Rhodes Cutter

SF MARINA West Basin Slip for sale with NIKE

NIKE comes with a Premier SF Marina West Basin Slip in front of the St Francis Yacht Club on the Marina.

The slip transfer is subject to the rules and regulations published by the SF Parks and Recreation Department.

Design Background

Philip Rhodes was one of the most influential yacht designers of the 20th century, responsible for hundreds of successful cruising and racing yachts. His work ranged from small daysailers to large ocean-going yachts and even naval vessels.

NIKE was conceived as a serious offshore cruising cutter—a yacht capable of long passages while maintaining the graceful lines typical of the pre-war yachting era.

Key design philosophy behind NIKE:

• Strong, seaworthy hull suitable for offshore passages

• Balanced cutter rig for versatility in heavy weather

• Elegant overhangs and traditional sheer line

• Moderate displacement for comfort at sea

Rhodes cutters of this era were often described as “seakindly”, meaning they move comfortably through waves rather than pounding.

Specifications

Specifications (Approximate)

While individual yachts can vary slightly depending on refits, a Rhodes cutter like NIKE typically has:

• Designer: Philip L. Rhodes

• Year: 1938

• Type: Offshore cruising cutter

• Construction: Carvel-planked wood on steam-bent frames

• Length Overall: ~45 ft including the bowsprit

• Length on Deck: ~28 ft

• Beam: ~9' 10" ft

• Draft: ~5' 2" ft

• Displacement: ~24,000 lbs

The boat features long overhangs, giving it classic pre-war proportions.

Construction

Hull and Construction

NIKE was built by the Morse Boat Works in Thomaston, ME,  using traditional yacht-building techniques of the 1930s:

• Carvel planking (flush planks over frames)

•  Mahogany planking

• Oak frames

• Lead ballast keel

• Bronze fastenings and fittings

These yachts were built to extremely high craftsmanship standards, by East Coast boatyards.

Rig, Sails and Characteristics

Rig Configuration

NIKE is a cutter-rigged yacht, meaning it carries:

• Mainsail

• Yankee or genoa

• Inner staysail

• Often a storm staysail for heavy weather

Advantages of the cutter rig include:

Heavy weather versatility

• Smaller sails easier to manage in strong wind.

Balanced sail plan

• Multiple headsails distribute power efficiently.

Ocean passagemaking capability

• Allows many sail combinations for changing conditions.

This configuration is especially well suited to windy regions like San Francisco Bay.

Sailing Characteristics

Rhodes cutters are known for several distinctive sailing qualities:

1. Exceptional Balance
They tend to steer easily and track well, even in large seas.

2. Strong Upwind Ability
The deep keel and cutter rig allow efficient sailing into the wind.

3. Heavy-weather capability
Long keel and displacement provide stability in rough water.

4. Comfortable motion
They move smoothly through waves rather than slamming.

Owners often describe them as confidence-inspiring offshore yachts.

Historical Significance

NIKE represents a notable era in American yacht design:

• Designed during the golden age of wooden yacht design

• Reflects the work of one of America’s greatest naval architects

• Combines traditional aesthetics with modern (for the time) performance

Rhodes also designed other famous boats including:

• Stormy Weather (Bermuda Race winner)

• Carina

• Numerous classic cruising cutters and yawls

These boats helped define American offshore sailing in the mid-20th century.

Why NIKE Is Special Today

A surviving Rhodes cutter like NIKE is valued because it offers:

• Timeless pre-war yacht design

• True offshore capability

• Extraordinary craftsmanship

• Collector-level classic yacht status

The 1938 NIKE is a serious ocean-going classic cutter—beautiful, strong, and designed by one of the greatest yacht architects in American history.

Notes from Publications about NIKE

Articles About the Restoration of NIKE 1. San Francisco Chronicle / SFGate — Wooden Boat Show article (2001)

A Bay Area newspaper article about the Master Mariners Wooden Boat Show in Tiburon included details about Cavey’s restoration work.

Key points from the article:

• NIKE was built in Maine in 1937 (often cited as 1937–1938 depending on launch year).

• Owner undertook an extensive structural restoration.

• The project included major frame replacement.

The article notes:

“Nike’s proud owner, … used many cans of Captain’s spar varnish on his boat’s brightwork.” 

It also reported that the boat had “90 percent new frames” after the rebuild, indicating a nearly complete structural restoration of the wooden hull. 

That level of work typically means the boat was essentially rebuilt around the original hull shape.

2. Latitude 38 — Master Mariners Wooden Boat Show (2006)

The Northern California sailing magazine Latitude 38 also mentioned the restored boat.

Highlights from the article:

• Cavey’s Rhodes-designed cutter NIKE was displayed at the show.

• The boat’s varnish and brightwork were widely admired.

• Cavey had completed a two-year rebuild.

The magazine wrote:

• NIKE won “Best of Show” in 2001 after the rebuild.

• Later he also won People’s Choice Award at the event.

The article described the boat’s finish as:

“The mirror finish on Nike’s brightwork caused professional varnishers to stop by for tips.” 

Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.