"Banzai" - Historic New York 30 Sloop - Evans Family Visit to Oakcliff Sailing

This film was made possible by …

http://ClassicSailboats.org, home of the largest registry of classic sailing vessels in the world.
https://TheSailingChannel.TV, your port of call for outstanding sailing documentaries and how-to videos.

In Spring 2017, CSO received an inquiry from a member of the Evans family regarding the location of “Banzai,” a New York 30 sloop formally owned by their dad, Herbert W. “Bink” Evans Jr. Now that both their dad and mom had past away, the three Evans siblings wanted to reunite with “Banzai” for a final visit.

Herbert “Bink” Evans was a longtime admirer of Herreshoff sailboats and in particular he admired “Banzai,” which he had observed sailing many times over the years on Long Island Sound. Bink purchased her 1969 and sailed her extensively with his family. The Evans lost touch with “Banzai” after their Dad gifted her to Mystic Seaport in 1974.

ClassicSailboats.Org and its media partner, TheSailingChannel.TV were able to locate “Banzai” and make arrangements for a family visit and sail. On June 2, 2017 the Evans family arrived at Oakcliff Sailing, a non-profit organization dedicated to building American leaders through sailing. See http://oakcliffsailing.org/

Oakcliff Sailing is located on Long Island Sound’s Oyster Bay about an hour drive north of New York City. Besides training young people to become Olympic caliber sailors, Oakcliff maintains several classic sailing craft, including two fully restored New York 30s. One is “Banzai”.

The NY 30 racing class was designed by the famed naval architect, Nathanial Herreshoff for the New York Yacht Club. During 1905, 18 vessels were built and launched by the Herreshoff Manufacturing, Company in Bristol, Rhode Island. “Banzai”was launched on March 15. For a full history, see classicsailboats.org/?portfolio=n-g-herreshoff-new-york-30-banzai
For more on the fleet, visit the NY30 Organization at https://ny30.org/

Over the years “Banzai” has had many owners and survived the riggers of the sea. In recent years, her current owner has had “Banzai” fully restored by the Long Island yard, Wooden Boatworks, which continues to maintain her for Oakcliff Sailing. See http://woodenboatworks.com/index.php/boats/restoration/banzai