” Sailboat racing is a never-ending job of tweaking, and that will include every part of the boat over the next 3 or 4 years. “
Sweep Again, Town Class 16.5’
Interview with the Captain – Bill Heffernan
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy a Townie?
I began sailing a Townie in the early 80’s, when my friend Greg Lindin (hull2083) needed crew for the summer, and I immediately fell in love with the boat. Greg helped me to purchase my first Townie (1098 Sweep) the following winter, and over the course of 3 winters we restored the boat to compete at a championship level.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
After sailing the Townie through the 80’s, I took a divergence into the Rhodes 19 fleet that lasted for 30 years and in 2021 went back to the Townie. I am happy not to have a spinnaker run to deal with in gusty Northwest winds, and I love the lines and feel of a Townie.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
Bart Snow is the inspirational leader of the Town Class and has led an amazing resurgence of this fleet, which dates to the 1930’s. If you need a Townie, Bart knows the inventory and he directed me to Pert Lowell and Co in Newbury Mass. There, Ralph Lowell showed me to hull # 2319 built in 2009 but never sold, it was used as a demo for boat shows.
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
My Dad taught me to sail a wood Sailfish in Wellfleet Harbor, and would soon graduate to a Sunfish, the Sailfish kept sinking.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
The lines and feel of the boat.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
Sailboat racing is a never-ending job of tweaking, and that will include every part of the boat over the next 3 or 4 years.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
I belong to Corinthian Yacht Club and sail with the MRA Marblehead Racing Association and the Town Class Association. Great organizations!!
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Bubba’s Performance Boats in Newburyport takes care of my servicing needs.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a boat like yours?
Call Bart Snow.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
Sweep Again is my 3rd boat and the last 2 were named Sweep, but since my old boat (Sweep 1098) is still in the fleet I added the “Again”. I got the name Sweep from my line of work, I own Master Chimney Sweepers, and Sweep the wind, series, championship seemed to work.
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Sweep Again!
