Sparkman & Stephens designed the 48’ auxiliary cutter ALEMBIC to give her maximum windward ability (design #1479). Built by Chapman and Kalayjian, in Costa Mesa, CA, she was launched at Newport Beach in 1960 for the original owner Dr. Gordon Alles.  

From SEA and Pacific Motor Boat, March 1960

“Construction is mahogany, strip planked, over white oak frames. Trim is Honduran mahogany and fastenings are Everdur. Decks are fiberglass-covered plywood. Below deck, ALEMBIC has a Mercedes Benz model OM 636 auxiliary diesel engine with 2:1 gear reduction. She carries 60 gals. of fuel and 140 gals. of water in monel tanks. Equipment includes Gould 12-v starting and lighting batteries, a 12-v electric windlass by Ideal, two hand bilge pumps and a Delco-Remy 600-w 12-v d.c. auxiliary generator.

She has accommodations for seven, with two in the owner’s stateroom forward, and full berths for five guests. In the galley, which is situated aft on the port side, there is a three-burner Hiller alcohol stove with oven and an ice box with flush doors. Standing rigging is stainless steel with Truloc fittings and the 1010 sq. ft. of sails are by Kenneth Watts.“