This guide offers an in-depth exploration and development of America's most unique and enduring sailboat, the Cape Cod catboat, and explains why the type has enjoyed such a strong resurgence in popularity. It offers new insights into the myths and realities regarding the catboat's origins in New York and on Cape Cod and explores the boat's central importance as a fishing craft and later as racing and cruising yacht. Included are stories of the great catboat designers of the type's golden age in the late 19th century. This comprehensive reference also examines today's fibreglass catboats and offers practical advice on catboat selection and sailing.