Herreshoff: How Do You Say The Name?

Tomato or Tomato (two-mate-toe) or (ta-ma-ta) - think Hakuna Matada - are two ways to say the same thing, yet when it comes to one of the great boat builders of American boat building, the attention to the pronunciation of the Herreshoff name is one that raises eyebrows.

When I am asked what kind of boat I own, I often reply, "I have a Herreshoff Cat Ketch 33," mindful to clearly articulate "Hair is Off." It is often upon such response that I receive the courteous correction from my inquirer. "Oh, you have a Her is Shove, nice boat."

Rather than debate the erroneous correction, I note the fact that the inquisitor is aware of the name in general and the respectability of the brand, and after all, I also pronounced the Herreshoff name incorrectly upon my first reading of the name. I can still hear the sound from my mouth as I think back to the beginning, "harschof," and very pirate like sound when saying it quickly - - without any movement of the lips of course.

My research of the Herreshoff family business, led me to discover a story by Halsey Herreshoff regarding the correct sounding of his name.

Halsey's late uncle, Clarence Herreshoff, corrected others of the sounding of his name. Say Herreshoff.

I'll still say "Hair is Off" when asked about my boat, and will absorb the polite inaccurate corrections from others. If given the opportunity, I'll share Clarence's guidance. I owe that respect to those who contributed to the advancement of sailing and nautical adventures.

So what's in a name? and what's in the way it is said?


I raise my eyebrows and speak: Ah, that's all thars to sayee bou it.

What's in a Name?

A boat's name says much about the owner. Walk along the docks of any pier and read the names on boats: Knot Easy, Second Wind, Endeavor, Yachts of Fun, are some examples. For those among us who are not so enthusiastic for a walk, or fear taking a long walk on a short pier, I refer the reader to Boat Names.

Unfortunately, the birthing or "relabeling" of boat names are sometimes made in haste. Perhaps scented mood struck the owner to which the unflattering name floated itself upon her stern; "Passing Wind." Yet, with all the naming of boats, one can change a boat's name when one desires. "Passing Wind" boats can be renamed "Passing Waves," or "Passing On," or "Passing By," or "Passing Gas ---Powered Boats." Ironically, the naming of a boat passes from owner to owner, usually.

And here my interest in the name of "Great Ketch." The Herreshoff boat is a fine looking boat; traditional lines with masts that stand majestically. As two columns of a castle rising above the horizon the stand free masts rise from the base of the hull upward toward the sky, high above the waters; with greatness looking upon the waters toward its next destination. Understanding the great aspect is easy once one looks upon the Herreshoff designed boat.

What about "Ketch?" Well, a ketch is a certain type of boat where the placement of the masts matters: "Great Ketch" is a boat with two masts. I also thought that my finding her on the hard and my acquisition of her was indeed a great catch. Great Ketch has had two previous sets of owners, and has retained her original name from her beginning.

Recently, I was in contact with one of the first original owners -- the power of the Internet. I shall call her K for respect of her privacy. K told me that one of the owner partners loved baseball; hence, the name "Great Ketch." I am glad the name wasn't something like "Strike Three", or "You're Out"-- although not original, somewhat belittle all the same.

The name of the cat ketch remains "Great Ketch." The name of the hailing port has been changed from Port Arthur, Texas to Bristol, Rhode Island. The boat builder, John Newton had the boat yard in Texas; whereas, the boat designer, Halsey Herreshoff, had a residence in Bristol, RI. For the curious, there is the Herreshoff Museum located in Bristol.

By the way, can you imagine a distress call?

"Mayday Mayday, this is "Blowing Hard," we need assistance immediately. We are taking water. We are at latitude 40.166561, longitude 72.993164 Another ship, "Passing Wind" crashed in

0.166561,-72.993164

to us and .. blah blah blah,, gulp gulp,,, spit cough,, passin,,,, ,,,,,"

Great Ketch Back in the Water

It has been many months since my last post. Two major obstacles needed to be met before Great Ketch could be launched this Spring: repairs as a result of a grounding the previous year, and the Winter months had to pass. Great Ketch is back in the water and looking "great".

The grounding, August 2010, resulted in the rudder breaking in half, dents on the keel, bent hardware, and 16 inches off the lower skeg. Great Ketch was transported to a local repair shop, Fast Forward located in Brewerton, NY, where the company worked on her during the last summer months.

Fast Forward did an excellent job of restoring the boat to perfect condition; they rebuilt the rudder, shaped the keel, and much more. In addition, the folks at Fast Forward provided excellent customer service. I was allowed to stop by to view the progress of their work, they took pictures of the work for me, they ensured the boat was returned promptly, and they listened to my concerns and comments. The attention they gave Great Ketch and myself was impressive.


While Great Ketch was on the hard during the winter, I researched to learn more about the boat and the people who were associated in the build, design and other aspects of the boat. I met with the designer of the carbon fiber masts, Eric Sponberg, corresponded with the builder, John Newton, and had recently been contacted by one of the previous owners. I shall post information regarding the results of my research in the future.