Library Co-Founder, James B. Gubelmann is the third generation of accomplished Gubelmann family yachtsmen. His father, Walter S. Gubelmann (1908-1988) formed the 1964 America’s Cup winning CONSTELLATION (US-20) syndicate and owned 2 famed ocean-racing yachts, both named WINDIGO (sail #354 above).
His grandfather William S. Gubelmann (1863-1959) cruised the world on SEVEN SEAS, a 168’ three-masted motor-yacht (photo below). In addition to these, the family has owned numerous yachts of varying description over the years beginning c. 1924.
The Gubelmann Family Collection contains a variety of documents related to the purchase, sale, ownership, and upkeep on various yachts as well as cruises and races. It includes books, blueprints, catalogs, cards, correspondence, logs, magazines, photographs, postcards, film and videos related to specific vessels as well as to general sailing. Cruises covered (by logs, photos, or other documentation) include the Mediterranean, Greek Islands, Dalmation (Croatia), the Caribbean, Central American, and Newfoundland to Alaska.
Gubelmann Family Collection Highlights:
- 1930’s films of the cruises of Seven Seas
- Constellation (US-20) America’s Cup planning files include every detail of the campaign from blueprints to sail plans, from financial records to press clippings. Viewed together they document the full scope of the 1964 AC Defender program.
- Buckingham Palace telegram (below), commending Windigo on Queen’s Cup win.
Gubelmann Family Yachts
Click on each photo for the significant history of each of these extraordinary vessels.
