Klara, the Somes Sound 12 1/2 designed by John Brooks, follows the tradition of a sturdy, elegant daysailer – the Herreshoff 12 ½ (aka The Buzzard Bay Boys Boat). Its immediate predecessor was Joel White’s Haven 12 1/2, which has often been built using cold molded construction. The Somes Sound iteration of the 12 ½ family capitalizes on glued plywood lapstrake construction. Like the Haven, the Somes Sound has a foreshortened lead keel with a drop-through centerboard, making it more easily trailered and launched.
Klara was built over a 5-year period by the owner using Sapele marine plywood planking; dimension lumber included Sapele, Douglas fir and bald cypress. Spars were made from Douglas fir. Gaff-rigged sails were made by Northwest Sails and Canvas. After rigging, she will spend her first season on the water after launching in June of 2024