W.B., New Haven Sharpie

Mystic Seaport's reproduction of  W.B., built by Willets Ansel, is a favorite. She has three mast steps, so she can be sailed as a cat-ketch or a cat, like her big working sisters, the 20' to 35' oystering sharpies. Horizontal sprit booms tame the rig; the sails are often furled about the masts, and the reefs are vertical. There is plen­ty of space for a family of four, and there are enough strings to keep more than one busy operating the rig if desired.  This sharpie-skiff is not the best for row­ing, but with a 12' sculling oar she would move well, and there is an oar­ lock socket aft to take one. From 87 Boat Designs by Ben Fuller.

WSP.7.65