Built by Cheoy Lee Shipyard and designed by Hugh Angelman, the Sea Which is a 36-foot ketch that not only became a classic but (in spite of the relatively small number that has been built), went on to win the Trans Pac race and become a “class” in itself – known as the “Sea Witch Class.” It is a boat that has never since been equaled, much less surpassed, for romantic appearance and living space and comfort in a small cruising design.
American Marine in Hong Kong built close to a dozen in 1960-61 – more than any other yard. Cheoy Lee, also of Hong Kong, built half a dozen or so. Others were built in Taiwan, Vietnam, Denmark, and an undetermined number have been built by amateurs, mostly in the United States.
The original Sea Witch is still sailing, and is presently owned by Henry and Barbara Whittier, home ported in Florida.
It seems no Sea Witches have been built since 1974, mainly due to the growing popularity of plastic production designs and the increasing expense of building quality wooden boats.
Sea Witch 36 Sailboat Specifications
- Hull Type: Long Keel
- Rig Type: Staysail Ketch
- Length Over All: 36 ft
- Length at Waterline: 32 ft
- Beam: 13.25 ft
- Total Sail Area: 821 sq ft
- Draft: 5.5 ft
- Displacement: 22000 lbs.
