the CATBOAT
Known for their shallow draft and wide beam, catboats are efficient and sturdy, and can sail in areas where deeper boats can’t. They are often referred to as the “pick-up trucks of the sea.”
Catboats played a vital role in the 1800’s and early 1900’s along the East Coast acting as fishing, transport, passenger, and workboats before the era of the motorized vessel.
the vessel
Name: Solange
Dimensions: Length: 22’6”, Beam: 10’, Draft: 2.5’
Engine: Aux Diesel
Capacity: Up to 6 Passengers
Our catboat Solange features a unique, hand-painted pastel striped sail inspired by Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row.
the captain
Captain ryan
US coast guard 25-ton master with aux sail
Captain Ryan’s life has been a series of chapters of teaching, restoring, sailing, and celebrating catboats.
He was first introduced to catboats when his father acquired Molly Rose, a classic 1935 catboat. Growing up in a family of six, they transformed the boat with bunk beds and spent their summers navigating the waters of New England. They learned to embrace every creak and leak of the wooden hull, creating cherished memories filled with sea shanties and adventure.
For Ryan, catboats are a family tradition. His parents are deeply involved with The Catboat Association, and his brother Kurt is the founder of Catboat Charters in Martha’s Vineyard, MA, known for its iconic American flag sail.
Ryan has sailed catboats along the entire East Coast, from Florida to Maine, earning the prestigious Henry Plummer Award for seamanship along the way. It was even on a catboat expedition where he met his wife. He remains actively involved in catboat events from Cape Cod, MA, to Beaufort, SC, sharing his love for these unique vessels and keeping the legacy of catboat sailing alive!
