The Indian has a long history on Nantucket. An Alden centerboard knockabout with an interesting underwater configuration is the Nantucket One-Design, Number 398. Designed for use not only on Nantucket Sound but also at Kennebunkport, Maine, Number 398 was a development of the earlier Number 135, called the Jamestown Class, and Number 148, the first Indian class. Indeed, the Nantucket boats were also called Indians. Number 148, in turn, was a refinement of the round-bottomed dory type of daysailer. The Nantucket One-Design was conceived by Buell P. Mills and other members of the Nantucket Yacht Club. Mills, who was then rear commodore of the club, presented Alden with the basic requirements, and between them they worked out the specifications. Most of the boats were built by George L. Chassion of Swampscott, Massachusetts, between 1929 and 1931.
- From the ITCH Report