Sitka spruce for Schooner Elena’s spars

Designed and built by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1911 for Morton Plant, Elena proved the fastest racing schooner of her time. Her real fame came in 1928 when she won the transatlantic race, against all odds and against the mighty Atlantic. Elena was broken up shortly after World War II but her beauty kept sailors all around the world dreaming to one day re-create her. Steve McLaren made it happen, he discovered the plans, found a suitable yard at Vigo in Spain and managed the recreation of that iconic schooner. He stayed with Elena as her captain and with Malcolm Banks by his side he assembled a superb crew to cruise and race her. A wonderfully comfortable cruising yacht and a mighty fast and impressive yacht on the race course.

Touchwood was involved from the earliest stages of the project and had the honor to supply all Sitka spruce for her spars.