The schooner Vagrant was designed by Nathanael G. Herreshoff and built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company in Bristol, Rhode Island, launching on 17 May 1913 as hull number 719. Commissioned by Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, one of the most influential yachtsmen of the early 20th century, she represented the pinnacle of Herreshoff’s large yacht design immediately before the First World War.

Constructed with a steel hull, teak decks and a schooner rig, Vagrant combined ocean‑racing capability with exceptional comfort. At 109 feet overall, she was conceived as both a powerful racer and a luxurious cruising yacht, embodying Herreshoff’s belief that performance and seaworthiness should never be separated from elegance and practicality.

Early racing success
Under Vanderbilt’s ownership, Vagrant quickly established a formidable reputation. She competed in and won major offshore races, including the Astor Cup races of the mid‑1910s, proving both fast and reliable in heavy conditions. Her success underscored Herreshoff’s mastery of upwind performance and structural efficiency in large yachts, at a time when steel construction in sailing yachts was still relatively uncommon.

Ownership changes and renaming
Vanderbilt retained Vagrant until 1939. During the mid‑20th century she passed through several owners, particularly in Europe, and for long periods sailed under different management and flags. Despite changes in ownership and usage, Vagrant remained largely intact structurally, a testament to both Herreshoff’s design and the original build quality of the Bristol yard.

A century‑class survivor
By the early 21st century, Vagrant was recognized as one of the largest continuously surviving Herreshoff sailing yachts. In 2017, she entered Royal Huisman’s Huisfit division for an extensive, historically sensitive reconstruction that went far beyond a conventional refit. The project involved structural renewal of the steel hull, restoration of historic interior joinery, and discreet integration of modern systems, while preserving the yacht’s original proportions and visual identity.

The rebuild was completed in 2019, after which Vagrant received significant international recognition, including Best Rebuilt Yacht at the World Superyacht Awards, confirming her status as a living piece of maritime history rather than a static museum artifact.

Enduring significance
More than a century after her launch, Vagrant stands as a rare example of Herreshoff’s large steel‑hulled sailing yachts still actively sailing. She represents the transition from the golden age of American yacht design into the modern era, combining Vanderbilt ambition, Herreshoff genius, and contemporary craftsmanship to ensure her survival for future generations.