SCOUT - 1979 Fairchild Scout 30

SCOUT is the premier Fairchild Scout 30 collector yacht, designed by renowned naval architect Ben Ostlund for Fairchild Yachts. Exceptionally well documented, she carries a distinguished provenance, having been personally owned during her first 14 years by Kenneth H. Wenman, co-founder of Fairchild Yachts, and James Taylor Wenman. Among SCOUT’s many noteworthy design features are her original bronze king post and chain plates, evidence that she was once configured as a motorsailer. This distinctive feature offers a fascinating glimpse into her original design intent and is particularly fitting given Ken Wenman’s passion for sailing. SCOUT’s history and pedigree are further documented through her collection of original Fairchild marketing materials, design sketches, and a published article detailing the development and design of the Fairchild Scout 30. Together, these materials provide an unusually comprehensive record of her heritage and make SCOUT a particularly compelling example for the discerning collector. The current owners’ experience with SCOUT’s seakeeping and hull design, gained over many miles and hours navigating the notoriously rough, choppy waters of Albemarle Sound, has been highly positive. Under autopilot, she confidently slices through challenging conditions and handles a following sea with ease. In strong beam seas, she can exhibit some roll, as expected of a boat of this design, but it remains well within the capabilities of an experienced boater. Overall, SCOUT has proven herself a capable, predictable, and comfortable performer in demanding conditions. Subsequent owners, including one who cared for SCOUT for 15 years, have maintained her to a high standard. Her current owner, a lifelong classic-boat enthusiast and retired engineer, acquired SCOUT with a specific mission: to thoughtfully upgrade her systems while preserving her originality, character, and classic Fairchild design. Professional marine specialists have been engaged as appropriate throughout her ownership. SCOUT is, quite simply, eye candy. Her classic lines routinely elicit spontaneous shouts of, “I love your boat!” along with thumbs-up gestures, admiring crowds, and enthusiastic conversations whenever she arrives at a public dock. Her appeal extends well beyond fellow classic-boat enthusiasts. While transiting the Intracoastal Waterway, the current owner has been hailed by superyacht captains over VHF with comments such as, “I love your boat. I’ll be slow passing on your port.” Another Fairchild Scout owner, writing about approaching temporary docks along the Great Loop, famously described having to gently tell the gathering admirers, “Please be quiet, let me tie up, and then we’ll talk.” Those moments are part of the special experience of owning a Fairchild Scout. One encounter, however, stands out in the current owner’s memory: while SCOUT was cruising the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, the captain of a large tug and barge stepped out of his wheelhouse, sounded the vessel’s horn, and gave SCOUT an enthusiastic thumbs-up as he passed. It is difficult to imagine a better unsolicited endorsement of her timeless appeal. As John Keats famously wrote, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” SCOUT is now offered for sale after fulfilling her intended purpose: bringing extraordinary enjoyment and adventure to her current owner. She is ready to bring that same joy to her next steward. In the words of Kenneth Grahame, “There is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”