“So far we have had two weddings onboard and ten or so marriage proposals. It’s feels very fulfilling to be a part of these memories that will last a lifetime. We love having repeat clients that sail with us year after year adding to the ever-expanding Catboat Charters family.“
Tigress, Catboat 30′
Interview with the Captain — Kurt Peterson
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy a Catboat?
I chose to buy a Catboat because I believe that the historical significance of catboats combined with the simplicity and workboat roots make them ideal for daysail chartering in local Martha’s Vineyard waters. Catboats were originally built for different types of work before engines were commonplace in boats. They were most commonly used for fishing and as passenger ferries. The resulting design was one that is beamy, stable, and easy to sail with ample space in the cockpit. The same characteristics that made catboats ideal workboats hundreds of years ago also make them ideal for chartering in the modern day.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this model (and how did they compare)?
I considered many traditionally rigged wooden sailboats before settling on a Catboat. I looked at many schooners, sloops and ketches, but nearly all the other boats I considered had limited space in their cockpits, deep drafts, and complicated rigging. These are certainly not negative attributes for ocean-going boats, but I’m a strong believer that boats should be designed appropriately for their primary use. Since the intended use of my boat is offering sailing charters to novices in protected shallow waters and in fair weather conditions, the catboat is the perfect craft for my intended use.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing?
I came across Tigress when she came up for sale on the Catboat Association’s webpage, catboats.org. The previous owner had just completed a very extensive ten year restoration, but he was moving to the West Coast to be closer to his grandkids. Even though he had a strong sentimental attachment to Tigress, he knew that San Francisco Bay was no place for a Catboat and decided he would have to sell her. Together we sailed her from Mystic, CT to her current home port of Edgartown, MA and we have become friends and still keep in touch to this day.
What boats have you previously owned?
Previously I’ve owned several fiberglass sloops. In chronological order they were an O’Day 22, a Catalina 25, a Bristol 24, a Catalina 27, and a Morgan 35. My first catboat was a Marshall 22, and I soon realized that the 22 foot catboat offered just as much enjoyment and cockpit space as all of the larger sloops I had owned. I came to terms with the fact that I wasn’t going to be crossing oceans, so why would I need a keel boat if my aspirations were only to sail leisurely around bays and sounds?
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
I think it’s a great investment. Not in dollars, but in personal enjoyment and lifelong memories. It’s nice to own a piece of history that was built by hand and it presents unique challenges in keeping her going through the years.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
Tigress was originally named “Pal” when she was built in 1927, she has also been named “Kiddie Cat” and “Cheshire Cat.” The previous owner, Roger Fuller named her “Tigress” as a tribute to his alma mater, Princeton University and the Princeton Tigers.
About you
Who introduced you to boating/sailing?
My Dad introduced me to boating and sailing. My brothers and I grew up sailing on my Dad’s 1935 28-foot Catboat, so getting my own antique wooden catboat down the road didn’t seem like a very big leap.
How did you come up with the idea for Catboat Charters and how long have you been in operation?
I knew when I got my Captain’s License that I wanted to eventually do sailing charters. My history and interest with catboats planted the idea of charting a Catboat. Catboat Charters has now been in operation for almost 7 years.
Any notable memories/stories from your various excursions?
So far we have had two weddings onboard and ten or so marriage proposals. It’s feels very fulfilling to be a part of these memories that will last a lifetime. We love having repeat clients that sail with us year after year adding to the ever-expanding Catboat Charters family.
Check it out
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Tigress!
