Cat Boat Assoc. 50th anniversary rendezvous dinner in Mystic

Well, the dinner event last night was a great time! Lots of cat boaters from all over including the Netherlands and Venice Italy. Many sea stories (lies) told. The venue was one of the boat sheds at Mystic Seaport. The view of the river and harbor with square riggers in the backdrop as a lone small cat ghosted back and forth at dusk was tranquil and fitting. Today will be the grand exit down river homeward bound for most concluding a memorable and historic event. 

The Venue

The Gams, "Splicing the Main Brace" before dinner.

The view.

Even the dog was relaxed.

CBA 50th Anniversary in Full Swing

 The docks are full.

Many great cats.

Well today Mystic harbor is full of cat boats of all sizes and types. A gam is going on, CBA paraphernalia is for sale, boats are being polished up, and a general good time is being had by all. There will be a cocktail party and dinner tonight by the boat shop.

The Breck Marshall cat boat

At the Cat Boat Association 50th rendezvous in Mystic

Wow, cat boats are a comin'. By tonight there should be 60 -70 cat boats alongside here in Mystic. There coming in by groups of 5 and 6 every time the Main St. bridge opens. Mystic seaport is awesome as ever. 'Spent the morning just taking in the nautical lore.

Off to the Cat Boat Assoc. Rendezvous

Wow, I've really been quiet for a long time! But I'm back with passion. I had a lot of other personal business to tend to and now it's tended to.

I'm excited. I'm off to the 50th Cat Boat Association rendezvous in Mystic, CT.. Mystic is of course Nirvana for lovers of "salty" craft. To sweeten the trip even more Op Sail is in the area too. I'll be posting much more about the trip here in the next few days.

Sailor's Downeast Cruiser

Now here's a "salty" downeast style express cruiser in excellent condition that a gentleman yachtsman "retiring" from sail could move into for more comfort in their later years and still retain their dignity with their mates that are still under sail. No more runny noses or wet cockpits!

 This 1999 Sabreline 36 MK I diesel express cruiser is an excellent example of downeast Maine craftsmanship blended with modern construction resulting in a vessel of timeless style and class that should make any gentleman yachtsman a proud owner. She has the optional 315 Hp Yanmar engines, an inverter, generator, and air conditioning. She is in excellent condition and her hull has just been repainted with Flag Blue Awlgrip 1/11 and shines like new.

She is for sale. Call Craig at (813) 340-0227. See more details at Yachtworld.com YW# 77008-2368999.

 

Michael Jones Boat Builder

Back in April I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Jones a carpenter and boat builder who was showing his modified Windmill at the Cortez Classic Small Craft Festival. Mike worked with Clearwater Marine Ways for many years. Here are a few shots of his creations.

Modified Windmill 17'4" LOA 5'2" Beam 125 Sq. Ft. Sail.

Elegant Sakonnet 23

I have seen this Sakonnet 23 around Tampa Bay several times in the last year or so and I was fortunate enough to catch the owners putting her on her trailer and meet them. The Sakonnet 23s were built by Edey & Duff out of Mass.. They also built the Stone Horse, the Dovekie, The Shearwater, and the "Fatty Knees" dinghy in fiberglass among others until they closed their doors last August. The molds were sold to Marshall the builders of the Sandpiper, Sanderling, and the Marshall 22 cat boats and they are producing the Sakonnets now.

This Sakonnet has an electric motor and is in yacht condition. I hope to post more about her soon in the Yacht Collection section of the main Salty Yacht Project website.