Working-class lines beget today's grace

Catboats of Watch Hill

Catboats of Watch Hill 01Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island

This particular morning in tony Watch Hill Cove, my son and I wandered watching the moored catboats. As I looked, I thought to another area of Rhode Island from whence this design descended; Newport. And I think back to the vessel type's origins in the working-class fishing families. 

The Newport Catboat is a type of catboat that was originally developed in Newport, Rhode Island, in the 19th century. It is a small, single-masted sailboat with a gaff rig and a shallow hull. The mast is located forward of the center of the boat, and the boom extends over the stern. The Newport Catboat is typically between 18 and 25 feet long and can carry up to six people.

Newport Catboats were originally used as fishing boats and workboats, but they quickly became popular as pleasure boats as well. They are relatively easy to sail and can handle a variety of wind and sea conditions. Newport Catboats are also known for their classic beauty and elegant lines, as are these descendants.

Catboats of Watch Hill 01Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 02Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 03Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 04Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 05Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 06Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 07Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 08Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 09Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 10Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 11Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 12Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 13Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 14Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 15Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 16Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 17Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 18Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 19Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 20Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island Catboats of Watch Hill 21Catboats in the summer morning light at Watch Hill Cove, Westerly, Rhode Island

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