Aage Nielsen 50' Yawl

LEGACY is a 1956 K. Aage Nielson designed example of a full keel, bronze centerboard wooden Yawl. Manufactured by the renown boatyard of Paul Luke in East Boothbay, Maine during the heyday of the custom designed built yachts of the 1950s. Originally launched as SEAFLOWER for Steve Castle, she evolved from Brad Noyes's first Tioga of two years earlier, participating periodically in the biennial Newport-to-Bermuda Race as well as competed in the Marblehead-to-Halifax and Annapolis-to-Newport Races, often winning and other times placing in the top ten.

LEGACY has no finer pedigree maintained to above average condition with all her equipment in top working condition. Quality materials and traditional building techniques with attention to detail can be observed throughout this handsome vessel. Over her life of 70 years, she has had the benefit of four dedicated knowledgeable owners who all have kept a pro-active maintenance schedule, keeping her in good cosmetic and structural condition. During the 2002-2006 time period, the well-regarded Rockport Marine of Rockport, Maine, replaced all her planking below the waterline as well as the lower portions of most of the frames. Replacement of the cap rails and bulwarks, deck and rewiring the electrical system were all completed during the same period.

She offers the special comforts of hydraulic sail control on the main and jib with new sails added in 2024 and 2025. She also utilizes electric winches on the main and primaries allowing a degree of comfort and enjoyment to sail.

Construction: The general condition of LEGACY is excellent. She has a full keel and bronze centerboard with a cutaway fore-foot and a keel hung rudder, a raked bow, counter stern, traditional sheer. The trunk cabin has a raised doghouse, the sides of varnished mahogany. The hull is double planked, eastern white cedar is the interior layer with mahogany the exterior layer, fastened with bronze screws to steam bent oak frames. In 2005-2006 the hull was substantially rebuilt and replanked below the waterline at Rockport Marine; the horn timber and stern post were replaced and frames and floor timbers repaired and or replaced. Her bulwarks and cover boards were also replaced at this time. Decks were rebuilt and painted with white non-skid by Rockport Marine and are in excellent shape. Her topsides and cockpit were filled, faired and painted in the spring of 2024. Her topside varnish was also done at the same time.

Cabin Layout: The cabin layout is typical Aage Nielson, well designed for sailing and exquisite in workmanship. The engine being housed under the bridge deck, doesn't encroach into the Gallery which occupies the full width of the hull under the doghouse, with sink, stove and extensive storage on the port side with a large 24V cold plate refrigerator on the starboard side. The large navigational table is located on the starboard side within talking distance of the helm. Forward, the main cabin has comfortable settees on both sides of a drop-leaf table. These settees pull out making into sleeping berths with storage underneath and behind them. There are also pilot berths on both sides of the main cabin, behind the settees allowing for sleeping of four people in the main cabin. Beyond the main salon, there is an enclosed head to port, lockers and storage to starboard and the owner's stateroom. The fo'c's'le is set up for a paid hand with access by a companionway hatch and a vertical ladder.

Deck Equipment: The main mast and boom is painted aluminum with roller furling in the mast, line driven with an electric winch on the cabin top. The mizzen mast is made of douglas fir, varnished and new in 2019. The masts are keel stepped on an extensive bronze bracing typical of an Aage Nielson design. Rigging is 1 x 19 316 Stainless Steel utilizing Norseman end terminals. All in excellent condition. The headsail and mainsail have Harkin Hydraulic furlers controlled from the cockpit. The mainsail was new in 2024, the mizzen sail was new in 2019, the headsail was new in 2025. Ground tackle includes a galvanized Bruce 30 kg anchor attached to stainless steel 3/8" chain, approximately 150 ft. followed by 1/2" nylon rode nestled on the bow in a custom stainless steel anchor holder, manufactured new in 2022. There are two additional 35 Lb. galvanized Danforth anchors on board. Legacy was hauled in 2024, bottom sanded, pressure-washed and two coats of bottom paint applied.