Sharpie (boat)

Sharpie (boat) is a type of sailing boat that originated in the mid-19th century among the oyster fishermen of the American East Coast. The design has since been adapted and developed by various boat builders around the world, and sharpies are now used for both recreational and competitive sailing.

History

The sharpie was first developed in the mid-19th century in the Connecticut and New York regions of the United States. It was designed as a working boat for oyster dredging, and its flat-bottomed design allowed it to navigate the shallow waters of the Long Island Sound and the Chesapeake Bay.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sharpies were also used for transport and cargo carrying along the East Coast. They were known for their speed and ease of handling, and their shallow draft made them ideal for navigating the region's many rivers and estuaries.

Design

Sharpies are characterized by their flat-bottomed design, which allows them to navigate shallow waters. They typically have two masts, with the main mast located forward of the center of the boat. The hull is long and narrow, with a sharp bow and stern, which gives the boat its name.

The original sharpies were open boats, but later designs often included a small cabin for shelter. They are typically rigged as sloops or ketches, with a single jib and a mainsail on each mast.

Modern Sharpies

Today, sharpies are used for both recreational and competitive sailing. They are popular among sailors who appreciate their speed, ease of handling, and ability to navigate shallow waters. There are also a number of sharpie racing classes, including the 12m² and 10m² classes in Europe, and the Australian 12ft and 16ft classes.

See also

• Sailing boat
• Sloop
• Ketch