53' Mast, circa 1941 from Winthrop Warner's "Plantina" made of Sitka Spruce.

This mast is from a 36' sailboat designed in 1941 by Winthrop Warner (1900-1987), a naval architect based in his hometown of Middletown, Connecticut. The single design motorsailer, commissioned by Thomas Bennett in 1941, was originally christened Phalarope and later became known as Plantina. Her plans are included in Boat Plans at Mystic Seaport, alongside those of L. Francis Herreshoff and other prominent designers of the 20th century. (Biography of Winthrop Warner and detailed boat plan are provided from collection cited above.)

The 53' mast is made of Sitka spruce, and her fittings are cast bronze which have a stunning greenish patina from being exposed to the elements over time. All of the rigging is intact and in excellent condition, including the two sets of mahogany spreaders and a mahogany jumper spreader. The mast winch mounts and the mount for the steaming light are hand-carved. After Plantina was last taken out of the water, her spars received five coats of spar varnish and they have not seen any weather since their restoration.

Plantina was acquired in 2016 by a Rhode Island couple who saw her as a unique work of art and wanted to preserve her on land as a guest house. Her planking and trim are made of mahogany and most of her interior and exterior hardware are cast bronze. Plantina's owners have been intent on finding a home for her stunning mast, either as a focal point of a restoration project or new sailboat design or as an art object that would be captivating in many architectural settings.

Condition: More detailed condition reports and additional photographs are available by request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in excellent condition. Please message us through the online bidding platform or call Guernsey's at 212-794-2280 to request a more thorough condition report.

Note: this item is located in South Kingstown, Rhode Island and shipping will be worked out between the buyer and consignor with assistance from the auction house.