Changing Maine, 1960-2010

"The Newport cat-boat is famous the world over for her handiness, speed, and ability....I never saw one of them come to grief, and in fact they have always impressed me as being the handiest all-round boat afloat." —Captain A. J. Kenealy in Boat Sailing in Fair Weather and Foul, 1905

When we think of Newport at the end of the nineteenth century, we think of life lived large--big houses, big yachts, big money. But like the diversity of people to be found in any waterfront town, there was a diversity of watercraft in Newport waters. In among the yachts are found the workboats and other small craft. John Leavens took a look back at the humble catboat, and found a wealth of information about its origin, its builders, and its owners. These small sailboats with their masts well forward served as fishing boats, livery craft, and pleasure boats, and were seen everywhere it turns out, in Newport waters. Combining years of research, conversations with waterfront habitués, and a fine collection of period photographs, John brought together the full story of Newport cats but passed away before it could be published. Judy Lund, a former curator at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, has taken on the task of bringing John's manuscript to the boating community.