A Cat Ketch Sailing Past Us?

A cat ketch rig is a simple, inexpensive, and balanced sailboat that spreads the sails along the boat’s length on two masts. These rigs are recognizable by their tapered masts and absence of standing rigging. The Cat Ketch Corporation built unique cruising auxiliaries, called Herreshoffs, after their designer, Halsey Herreshoff. Since their re-introduction into sailing circles in the mid-1970s, cat ketch yachts have been seen in yacht harbors and oceans worldwide.

The Freedom 28 Cat Ketch is a popular choice for sailors looking for a good boat to circumnavigate over 2 or 3 years. It features free-standing carbon spars, wrap-around sails with wishbone type booms, and ride the invisible rail. The fore-and-aft distribution of sails simplifies the task of achieving a rock-steady helm. Sail backward Ketch rigs hold a special place in many cruising sailors’ hearts due to their dignified and majestic nature.

The Herreshoff 31, also known as the Cat Ketch 31, is an American sailboat designed by Halsey Chase Herreshoff as a cruiser and first built in 1979. It was the rig of choice in the 1800s for American Small Sailing Craft. Custom Ketch Cat Ketch boats for sale include the 2008 Custom Motorsailor and the 1981 Pearson 424.

In general, a properly designed cat ketch yacht will sail as fast or faster than other rigs of comparable size overall. Off the center of lateral resistance, the cat ketch rig can be placed as far back from the center of lateral resistance as needed.