This huge, stunning model of the yacht Constellation under full sail greets members and visitors in the Club Ball Room.  The model, by the famous model builder H. E. Boucher, is 6 feet long and the mast stands a majestic 56 inches. The fully deployed sails on the model are unusual and attest to Boucher's talent.

Designed by Ned Burgess, the "Queen of the Fleet" was 106 feet at the waterline, with a 12-foot draft.  The Constellation, from 1897 to 1941 the flagship - official and unofficial - of the Eastern Fleet, was built in 1889 for New York Yacht Club member Edwin D. Morgan.  She had several other owners before Herbert Sears purchased her in 1914.  Sears was Eastern Commodore from 1914 to 1923, the longest term for Commodore in Eastern history.  During his long term of office, the Council held its regular meetings on board during the season, preceded by dinner at the commodore's invitation, a memorable custom that took its place in the lore of the Club. Constellation participated in many regattas, won the Puritan Cup in 1916 and was extensively cruised in the Caribbean and participated in its last Annual EYC Cruise in 1940.

After Pearl Harbor, Sears had her broken up and melted down for scrap to aid the war effort. However, he saved her wheel and stern board and gave them to the Club, where they currently grace the Club Room.

Photo Above:
Model by H. E. Boucher Mfg. Co. NYC 1912.  Located in the Club Ball Room.


Constellation under full sail with photo of owner Herbert M. Sears, Commodore 1914-1923.
Hung in the Club Room.



The wheel and stern board are hung in the Club Room.