Jefferson

Jefferson was the first sloop built and used as a private yacht in Salem. Built in 1801 by Christopher Turner for Capt. George Crowninshield, Jr.

it was twenty-two tons burden. She was a fast sailer and when in 1812, the second war with Great Britain broke out, she was commissioned

as a privateer.

According to the Cleopatra's Barge volume "Although, as has already been stated, the distinction of being the first American yacht rests with the

"Jefferson", the "Cleopatra's Barge" has not only an undisputed claim to be called our first sea-going vessel of that class but is the heroine as well of a

considerable romance which has always centered around her".

See Also

Salem Vessels and Their Voyages series IV by Putnam, p. 8-9

The Story of George Crowningshield's Yacht Cleopatra's Barge ed. by Francis Crowninshield, p. 6, 7, 10, 241-47