Back by popular demand, catboats return to Solomons, Maryland on Memorial Day weekend for the annual Patuxent River Shootout. They will arrive mid-afternoon at the Lore Oyster House on Saturday, May 23.
Photo courtesy of CCBA
The Shootout will begin at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24 and can be seen from the Solomons boardwalk. After the race, meet the captains and see the boats on display in the Calvert Marine Museum boat basin until 5:00 p.m.
The Catboat is a New England traditional sailing craft with a design that dates back to the 1800s, but with origins in England some say. Originating in name and most commonly referred to as the Cape Cod Catboat, it was first used as a fishing boat, and can be found in many design variations.
It became the dominant inshore workboat in New England, as well as a boat for both social and racing pleasures. It is most often seen on the East Coast, from the Chesapeake to New England. Typically half as wide as it is long, and best known by its shallow draft, gaff rig and mast forward in the bow of the boat, this boat is ideal for cruising the shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Typical boats are between 14 and 25 feet long, but feel much larger and are easily sailed by one, though when the wind pipes up another hand can be welcome with the typically large/oversized mainsail. A Menger 23 carries 435 square feet of sail.
Photo courtesy of CCBA
For more information on catboats and catboating events locally, visit the Chesapeake Catboat Association’s website at chesapeakecatboats.org or contact Steve Flesner at [email protected] or call 410-610-8859.
