The Compac 23

The Compac 23 is built by the Hutchins Company, who have an interesting history.

The Compac 23

The Hutchins Company is a family owned-and-operated corporation founded in 1957 by W.L. Hutchins Sr.. Les Hutchins, or “Hutch” to everyone who knew him, was a self-made man from a farming background who became a successful inventor and entrepreneur. His inventions ranged from automobile accessories to a unique folding high chair. The “Ah-ooo-gah” horns popular on Model A Fords were made by him too. A tool and die maker by trade, Hutch initially owned and operated a successful metal-stamping and fabrication shop in St. Louis, Missouri, which subcontracted work from the major automobile manufacturers. Eventually the Hutchins Company, Inc. developed its own line of automotive products incorporating many patents and registered trademarks held by Les Hutchins.

In the early 1970’s the desire to turn a personal interest in sailing into corporate diversification was realized when Les focused his talents on boat manufacturing. In 1970 Hutch commissioned master boat-wright and designer Clark Mills to put a big boat into a small package. The result was a 16-footer appropriately named “The Com-Pac Yacht.”

Designer Clark Mills is best known for his Windmill and Optimist pram designs. There may be more Optimists in the world than any other one-design class. Yacht designer Robert H. Perry recently referred to Clark Mills as “one of the unsung heroes of the yacht design world.”

The Compac 23 soon followed.