BROOKLIN —  Brooklin Boat Yard launched Dreadnought, a cold-molded custom sailboat, Monday, June 9. Designed by Jim Taylor, the yacht is a lightweight, performance-oriented sloop with a traditional aesthetic above the waterline and a modern underbody below. A repeat customer of Brooklin Boat Yard commissioned the yacht and now plans to sail and race her throughout northern New England.

The new yacht is 49 feet overall with a waterline length of 35.1 feet and an 11.6-foot beam. Above the waterline Dreadnought has long overhangs that increase the boat's effective sailing length and stability with heel. Below the waterline she has a canoe body shape with a fin keel and spade rudder. During initial sea trials immediately after her launch, Dreadnought performed very well in a moderate breeze and maneuvered turns with speed and grace. Dreadnought’s preliminary PHRF rating is 51.

"I'm really pleased with the finished yacht," said Steve White, president of Brooklin Boat Yard. "Dreadnought’s owner worked attentively with both Jim Taylor and me throughout the entire construction. The process was a true collaboration and a shared vision. Dreadnought’s performance and unique details are a testament to team work."

Dreadnought’s bright, airy interior is one of her most unique characteristics, according to the Boat Yard’s press release. Her sole is built of Wenge wood with a deep umber finish, which is a stark contrast to her bright, varnished Curly Maple wood table, stairs, and countertops. The interior incorporates honeycomb-cored panels to save weight, and the bulkheads are a bright white finish. The yacht sleeps up to six people with a forward master cabin, quarter berth and salon, all of which feature pale sage upholstery.

Dreadnought was built in cold-molded wood to achieve a high strength and toughness relative to her weight. She has a Hall Spars carbon rig, Harken deck gear, and Competition Composites carbon rudder. Her initial suit of sails from Doyle includes an Ice main, 95 percent jib, 140 percent genoa, and spinnaker.

 Brooklin Boat Yard is now engaged in the construction of the next yacht, a 74-foot Frers-designed sloop that will launch in summer 2015.

 More information about Brooklin Boat Yard is online at www.brooklinboatyard.com.