WIZARD

This 17′ Cat-Ketch is a replica of the 1889 design by Nathanael Herreshoff and built for his own use on the waters of Narragansett Bay. Capt. Nat based the design on his earlier vessel of 1874, Riviera, which he and his brother designed, built and sailed throughout Europe in their early 20s. Herreshoff sailed the Coquina for the rest of his life and it outlived him only to be lost in the Hurricane of 1938. In order to avoid a tiller interfering with the mizzen mast, Herreshoff employed a rope steering system that is accessible from anywhere in the boat. Once getting used to it, the boat needs very little tending underway when the main and mizzen are properly balanced. She is fast, well balanced and highly responsive. The hull is glued lapstake constructruction which does not require the traditional ribs common in lapstrake hulls. Structural supports include the beautifully laminated knees that support the side and aft decks. The result is a stiff, no leaking hull weighing 450 lbs that the 130 sf sail plan moves right along. The boat tows beautifully with the spars and furled sails designed to be stored inside the boat when on the trailer. With no standing rigging to complicate matters, she can be launched and the masts stepped and be away in very little time. She also rows well should the breeze drop. She is a great day sailer and well suited for sail and oar camp cruising.