Blackhawk is a 1969 O’Day Mariner 2+2.

The long history of the Mariner class begins after World War II when the Allied Aviation company tried to transition to peacetime production, hiring Philip L. Rhodes to design a laminated plywood Sloop. Passing through a couple of owners unable to sustain a business, the molds were later converted to fiberglass giving birth to the popular Rhodes 19 one design class, then bought by Olympic Gold Medalist George O’Day who designed the distinctive “wedding cake” cuddy cabin and simplified the sloop rig, removing the jumper struts.

The much-loved Mariner class has been in near continuous production until present times, numbering nearly 4000 hulls, in both fixed keel and centerboard configurations. Mariners are handmade today in Rockland, Maine by Stuart Marine. The active and supportive Mariner Owners association is a vital and essential part of the Mariner experience. Blackhawk (formerly Able Lady,) a retired racer from the competitive Mariner fleets of New Jersey was purchased sight unseen by her present owner in 2018, brought to North Carolina and put in service as a trailer-sailing family day boat and occasional overnighter. She has received a slow refurbishment including returning the hatches to their original “skylight” style in which sections of bare fiberglass, sans gelcoat, provide illumination to the cozy interior. She is of the second of four styles of Mariner, retaining the brightwork coaming and chunky mast support arch of the original, but with the additions of a self-draining cockpit, and enclosed cabin with companionway hatch boards. Replacing crazed portlights, polishing the aluminum frames and adding a gold cove stripe are among the aesthetic improvements.

Drawing 10” with blades up and 4’10” down with her cast iron Spitfire-wing shaped centerboard fully lowered, she handles the light airs and occasional gusts of lake sailing well, singlehanded or with a crew of three. The owner enjoys sailing her up onto the beach with blades up and stepping off with dry feet, as well as frequent compliments on her beautiful lines from fellow boaters.