New Haven Sharpie: Betsy D
Betsy D out for a Sunday sail
Boat Type
Location
Year Built
1977
Beam
6.9'
LOA (Length Overall)
35'
Boat Plans
Project Sponsors
Website Link
Oral History
The New Haven Sharpie was developed in the 1840's for oystering along the shallow shoals of Long Island Sound. The design evolved from simple flat-bottomed rowing skiffs, gradually becoming longer, narrower, and with an overhanging counter stern. All these elements made the boat faster and easier to power with oar or sail.
Reaching peak popularity in the mid to late 1800's, she gained a worldwide following for her speed and graceful lines. At the end of the 19th century, a 35' sharpie with a small cabin forward cost between $300 and $500.
Boat Story
The lines of CWB's sharpie, the Betsy D, were taken from Chapelle's American Small Sailing Craft.
Built by Bo Garrison at CWB, Betsy D has Yellow Cedar planking, a plywood deck, and steam bent White Oak frames.
