1985 Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch

 The Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch – A Classic Yacht Perfect for Bluewater Cruising

The Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch is a truly unique and elegant sailboat that combines the timeless appeal of a classic yacht with advanced design features, making it one of the most desirable vessels for bluewater and coastal cruising alike. Originally designed by the legendary Halsey Herreshoff in the 1980s, this 38-foot yacht stands out for its simplicity, stability, and ease of handling, appealing to both seasoned sailors and those looking to step into the world of vintage yacht ownership.

Key Features & Design Highlights:

1. **Innovative Cat Ketch Rig**: The Herreshoff 38 features a rare and distinctive cat ketch rig with twin unstayed carbon fiber masts. This setup eliminates the need for complex rigging and winches, providing a clean, uncluttered deck and making the boat extremely easy to handle. The masts are designed to flex in the wind, enhancing automatic sail shaping and adjusting to changes in wind pressure, which makes the yacht both nimble and efficient.

2. **Robust Construction for Bluewater Cruising**: The hull is crafted from durable fiberglass with an Airex foam core, giving it an ideal balance of strength and lightness. This construction not only increases the yacht's speed and stability but also offers excellent insulation and durability, helping it withstand the rigors of offshore sailing.

3. **Comfort and Stability**: With a 42% ballast-to-weight ratio and a low center of gravity, the Herreshoff 38 sails upright and steadily. Its comfort ratio of 23.4 ranks it highly among other yachts in this class, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride, even in heavier seas. The 4'5" draft is ideal for both open-ocean and coastal cruising, providing versatile access to a variety of harbors and anchorages.

4. **Spacious and Practical Interior**: The Herreshoff 38 offers a well-designed, spacious interior, making it perfect for extended cruising. It comes equipped with a 100-gallon freshwater tank and ample storage for provisions. Thoughtfully laid out with comfortable living quarters, this yacht makes life aboard both practical and enjoyable, even on longer journeys.

5. **Performance**: With a theoretical hull speed of 9.5 knots, this yacht is designed for efficient, reliable performance. Its displacement-to-length ratio of 169.9 provides the perfect balance of power and maneuverability, ensuring responsive handling that makes it enjoyable to sail in various conditions.

The Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch is ideal for sailors who appreciate the classic aesthetics of a traditional yacht but want the ease and innovation of modern design. Its cat ketch rig makes single-handed sailing a breeze, while the robust hull and comfortable interior ensure that it can handle everything from a relaxing coastal sail to a challenging offshore passage. With its excellent stability, moderate draft, and high comfort rating, it’s the perfect boat for a sailor looking for a vessel with character, history, and the capability for true bluewater cruising.Schedule a 

This Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch is now available at McCotters Marina & Boatyard. Don’t miss the chance to see this exceptional yacht in person and experience its unmatched quality and charm. Contact McCotters Marina & Boatyard to schedule an exclusive showing and explore the unique features of this classic vessel that’s built for both adventure and relaxation on the open sea.