Schedule of Events

Saturday, July 18

10 AM — Catboats, Captains and Coffee at Old Sculpin Gallery

1 PM — Parade of Sail throughout Edgartown Harbor. Viewing and Music at Memorial Wharf

2 PM — Post-Parade Mad Martha’s Ice Cream Social at Old Sculpin Gallery

5 - 7 PM — Reception at Old Sculpin Gallery

Above three photos by Larry Glick.

 
 

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Enjoy this short video from our 2022 Catboat Parade of Sail

2022 Catboat Parade Video by Borja Tolay

 

Why Catboats?

Image by Alfred Eisenstaedt

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 marks our 70th anniversary as a gallery and art association. The week-long celebration opens on July 20 with Catboats, Captains and Coffee followed by a glorious Parade of Sail throughout Edgartown Harbor. Enjoy the spectacular sight of catboats from near and far under full sail as they cruise by the Memorial Wharf (best viewing), the Chappy Ferry, Chappy Point and Lighthouse Beach. After the Parade, you are invited back in to the gallery for an ice cream social featuring Mad Martha’s flavor of the week “Catboat Crunch” and homemade cookies baked by our artist members.

Image courtesy of the MV Museum

Image courtesy of the Vineyard Preservation Trust