors, to paint a view of Ellie sailing in Meydenbauer Bay on Lake Washington.  You may recognize our condo in the background.  As an unexpected bonus, he went a step further and imagined what Ellie would look like battling waves in the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Washington State and Canada.  You can see both pictures being displayed by the proud artist.

Perhaps you can fill in some facts for medo you know how many Heritage 20s were produced (Ive heard both 18 and 22) and the date of the last one?  When I describe the history of this fine little craft, Id like to be accurate.

Ray

     

Andy; Kenny Hopkins took possession of "Minka" this past Saturday afternoon.  It was difficult to see her stern as he drove around the corner!  However I take solace in knowing she will be in appreciative and caring hands. 

As previously mentioned, Howie presented me with all of the drawings your dad and others created all those years ago.  They are folded and ready to ship should you have any missing from your collection.   One drawing in particular included the "offsets" which are the "lofting" dimensions necessary to create an actual hull and deck.  You may not know this but Howie decided to destroy the molds which really bothered me.  However it was a choice I am certain he carefully considered and if memory serves me, it was to prevent any bastardization of his creation by an uncaring builder.

On another note, while going through files associated with the Heritage 20 I discovered more photos.  There was also a note showing the original purchaser/owner of "Nutty", (Bill Frances' Heritage 20).  His name was "R.C. Wild" and phone number from around the late 1970's was 510-533-2317.  "R.C." worked for a man named Herb Swanson an electrical engineer who was the designer/builder of the very first "solid state" high frequency two-way radio. The company name was "Atlas Radio Company" and was located at Oceanside, California.

R.C. purchased the "Nutty" and subsequently sailed her down the west coast to Mexico.  It was during this voyage that he tested the Atlas radio and had a conversation with Howie while underway in a storm.  His words were very complimentary of the design and build of the Heritage 20.  This is from my memory so there could be a slight variation of circumstances.

Barry Rietz   5/11/2014
Arizona

Andy replied:

Hi Barry,

Sorry for the delayed response. Thank you for the update on the Minka and the beginning of her new life and  adventures with Kenny Hopkins! Thanks also for the historical item abut R.C.Wild!

If archives are taking up space feel free to send me whatever you feel so inclined to send. I am not sure what my  brother has in terms of original or blueprints of the Heritage. Ive asked but he seems to forget! I do too so cant  really complain!

Our Heritage is now out of the water and shrink wrapped for the Winter. I hope this Winter is not as brutal as last one was. Not so much in terms of snow but low temps and cloudy skies. My sister is trying to convince us to  move to Austin. Hmmmmm &.

Be well, Andy

A letter surfaced regarding another Heritage seen in Los Angeles by Scot Copeland who almost purchased her in 2013. He said:

Hello, I'm in San Diego and have found a Heritage 20 for sale in LA. I'm interested in purchasing it and restoring it to its former beauty. Internet searching has brought little information on this little beauty, but I did find your website and discovered your photography to boot!

Here's a shot.  (Photo seen above) The fellow selling her is doing it for an older friend and they're asking way too much for her in this condition ($5800), the engine is also apparently in rusty parts. I'm a teacher and former boatbuilder who works summers in a wooden boat restoration yard, and I want a small classic off-shore worthy boat. My aesthetic tastes require that it also be beautiful. The Heritage has a lot of sail area which is a good thing in so Cal. But, I still don't know a lot about them.  Apparently the quality of build is very good. I'm going to go up to LA to see it ASAP. From there I can be a pretty good judge (unless I have my rose-colored glasses on).  Do you have any photos of your boat you could share?

Thank you, Scot Copeland, copeland@sdcoe.net

On October 26, 2014 Ray and Mary Waldmann, Andy and Sue Davidhazy and Christy Haase got together for a meet-up at Ray's home in Bellevue, WA. Besides the fine wine and cheese and copious conversation where we learned about the trek the Waldmann's undertook to bring Ellie ack to the West coast after a stint in Michigan we also got a "ride" on the Ellie when Ray moved her to her slip on Lake Washington.

Hello Andrew,
           I just discovered your Heritage site, enjoyed looking over the many boats/owners.  I have owned my Heritage since the early 80's.  My brother's grandfather in law had "Kamikaze" built in '76.  I've been sailing her since 1980.  His dream was to sail it to Hawaii from Portland, still might happen.  My boat is moored in the Columbia River here in Portland.  I grew up 21 miles away from Howie's home in Lake Oswego, Oregon.  It get's crazy attention wherever it goes, I've kept up the teak which has been a burden, also the spruce mast, it still looks pretty good.  It has a 9 HP, one cylinder Faryman diesel engine.  I don't know my hull number, I believe it is in the teens, I will have to look.   Glen.

We owned hull # 9 for 8 years. Ours was the dark green "Bunyip" moored in Olympia just near Nick and Paula's "Ran Annim". Had a Renault diesel which was a bit of an adventure. Great boat and the previous owner (Fred Abel) sailed her to Alaska and back. Was involved in the big blow that destroyed West Bay Marina and came through with minimal damage. I lived in Lake Oswego Ore. and knew Howard Renner so I contracted him to haul it to my home so I could repair the damage effectively. He then hauled her back up north and eventually we moored her at the new East Bay facility. Due to lack of use I reluctantly sold her in 1989. Subsequently we bought an Yankee 30 which also was a great boat. If you have any questions about this boat, don't hesitate to give me a shout.
Grant McConchie.

Andy, I promised you some photos when we were through with the restoration. Were not quite there yet, but the major work has been donenew bottom paint, buffed hull, refinished teak, new handrails, re-installed life lines, new sail and winch covers. Seat cushions for the cockpit are in the works. Some non-functioning equipment has been removed, but the electrical work is still to be done (but that wont show in pictures anyway).

We have sailed it a few times and enjoy it more and more. Ive tested the two different jibs and the genoa, and so far like the larger, lighter jib. We dont plan any long distance cruises, just day sailing on Lake Washington, with perhaps an overnight trip to Winslow on Bainbridge Island to visit the J. Caird, if its still there. And of course Ill be looking for other Heritage 20s when we are on the water anywhere.

Ray W.

    Dear Nick,

    Good to connect this morning! I was "prodded" by a previous Heritage owner (Barry Rietz) to try to track down
    past and current owners of Heritages and put together a website devoted to these sailboats. So,
    having not much to do these days (retired from active teaching at a local university after 45 years)
    I decided this would give me something to do and that is why you heard form me.

    You can see how far I got here: http://www.davidhazy.org/andpph/HERITAGE

    Email is good for me as we are then not constrained by schedules! I'd love to hear about your experience
    with your Heritage and any leads you might have as to the next owner, etc.

    After years of my family pleading with me to get one back in the family a couple of years ago I traveled
    to Bainbridge Island and purchased one that Steve Cassella sailed extensively. I think it was "unique" in
    that it is a white hull ... while most were black or dark colors. I am now 72 and the boat is a bit of a challenge
    but as long as the weather is not too demanding my wife and our dog have a good time sailing in the vicinity
    of a club on Lake Ontario. In fact I am heading out there to check out conditions right now!

    Thank you for agreeing to speak with me and I look forward to future communications!

    Andy


On Sat, Aug 16, 2014 4:13 pm Nick Handy responded as follows:

Hi Andy,
This is great.

We will assemble some photos and history and send it in.

We bought our Heritage 20 in 1978 (for $11,000) and sold it in 1983 (for $12,000).  It had a nice trailer.  I remember the couple we bought from but do not remember their names.  I assume they bought it new from the builder in Lake Oswego.

We really loved that boat.  It was always the most beautiful boat in the bay or at a dock.  People would always stop and ask about it.  We were very proud owners and kept it in great condition.

I think it is possible that the white hull you have was once ours.  Your photos look just like ours!! 

We sold the boat to Bruce Baillie who later moved to Camano Island, Washington (next to Bainbridge Island).  He is a very well respected filmmaker, if a bit eccentric.  He was a visiting professor in filmmaking at The Evergreen State College when he was living in Olympia WA.   His website is:  http://www.brucebaillie.com/

I mentioned that we met your father.  I can see now that we met the builder in Lake Oswego several times when we visited his operation.  We never met your father.  Too bad.

We loved our Heritage 20 and had many great trips on it.   I think we might have been Hull number 7 or 8 but that is just off the top of my head. We had an inboard gas engine--most were diesel, and blue vinyl cushions.   

We named our boat the Ran Annim (pronounced ron-a-nim).  My wife had just returned from two years working in Micronesia in the East Caroline Islands on the island of Truk.  Ran Annim is the friendly Trukese greeting/farewell phrase akin to Aloha in Hawaii. 

There was a beautiful green Heritage 20 that moored near ours at West Bay Marina in Olympia. It was owned by "Fred" (Able?) from Aberdeen/Hoquiam in Grays Harbor Washington.  I think his was Hull #5.  Our two boats sailing together in Budd Inlet Olympia was a beautiful sight.

There was also a nice black Heritage 20 in Coos Bay in the late 70s and early 80s. I used to see it at the Charleston Boat Basin.  My wife is from Coos Bay so I would always go down to walk the docks when we were in town.  I never met the owner but I'm told he was quite adventurous sailing off the coast.

Our wildest adventure was trailering the boat to Desolation Sound in Canada off Vancouver Island  When we couldn't find a marina with a hoist we hired a local contractor with a portable crane to pick our boat off the trailer and place it in the bay.  I think we have a photo of it.  My wife remembers because our boat went in the bay at the same moment that Prince Charles and Lady Diana were exchanging vows.  My wife was following the wedding on the radio as the boat went in the water. 

On that trip, we sailed north for three weeks in Desolation Sound with our 8 month old son Ben.  Ben is getting married at age 33 in two weeks on Labor Day weekend.  So, that pretty much dates that trip.

We had a wild anchorage in a very remote northern bay called "Small Inlet".  Heavy winds screaming all night, anchor dragging, boat bumps on a rock in the middle of the night, I start the engine to move to deeper water and the anchor line wraps around the prop, I am overboard at 3 am on a dark and stormy night under the boat un-wrapping the anchor line from the prop, my wife is holding our screaming 8 month old.  We laugh about it now but it was quite the adventure.  We also have many fabulous memories of some beautiful sails and anchorages on that trip.

Great memories. Because of my son's upcoming wedding, it might take me a while to assemble some photos but I will at some point and send them on.

Good luck with your great project.

WOW! I think we have your Heritage!! The trailer has the name Ran Annim painted on it so it must be your Heritage that we got ... a sailor from Bainbridge Island, Steve Cassella, had her before us. The trailer has a 20 ft. extension. He sailed it to Hawaii and back singlehanded! Then the sailboat sat in his yard for possibly 10 years or more. He did not want to part with her for sentimental reasons but at one point he changed his mind and offered her to us first. At first I declined but apparently I was so downhearted about the decision my wife went "behind my back" so to speak and bought the Heritage without telling me. After she did the deed she told me. It was quite a shock .... because all the reasons that I had given for not getting the boat now I would have to deal with ... like trucking it back east, etc. It has been an interesting voyage!!

I was not totally a novice sailor as I had built a small sloop ( a little over 13 feet ... also designed by my Dad ... and one that also drew lots of interest and ooohhh and aaahhs, as the Heritage does, wherever we sailed her) from scratch ... I made a wooden plug and then cast 4 fiberglass hulls (3 friends of mine also wanted one!) and we made the masts and covered with mahogany (don't remember this very well) plywood ... because I decided I was not interested in casting decks ... which was a bit of a mistake as the wooden decks needs replacing every few years! But the boat looked great when the deck and trim were/are) fresh!!

The main sail I have on the boat has the number 5 on it. Is that not necessarily the hull number? From a little bit of research I have done the green hull boat related to "Fred" was probably Fred Abel and apparently he passed away at the age of 77 in Port Townsend. There are two green Heritages that I have photos of. I have connected with one of them (Christy Haase) but still trying to connect with the other (Dean Workman).

Bruce Baillie must be the person who owned your boat before Steve Cassella. I will contact him. I heard from the past owner of the boat in Coos Bay.

There will be a mention of the project in Latitude48 in the near future and this may discover additional present or past owners.

Getting back to the Ran Annim (later Martha and now Adria) Steve Cassella removed the inboard from the boat because apparently it was unreliable and old and repair parts were impossible to get. I think at one time he was toying with the idea of installing an electric motor basically for docking, etc. Steve is now looking to find himself another cruising sailboat. I feel a bit guilty for having his boat now!.

My Dad, when he retired and went back to Hungary, designed a couple of aluminum hull sailboats that were purposed more for comfort and ease of sailing than high performance and he had electrics on them ... 20 and 22 feet boats ... not sure how many were made - but he had a 20 ft one and sailed it on Lake Balaton until one day he decided he could not handle it anymore. A sad day.

It was great reading about the stories your shared about tour experiences with your Heritage!! Going overboard to unfoul the prop ... hmmmm ... very daring!!!  I was "enthralled" by your anecdotes!! I am glad to hear the boat generated happy times and adventures to remember. I think that is what my Dad and Howie Renner had in mind when they put their heads together and brought the Heritage to the world.

Well, I will leave you for now but will be very glad to hear more about your recollections and photos you have the time to send me.

Andy

BTW, there is a short video of our Heritage sailing here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smQeoqxtQTs&list=UUrwuhTwuskCrZdEr6dePGFQ

Hi Andy, Yup, you got the Ran Annim!  How exciting!!  The blue trailer had a long bar that was bound up when we had it, but the trailer worked great.

Hull number 5 sounds right when you say it.  I think there is a good chance we were hull 5.  We also added a big genoa for sailing in light air.  I hope that is still with the boat.  We used it like a spinnaker for downwind sailing.  It was beautiful and the boat handled wonderfully with it.

We really liked the color white because when we see the green and black ones the sun had faded the color.  We thought the white weathered the sun much better, and was classic to go with the classic design.

That is not the original mast. We accidentally dropped and crushed the original mast, a sad story of my stupidity and inattention.  It almost landed on me coming down!   

When I went to the builder in Lake Oswego to see if he could repair the mast, he said he could not, but he had just completed the mast on the boat he was building and that boat was not ready, so he sold us that mast and he built another one for the boat he was working on.  We visited his operation a number of times.  He always had a boat under development.  I think he was building about one boat per year in the late 70s.

For the five or six years we owned her we spent about a month each year, typically September, sailing Puget Sound and the Canadian Gulf Islands.  We were very comfortable on the boat and really had some wonderful times.  We sold when we started having kids and needed more space, moving to a BABA 30, which we also had great times on.

More stories later when I can get to them, with photos.

Cheers,
Nick Handy

Andy - Christy, what size outboard do you have on Aeolus? I am thinking of replacing my 3.5 hp one ... tx, andy

Christy - Hi Andy, I'm sorry for not being more diligent about writing and I have more pics, it really does give a lot of joy to talk about these boats! Anyway consistent issues with the inboard diesel (the original Volvo Penta one cylinder, miss the putt putt of that engine!) it was too difficult finding parts, etc. A family friend who is very experienced and knowledgable, helping me often with Aeolus, joked maintaining that old engine was like going to the auto parts store and asking for a carriage whip So it was tough to drill holes in the hull (I've always thought the boat has the "spirit of Howie", she does not like to be taken apart or modified, I laugh that's Howie saying he did it well enough the first time, there's more story there but back to the engine, I was very fortunate to find an extra long shaft 9.9 hp at a wonderful price. So far has run great. Probably more hp than really needed but in the San Juan Islands currents can be wicked strong so it's nice to be able to power through them if needed. Have you been to the Northwest? You'd love the San Juan's I'm sure. Looks like Adria is fun to sail where you are too. Hope that's not too much info, I've been wanting to write a little story, "The circumnavigation of Aeolus" or how she went from Anacortes to a muddy river, down to my house,on the freeway, then back to Anacortes The man who transported her said it was the first boat he delivered to a driveway that actually made it back to the water haha Anyway hope that helps

Andy - Christy, nice story ... and the info about the outboard does help. I miss the putt putt of a diesel as well but, alas, it will probably not happen. While I have you here would you mind including your email address on a distribution list of owners and past owners so that we all can participate in a "global" exchange? There are only 8 people on it right now. BTW, there will be a reference to the website on latitude48 in the near future in the letters department. I will also follow up with latitude38.

BTW, I used to spend summers in Seattle and now visit annually for a medical checkup. My Heritage came from Bainbridge Island and after transcontinental trip on back of a flat-bed was delivered to my driveway!! Ilooked at your FB page and saw a number of photographs of the Aeolus and your voyage in the San Juan's ... also see you are a horse lover? ... my wife has a couple of paints ... now in early 30s both ... and she still rides one of them ... tril rides. My son has been in the Seattle / Portland area on a regular basis ... he is an advertising/branding type guy and is now finishing up the PCT trail. He did it last year but could not do the last 600 miles on the trail due to inclement weather so he went back a month ago and is doing the 600 miles on the trail. I will be up in Seattle in October ... might be possible to meet up ... we shall see. Bye for now! andy

I recently acquired one of these that was designed by my Dad in 1966. I am trying to locate owners and maybe setup a group to chat about things of mutual concern.

Can you help me locate other owners? I bought mine from Steve Cassella on Bainbrigdge Island but have her in Rochester, NY.

Thank you, Andy


From:   "Timothy Carman" <timothycarman@comcast.net>
Date:    Mon, Jan 06, 2014 2:39 pm
To:    <andpph@davidhazy.org>

Hello Andy,

Great to get your email. Your dad designed a fantastic boat and must have been a very talented guy. I read his bio on the net many years ago.

I sold my boat in the fall of 2012 to Steve Slivensky in Iron Mountain MI. He is sailing her on Lake Superior out of Marquette. (probably not today though!) I'll dig up his contact info for you.

"Ellie" is hull #2 built by HowieCraft. I bought her in 2005 in Portland, had a trailer built, added a 1 cyl Yanmar, and sails by Carol Hasse in Port Townsend. Sailed mostly on the Columbia and Port Townsend Bay. Just before I sold her, I had Haven Boatworks build a new spruce mast. A truly great and wonderful sailing boat.

My father in law, Victor Jorgensen, wrote an article on the building of these boats in his magazine the Telltale Compass in about 1972, which inspired me to find one when I sold my Cal 40. I have a copy somewhere if you'd like to read it.

There is a black-hulled boat in Port Townsend at the Boat Haven owned by a guy named Phil......whose full name I'll have to dig up as well.... I know there a few more on Puget Sound and maybe one on the Columbia.

Feel free to contact me anytime to help you gather information. I may buy another one someday!

Tim Carman
timothycarman@comcast.netFrom: andpph@davidhazy.org [mailto:andpph@davidhazy.org]


Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2014 10:36 AM
To: Timothy Carman
From: Andrew Davidhazy
Subject: RE: Boat Research: Heritage 20

Hi Tim,

Thank you for returning my contact message. Thank you for the sentiments about my Dad. He was a very dedicated and creative designer. His drawing were amazing. He did redrawings of historical sailing vessels whose documentation was fading or falling apart. The commercial work he did in Seattle for Nikum and Sons I knew very little about. And when he worked for John G. Alden I was too young to appreciate the work!

But I did make fiberglass versions of a little sloop he designed and built (of wood) in Argentina. I made the mold and cast 4 hulls for three of my friends and I. When I went to Seattle for leukemia treatment at the SCCA I found out about the boat that Steve Cassella had and he eventually contacted me asking if I'd buy her. At first I hesitated and declined but apparently I was somewhat depressed about that and my wife went ahead and behind my back she bought her! It was then up to me to get her here to the frigid southern shores of Lake Ontario. We've had her for a couple, of years and are still getting acclimated to the boat. We had lots of fun in the little 13 ft. sailboat but this one is a bit different!

The story is that my father traded the design with Howie Renner for a hull. My Dad named her Adria. Black hull. He sailed her on Puget Sound for some time until he retired and returned to Hungary. I am not sure what happened to the boat. I think she was #3.

I was contacted by Barry Rietz who has also a black one stored for 25 years he says in Arizone. He is trying to sell her. But he mentioned that he was thinking of an owner's group ... to maybe discuss items of mutual interest. He was no longer able to pursue that but suggested I might. I retired from teaching at  a local university where I worked for 45 years. So maybe I have some time to devote to this. I will see what "develops". I taught technical photography!

My "concern" lately has been with possibility of raising the mast on land or in the water (calm!) and with "problems" related to launch and retrieval. Our local ramps and water depth fluctuate quite a bit. We've had the boat at a club and launch/retrieve via a crane. But I was thinking about the possibility of trailering to nearby lakes instead of being restricted to Ontario.

I must admit I like to sail first and take care of "niceties of details" less so and so my Heritage is probably not a well equipped in the inside as others probably are. But seeing what others have done might prompt me to do better.

Steve Cassella removed the engine after he made the solo round trip to Hawaii. I am using a small Tohatsu on her these days. I was on a cruise in the Caribbean recently and I can just see the Heritage in those ocean (gulf) swells! Hmmmmm ...

Well, if you find other connections I would appreciate knowing about them - if they want to know about me!!

Otherwise, do write and maybe we can have more discussions! Cheers, Andy

 
From:  "Timothy Carman" <timothycarman@comcast.net> 
Date:    Tue, Jan 07, 2014 6:07 pm

Andy-

Thanks for all the information and the pictures of your boat!  Much to address;

You may have heard that Howie Renner passed away, sometime in 2012 I think.  He had his shop not far from where my wife Vicky grew up in Lake Oswego.  I never had a chance to meet him.

Ive attached the article on HowieCraft that my father in law wrote.  Victor was not an easy guy to impress and he loved these boats.  As one with an interest in photography, you might be interested to know that he was a pioneering photojournalist and worked with Edward Steichen as a Naval Aviation photographer in WWII.

I also attached a picture I had of Phil Williams boat in Port Townsend.  I have not spoken to Phil in a few years, but he was a very approachable guy and a good sailor.  His boat had been very well equipped for offshore cruising by the previous owner.  His email is (was): 'alsea@olympus.net'

Im pretty sure the tabernacle on the boat was designed so that you could raise and lower the mast, although I never tried.  I think it would be feasible however, having done the same on even larger boats.   

Like you I always launched and hauled with a crane.  The trailer I had built was well over sized for the boat and probably wouldn't have worked well for launching, although, again I have seen it done with extended tongues, or long chains, etc.  I wasnt about to try it.  I figured my boat and trailer together weighed almost 5000#....

Im still looking for the contact info on the fellow who now has my boat.  I sold it during a period of unrest in my life in which something had to go, but its gone to a very good home!

I applaud your efforts in keeping the legacy of these boats and your dads work alive.  They both deserve it in my opinion.

Ill send more info as I find it, Tim

Thank you for contacting me. I've seen your videos on U-Tube and was considering contacting you sometime. I'll get back to you with my details on Ellie, boat hull #2. I also know a guy in Alaska who has hull #4 and is restoring a Heritage. I can send you his e-mail.

It will be interesting to see your research.

Steve Slivensky
Duluth, MN
sailsnorth@countermail.com   

From: RAYMOND J WALDMANN <rwaldmann1@me.com>   
Date: Sun, June 29, 2014 8:29 pm

Andy, Steve Slivensky gave me your name after I purchased his Heritage 20 last week. My wife and I brought it  "home"
to Puget Sound, arriving today in Bellevue Washington where we live.

I fell in love at first sight with one (the J. Caird, photo attached) when we were cruising on our  powerboat to Bainbridge Island over Memorial Day weekend. I have owned a number of small sailing boats,  from 20 up through 32 feet, but didn't recognize it, did some sleuthing, found one (Steve's) for sale,  went to Michigan to look at it, bought it, and when my wife joined me two days later, we trucked it back  to the West Coast. Needless to say we act on impulses. While I have no expectation of being able to duplicate
the Caird, I will do some sprucing up over the next year or two.

I'd like to hear more about the boat, the owners, the Howie Craft builders, and of course, your father. Please add us to your list.

Ray and Mary Waldmann

On Jul 8, 2014, at 3:41 AM, andpph@davidhazy.org wrote:

Dear Ray,

Sorry for delayed response but I was out of town and with no ready access to email. And now am heading out from home to a Drs' appointment ... but I will be back!!  Great sailboat you got there!!! ;)

Andy

From: From: RAYMOND J WALDMANN <rwaldmann1@me.com>   

Andy, good to hear from you. Yesterday we retrieved Ellie from the boat yard where some work was done. Attached are the pictures of what she looks like now. The next stage is refinishing all of the bright work to repair the years of exposure to Michigan winters. We'll keep you informed of progress.

By the way, motoring home yesterday I was hailed by two other boats with a question we are sure to get more of: "What kind of boat
is that? Looks really good". But I guess you get that all the time.

Ray

This goes back to 2007 and an exchange between Tim Carman and Phil Williams. Tim's Heriatge subsequently went to Steve Slivensky in Michigan and then to Ray Waldmann and back in Seattle area.


From: "Cal 40 Firebird"
To: "pwwilliams"
Subject: RE: Boat Research: Heritage 20
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 09:43:28 -0800

Phil-

Thanks very much for the email! Sounds like you love your boat.

Our boat, Ellie, is hull #2, built 1967. I have been a fan of these boats for years, and was lucky to find Ellie about two weeks after selling my Cal 40 a couple of years ago. Downsizing in this case has been a great thing.

My late father-in-law was the editor of a sailor's newsletter called the Telltale Compass, and did an article in the early 1970s about these boats and their builder, Howard Renner. It contains many insights into their construction and history. I can get you a copy if you are interested.

Here's a small world: We'll be brining Ellie up to Port Townsend this spring and leaving here there on a semi-permanent basis. PT has been our favorite place for years since spending the summer there on our Cal 40. We will in fact be up on Feb 3 to race in the Shipwright Regatta on a friend's boat.

Drop me a line if you would like to hook up sometime. Would love to see your boat.

Regards,

Tim & Vicky Carman
Portland OR
503-296-6424
timothycarman@comcast.net

-----Original Message-----
From: pwwilliams@olypen.com [mailto:pwwilliams@olypen.com]
Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 2:36 PM
To: cal40firebird@comcast.net
Subject: Re: Boat Research: Heritage 20

My wife and I have a Heritage 20 -- hull #12. We changed the name from TINY DANCER to BLACKFIN. We live in Port Townsend WA and sail in Puget Sound. It is a wonderful boat. The previous owner lived in Seattle and sailed it to San Diego and Alaska.

Phil and Vera Williams
Port Townsend WA

On July 18, 2014 Christy Haase gave a brief story about how Aeolus came to be with her:

Hi Andy, I love the idea of a Heritage group! It would be fun to see the boats and hear their stories. I worked more this weekend than planned so didn't get a chance to give you the full story of Aeolus.

Here is a little to start, I have pics too if you'd like. I purchased Aeolus from Fran Stephens in 2004. She and her husband (who sadly had passed away), purchased her from two brothers in Oregon. Apparently Aeolus had been sitting in a boatyard for awhile and Fran's husband drove by everyday, admiring her.

Not unlike your story, I think it was Fran who finally initiated acquiring the boat from the brothers. They brought her to Anacortes, WA and sailed and enjoyed her for about 25 years. After her husband passed away, Fran had difficulty maintaining the boat and very, very reluctantly sold her.

I had always dreamed of finding a boat to fix up (because I couldn't afford a shiny new one and figured it'd be a great learning experience) but the boat needed to be small enough for me to take care of and sturdy enough to take care of me. I have sailing experience but still had, and have, so much to learn.

There is more to the story but just to give an idea. Your dad definitely designed an amazing little ship and Mr. Renner built them so well.

One of my favorite quotes is from a long time family friend who is a very experienced sailor, he said, "If this boat hit a rock, the rock would break". Of course I don't want to ever find out! I'll look forward to hearing more about the others and will send more info too if you'd like. Thanks! Christy

On July 26, 2014 Kenny Hopkins announced that he was in process of acquiring the Minka of Barry Rietz as follows:

Hi Andy,
 
My  name is Kenny Hopkins, in Portal, AZ and I was sent a link to your Heritage 20 page from Barry Reitz in Sierra Vista, AZ. I am in the slow process of purchasing "MINKA" hull #17 from Barry. (making payments,  probably a year or so away) Great little ship that I compare favorably to the Pacific Seacraft "Flicka 20 " which I have owned in the past. I would like to be added to your mailing list please. MINKA has no power plant and I was wondering how well your Tohatsu 3.5 is doing for propulsion? Would you recommend a larger 6hp or possibly 10hp?
 
Kenny@skullcanyonleather.com
443 553 8365
 
Thanks,
Kenny Hopkins

A letter from CE Adams was received on July 30, 2014 and it reads like this:

Dear Mr. Davihazy, Thank you for your card. I almost did not recognize a white Heritage as mine was black as were the few I saw.
I had hull number 12 I believe (ad says: 12 or 11?) which Howie Renner built in Lake Oswego, Oregon. I purchaed that boat in 1976 I believe and sold it in 1993 or 1994 to Gary Nece of Bainbridge Island, Washington.,

I had purchased a 42' Grand Banks in 1991. I have subsequently regretted selling the Heritage. It was a beautiful boat and I got plenty of compliments as well as having many fond memories of the years I sailed her.

I saw the boat about 2 years ago at Winslow Wharf Marina on Bainbridge Island. I left a note I would consider buying it back. The owner had replaced the old Westerbeke 5.5 Hp 1 cylinder diesel with a new Yanmar and the 18 gallon fuel tank with an 8 gallon one. 18 gallons was way too much. The boat was in great shape.

I have followed the for sale ads for years for a Heritage and only found one, but the owner decided not to sell - He was smarter than I was. I wished I still had her for day sailing in Coos Bay.

I saw your father's name in the Wall Street Journal years ago - the article was about eastern europeans returning to their home country in retirement. It sounded like he was still designing boats.

I'll look at the website and would consider purchasing a used one if they ever come on the market. I do not think my wife and I could haul her and rig her now though because we are getting along.

Thanks for the info.

Curtis Adams
91265 Capa Arago Highway
Coos Bay, OR 97420
c-e-adams@msn.com

On August 23, 2014 Mark Reine sent in this update on hull #4 

Dear Andrew,

We are the current owners of hull #4  originally named "Nutty".  #4 was built in 1966 and purchased by Mr Bill Francis then in SanDiego .    Mr Francis was a merchant mariner and with the company of his very good friend sailed the Nutty to Hawaii sometime in the early 70s.   The boat was shipped back to the mainland and made its way up to the Puget Sound ( now referred to as the Salish Sea ) and remained relatively unused until it was purchased by my good friend Mr Tom Supple around 1996.  Tom brought the boat to Bainbridge Island where failing engine issues prompted an intent to repower which included removing the old engine and purchasing a new Yanmar 1GM10.  Circumstance of indecision regarding in water vs on trailer engine installation put the project on hold and the boat sat under cover for about 15+ years.  After several years of urging on my part and proctoring on his part, Tom agreed to sell Nutty to me.  We exchanged tokens in July 2013 and in the fall she was shipped up to Ketchikan, Alaska.

With great enthusiasm and careful research and planning we should have Nutty in the water this fall.  This list of projects has not been particularly long but an attempt to attend to detail of repair and replacement that such a well built boat deserves has delayed the launching.  I would enjoy the participation in a owners group and be happy to share my pictures and project notes.  Keep me informed.

My contact information:

Mark Raine
PO Box 6484
Ketchikan, Alaska  99901
425-269-0465
markraine@aol.com

Sincerely,
Mark Raine