Thank you to everyone who joined us for our celebration of the MVAA’s catboat heritage! We hope to see you again next year!

CATBOATS!
Sail Sculpin 2026

July 18-24 2026

Above three photos by Larry Glick.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS
CATBOAT 2026 SPONSORS!

Enjoy this short video from our 2022 Catboat Parade of Sail

Why Catboats?

From 1904-1954, the Old Sculpin Gallery building across from the Chappy Ferry was home to the boat-building workshop of Manuel Swartz Roberts who built over 200 catboats in the historic space. Manuel’s workshop was known as a welcoming community gathering place, including for a group of artists who painted the lively scene inside the shop and along the harbor front. 

When Manuel retired he sold the building to the artists for their gallery and the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association was formed.

Each year in July the Old Sculpin Gallery hosts a special event in honor of its Catboat heritage. This year marked our 72nd anniversary as a gallery and art association. The week-long celebration opened on July 18th with Catboats, Captains and Coffee followed by a glorious Parade of Sail throughout Edgartown Harbor. The spectacular sight of catboats from near and far under full sail as they cruised by the Memorial Wharf (best viewing), the Chappy Ferry, Chappy Point and Lighthouse Beach. After the Parade, we hosted an ice cream social featuring the Mad Martha’s flavor made to honor our Catboat heritage: “Catboat Crunch”.