From the second generation of a successful New York City real estate developing and contracting family, THUNDERHEAD’s first owner, Mamaroneck resident and Larchmont Yacht Club yachtsman Paul Hoffmann, had cut his teeth offshore in the Frank Paine International 8-Metre KAYUGA, then from 1955 with the 1938 Philip Rhodes designed 46 ft double-ender centreboarder HOTHER (ex KIRAWAN II - nicely described as “unique at both ends” in Richard Henderson’s seminal 1981 biography ‘Philip L. Rhodes and his yacht designs’).
Study of this beautiful yacht is rewarding when analysing THUNDERHEAD’s perceived uniqueness. It becomes clear that, though not his original concept, Hoffmann must have thoroughly approved of almost everything HOTHER offered. In THUNDERHEAD he simply got Rhodes to make it even better. The most obvious difference is that THUNDERHEAD is not a double-ender, her wider aft sections contributing to remarkable spaciousness below, and a tremendously ergonomic, deep, safe and sheltered cockpit
Having worked up HOTHER to be the successful racer that as KIRAWAN II she only threatened to be, Hoffmann had over a decade of success and enjoyment with THUNDERHEAD. He was a dedicated offshore racer - one of the founders in 1965 of the Storm Trysail Club’s Block Island Race Week - who liked to do it very comfortably, and THUNDERHEAD still surprises with her performance for a relatively heavy and well found sub-50 footer. By 1966 Paul Hoffmann knew THUNDERHEAD well, but felt her rig could be modernised. The 6 ft added to her mast against the Rhodes office’s advice improved light airs performance to such an extent that they had no choice eventually than approve.

Restoration/ Refits

2021

- Topsides paint, exterior varnish and bottom paint

- New propeller

- New engine starter motor