The Star Class sloop, Flash II, shot through the water, manned with the skill and expertise of a world class navigator. It was the summer of 1936 and 19 year old John F. Kennedy was in his prime at the helm of his favorite sailboat, Flash II. Kennedy loved to pilot the boat and direct the crew, exhibiting, as a young man, the leadership that would one day lead him to the White House.
Originally built in 1930 by Ole Hope, this sleek sloop was purchased in 1934 by John F. Kennedy and his older brother Joe. The Kennedy's were famous for their die-hard attitudes toward water sports, and their passion and enthusiasm for swimming and sailing turned each outing into a cutthroat competition, particularly during their summers in Hyannis Port. The purchase of this 22 footer, which was renamed Flash II, allowed John F. Kennedy to promulgate his talent as a member of the Nantucket Sound Star Fleet.
With its towering mast and narrow hull, the Flash II was a difficult boat to navigate, but Kennedy's skill enabled him to gracefully maneuver its acceleration through harsh waters. During the 1936 Atlantic Coast Championships, John F. Kennedy won high acclaim when he triumphed in one race in an unprecedented four minute victory. As stated in publications from the time, "...the amazing win by John Kennedy in his Nantucket Sound Flash II in the last race by nearly four and a half minutes, an almost unprecedented margin for a Blue Star event."
Throughout the summer months, John F. Kennedy spent hours each day sailing with close friends, the very people who would later serve him as key political advisors, including Lem Billings. It is ironic that Kennedy continued to sail throughout his life, even after his brush with death aboard a boat in World War II. However, Kennedy's poor health as a lad was nourished with his fervor for sailing, and it was his water activities that helped physically strengthen him. Having been a weak and sickly child, John F. Kennedy fell ill again during his college years and, through his therapeutic water activities, regained most of his health. Flash II undoubtedly played a large part in his rehabilitation.
John F. Kennedy removed his brother Joe's name from the boat's registry in 1940, and shortly thereafter, in 1942, he sold Flash II. It was kept in storage for many years, and tendered a thorough and loving restoration by its new owner. Over 90% of the sloop is original and the owner's fondness for the historical significance of the boat prompted him to use materials from the era, as difficult as they were to obtain. Craftsmen were carefully selected with the highest level of expertise to help restore the boat, thus ensuring that Flash II would be presented in flawless condition. The boat boasts it beauty: its slim white body is finished with linseed oil-based enamel paint, polished fittings in bronze and the wood trim pieces include a Spanish cedar-varnished splash rail.
John F. Kennedy's Flash II has been on display in various boat shows and museum. Good condition. Registered as #721 by the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association. The boat measures 22 feet by 8 feet with a 35 mast and weighs 760 pounds.
* This lot is not part of the Robert L. White Collection