A magnificent scene

Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond

Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 08An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island

There is no boat that is more synonymous with summer than the open cockpit catboat. With its simple design, easy handling, and classic good looks, the catboat is the perfect way to enjoy a day on the water. It is where I started sailing with a Beetle Cat that I restored when I was fourteen. I found myself among the Crosby family in Osterville, MA and so many others. And people always pointed as I sailed into Warwick Cove (Warwick, RI). 

The open cockpit catboat is a single-masted sailboat with a gaff-rigged sail. The sail is attached to the mast by a boom and gaff, and it is controlled by a tiller. The boat also has a centerboard, which can be raised or lowered to control the boat's draft.

Catboats are known for their stability and ease of handling. This makes them a great choice for beginners and experienced sailors alike. They are also relatively inexpensive to maintain.

But what really makes the catboat a summer dream is its simplicity. There are no complicated winches or lines to worry about. Just raise the sail, sit back, and enjoy the breeze. And when not sailing, the gentle lines make for a magnificent scene. 

Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 01An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 02An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 03An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 04An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 05An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 06An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 07An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 08An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 09An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 10An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 11An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 12An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 13An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 14An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island Friendly Catboat on Point Judith Pond 15An open cockpit catboat with a boom tent for protection swinging on a mooring on a summer afternoon on Point Judith Pond, Narragansett, Rhode Island

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© Keith R Wahl, Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery, 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Keith R Wahl and Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery with appropriate and specific direction to the original.