When many sailors and yachtsmen hear the word ‘cat’, they think of a catamaran. But for Cape Cod boating enthusiasts, a catboat is a small, wooden-hulled sailboat that was originally used in the early 1800s for scalloping and fishing. Sturdy and quick, the catboats were common sights in the waters around Cape Cod. Today, catboats are recreational vessels. The resurgence in their popularity is due in large part to Arey’s Pond Boat Yard. Starting in 1971, Arey’s began building a modified version of the historic catboat, often substituting fiberglass for the traditional wooden hull. This summer, 100 catboats gathered to sail at Arey’s Pond Boat Yard Regatta. Read more about it on the Arey’s Boat Yard website.

Nantucket Island, south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is one of the most beautiful of the East Coast yachting destinations. Clear waters, scenic beaches and plenty of activities make Nantucket Island one of the most popular upscale boating locations in the U.S. A wide variety of restaurants will satisfy even the most discerning palate, and there are many hotels and cottages featuring quality accommodations on the island. There are several places to moor your boat or yacht, and boat rentals are also available. Sightseeing on Nantucket Island includes the Great Point Light, a stone tower that marks the spot where the original Nantucket Lighthouse was built in 1784. The Brant Point Light is another historic lighthouse, built in 1746 and still in operation today.