90 Years of Sailing: NM's Generational Story Lives On

Fair Winds and Following Seas: The NM Sloop at 90

The beloved Northern Michigan sailboat, known to sailors in these waters as the NM, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. A new exhibit, “Fair Winds and Following Seas: The NM Sloop at 90” at the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society, pays tribute to this special class of boat.

A Brief History of the NM

Production of the NM began in 1934 based on the design created by LeRoy (Roy) Kramer. Russell J. Pouliot, owner of Pouliot Boat Works in Detroit, built the boats. Upon completion, the boats were shipped to both Charlevoix and Harbor Springs via a truck driven by Pouliot’s nephew. In 1937, Pouliot Boat Works became Fisher Boat Works. But the strain of WWII proved to be too much for the small business and it was shuttered. While production ceased for a time, interest in the NM design did not. In 1963, local sailors teamed with the local boat shop, Irish, to start production again. Its sleek design, tall mast, short boom, heavy keel, and open cockpit that offered seating for six, which lends itself to inviting friends and family to join in the fun of playing in the winds on Little Traverse Bay.

The NM Legacy

While to some, the NMs out sailing on the bay on race days are just another picture-perfect summer moment captured from the bluff. But to many others, it’s a generational story told in theories on local winds and NM numbers. Whenever someone writes about NMs they are actually telling the story of families and friends who have sailed together for generations.

The NM Story in Numbers

When discussing the NM, Dave Irish, a sailing expert, would always start with “Well, you already know this, but…” and then give the number of one of the NMs before launching into a sailing story. The boat shop above which Irish had his office documented the story of each of the 27 NMs and the families who’d cared for them over the years.

The Magic of the NM

The magic of the NM is hard to capture in words and timelines. For it is in the generational, interwoven tales of family and friends sailing on these local waters that have created its lore and continue its legacy. The boats are loved by many who have sailed on them. “Part of the timeless and iconic nature of the NMs is their owners. Not high-powered racers, but mostly gentle folk who love their boats, and enjoy the opportunity to socialize. And they take pride in the boats. They treat and maintain them like a fine antique or lovely piece of furniture,” reminisces Dick Babcock, an avid sailor.

NM Exhibit

A new exhibit, “Fair Winds and Following Seas: The NM Sloop at 90” at the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society, pays tribute to this special class of boat. The exhibit features stories, photos, trophies, and models contributed by local sailing families to capture the magic of the NM. Fleet Week in their home port is the perfect occasion to celebrate this classy class at 90.

Originally Post From https://www.harborlightnews.com/articles/a-beloved-sailing-sloop-the-nm-celebrates-90-years-a-generational-story-lives-on/

90 Years of Sailing: NM’s Generational Story Lives On