MarylandHoward Chapelle designed this yacht for a client in 1952. It was built at Hartge Boatyard in Galesville. It was based on the traditional sailing workboats known as "crabbing bateaux", which were common around Deal Island and the Eastern Shore about 1890-1930.
Chapelle's design is probably based on the bateau he documented as Figure 10 in Chesapeake Bay Crabbing Skiffs. He found this bateau abandoned at Hooper's Island in 1942. He estimated it was built around 1900. Chapelle wrote that it was "one of the prettiest that I have yet seen ... built by an expert carpenter and was well finished in all respects." Blue Crab has virtually the same length on deck (LOD) and beam as Figure 10.
This vessel is preserved on land at The Cannery at Blackwater Adventures.
I've collected a lot of historic information about Blue Crab and will publish it here in September 2024. If you landed here and don't see it, email me at bluecrab@sailingworkboats.es
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Wow! She was for sale in Annapolis a few years back, always wondered what happened to her. Have Chapelle's plans for her as well as the page of mods he incorporated into the second boat Sweepstakes, and of course Teddy which I agree inspired the other two. You're welcome to em if you'd like
Charley, Thanks for taking time to write. I'll be in touch by email.