Rod Macalpine-Downie and Dick Gibbs, Designed the Buccaneer in 1966 

Dick Gibbs formed Gibbs Boat Company in 1950 when he was 21 years old. Dick built wooden and later fiberglass boats in his plant in LaSalle, MI. The Gibbs Boat Company had produced some 6,000 sailboats by 1972 when he sold the business to MFG in Union City, PA. The principal boats built during this time period were Y-Flyers, the Rhodes Bantam, the Shark, Phoenix, Dingo catamarans and the Thai MK 4 catamaran designed by Rod Macalpine – Downie.

Rod Macalpine – Downie was a brilliant King’s Scholar at Eaton College who had no formal training in yacht design. Rod had seen the Shearwater catamaran, which was the latest rage in the UK, and felt that he could do a better job. The Thai MK 1 class B catamaran was the first boat Rod designed. Rod handily won the UK One of a Kind Regatta with ‘straight bullets’ in 1961. Shortly after, Rod Licensed Dick to build the Thai MK 4 for the U.S. market. Dick had built about 100 Thai MK 4’s by the time they first met in person.

Their business relationship was a simple one, begun with a handshake and based on a steadfast trust in and respect for each other’s talents. Both men were competent designers. Rod’s strength was in hull form and Dick’s in production engineering. While both participated fully in all deliberations of design, they agreed early on that in areas of disagreement Rod had the final word in hull form and Dick in production engineering.

Dick fully appreciated that it was Rod’s genius in hull form design that made the Buccaneer (Mutineer)
the fineboat that she is.

Chrysler had purchased in 1964 or 5 the Lone Star Boat Co. in Plano, TX and in addition to the
Lone Star 13’ and 16’ they had added a Gus Linell design; the ‘Barracuda’, a 13’ dagger board,
cat rigged scow. There had been a major surge of sailboat production during that decade and
demand for Chrysler’s sailboats was dwindling. In (1968) the Marketing Director of Chrysler
Marine, who had recently moved over from MFG, employed Rod Macalpine-Downie and Dick
Gibbs to submit designs for sailboats that would help bolster Chrysler Marine’s position in the
sailboat market.

In 1962 Dick and Rod finally met at the First International Catamaran Challenge at Sea Cliff,
Long Island, NY, 

https://sailboatdata.com/designer/gibbs-dick
https://sailboatdata.com/builder/gibbs-boat-co-usa

Harry Sindle 1989 ~ 2005 Gloucester and then Cardinal

Harry Sindle 1929 – April 2020       Obituary

Harry Sindle, a revered figure in the sailing community, is honored as a pioneering skipper, boat designer, and sailing mentor. With roots firmly planted in Barnegat Bay, Harry's contributions to the sport of sailing have left an indelible mark on both competitive and recreational sailing.

Harry's sailing career took off as a member of the Lavallette Yacht Club, where he became a dominant force in the Flying Dutchman class. He won six national championships and a gold medal at the 1959 Pan American Games with Robert Wood as crew. The pinnacle of his competitive career came in 1960 when he and Wood represented the United States at the Olympic Games in Rome.

Before his illustrious Flying Dutchman days, Harry excelled in Jet 14s, Thistles, Comets, and Lightnings, all while sailing on Barnegat Bay. His prowess extended beyond racing; he was a renowned designer and manufacturer of recreational day sailors and racing one-designs. Initially working at "Siddons and Sindle" in Island Heights, Harry later became the general manager of Newport Boats in Gloucester, Virginia.

Seeking a rural setting to raise his family, Harry relocated to Gloucester, Virginia, where he helped found the Ware River Yacht Club. His design portfolio at Newport Boats includes models such as the Newport Holiday, Blue Crab, Skipjack, Kite, N7, and Surprise, as well as the Gloucester 19, 20, 23, and 27. Harry also produced other notable boats, including the Hampton One Design, Flipper, Albacore, Lightning, Buccaneer 18, and Mutineer 15.

One of Harry's most significant contributions to sailing was his work on the Buccaneer 18. From 1985 to 2005, Harry built Buccaneer 18 sailboats under two company names: Gloucester Yacht and Cardinal Yachts. Under Gloucester Yacht from 1985 to 1986, he produced 59 boats. The company then rebranded as Cardinal Yachts, where Harry continued his work from 1987 to 2005, building an additional 28 boats. These boats were notable for being lighter and generally better rigged than previous models, although some were noted for being flexy.

Harry's commitment to improving the Buccaneer 18 didn't stop at boatbuilding. He authored a comprehensive rigging book for the Buccaneer 18, which has become an invaluable resource for sailors. The book reflects his deep understanding of rigging and his dedication to enhancing the sailing experience.

Harry's passion for sailing and his innovative spirit made him a beloved figure in the sailing community. His legacy continues to inspire sailors and boat designers alike, ensuring that his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Harry was inducted into the Barnegat Bay Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the sailing world. 

By Brad Sindle. Grateful for lifelong experiences sailing with my father.

Discover more about Harry Sindle through the following videos:

• A tribute to Harry's life and legacy
• Brad's acceptance speech for his father's induction into the Barnegat Bay Hall of Fame

David E. Nickels  2006 ~ 2016 Nickels Boat Works

David E. Nickels   December 20, 1940 - June 7, 2023 Obituary

David accomplished numerous feats both on and off the water that profoundly influenced our sport and enriched our lives through his kindness and skills. David possessed a near-photographic memory of his races, dating back to sailing with his dad. He applied this remarkable memory to construct and improve One Design boats, including our Buccaneer, Lightning, and Rebel, elevating them to new heights at Nickel Boat Works. He truly was one of a kind."