The Cat Ketch boat pictured toward the right was designed by Halsey Herreshoff, third generation of the Herreshoff boat builders, and built by John Newton's Cat Ketch Yacht company. The original name of the boat was "Great Ketch," the second owner changed the name to "Clark's Great Ketch." As the third owner, I have decided to change the name to the original name: Great Ketch.
I discovered Great Ketch on the hard in late September of 2009. Upon seeing Great Ketch for the first time, I was struck by the juxtaposition of the traditional design and modern technological aspects; a classic cat ketch style boat with free standing carbon fiber masts, and Aerex foam in her construction -- as one example.
The Great Ketch needs attention, brightwork, hull paint, deck, non slip, and bottom paint. Only after the winter months shall I have the opportunity to repair a few of the items needed in order to sail her closer to my home. It is approximately 265 miles of Great Lake Ontario and the New York Canal system between the marina and Ketch's new soon-to-be home; transporting her will be my first modern day Huckleberry Finn adventure.
To provide a sense of accomplishments, I have removed the scupper hoses -- they were dry rotted. Unfortunately, the winter set upon her too soon before I was able to fix new hoses in place.
In the meantime, I have researched the Herreshoff builders, the Cat-Ketch Yacht company, Rich Black the maker of the carbon fiber masts, and John Newton the builder of Great Ketch.
The intention of this blog is to provide a historical log of the work involved to restore the boat, provide an educational "How-to" for others, and provide additional interesting readings for the curious pertaining to sailing, cat ketches, and boat design and builders.
