Main-Mast Winch, 1955 Newporter 40 Ketch "Stowaway" Sailboat Yacht, Norfolk, Va

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A genuine piece of maritime history: a Main-Mast Winch salvaged from the 1955 Newporter Ketch named "Stowaway." Rescued from a … Read more A genuine piece of maritime history: a Main-Mast Winch salvaged from the 1955 Newporter Ketch named "Stowaway." Rescued from a marine salvage yard in Norfolk, VA in 2009 by Joshua Wales Johnson, this brass winch is mounted on a solid wood base with its bottom neatly covered in green felt. Behind the felt, a handwritten placard authenticates the story: "Relic, Main-Mast Winch Salvaged from 1955 Newporter Ketch 'Stowaway' by Joshua Wales Johnson Norfolk, VA 2009."

Measuring about 5 inches tall and 11 inches long including the wooden-handled crank, this winch is a perfect blend of function and vintage charm. While the brand remains unknown—possibly concealed beneath the felt—it’s unmistakably American-made, built to last and crafted during an era when quality mattered.

The Stowaway itself is a classic Newport-built ketch from the mid-20th century, prized among sailors for its sturdy design and elegant lines. Although detailed records on this particular vessel are scarce, its legacy lives on through this well-preserved piece. Joshua Wales Johnson, noted for his dedication to marine salvage in Norfolk, carefully extracted this winch in 2009, preserving a tangible link to nautical craftsmanship of yesteryear.

Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast, a lover of vintage nautical gear, or someone seeking a standout decor piece with authentic provenance, this Main-Mast Winch is a rare find. It’s equally at home as a functional collector’s item or a striking conversation starter in your home or office.

Add a slice of maritime heritage to your collection with this beautifully preserved relic from the 1955 "Stowaway."

About the Newporter ketch sailboat: Clarence "Ack" Ackerman, the original designer and builder, began producing the Newporter 40-foot ketch in Newport, California, starting in 1955. Although Ackerman was the first to create these boats, production later expanded to the East Coast through licensed builders such as Stowman Shipyard, Dorchester Shipbuilding, and Newporter Shipyard in New Jersey. Ackerman initially built these distinctive yachts for movie stars of the time. Their prestige and size made them popular, and they were featured in Sports Illustrated twice—on November 5, 1956, and again on April 20, 1959. The latter issue highlighted the Newporter as the largest class of family cruising sailboats worldwide, suggesting it could comfortably accommodate even the NBA’s tallest players. Since then, third and fourth generation owners of original Newporter 40's continue to sail these classic yachts extensively around the globe. See less