Sam L. Morse cutter designs acquired

There is hardly an offshore sailor who wouldn’t recognize the distinctive look of the 28-foot Bristol Channel Cutter or the 22-foot Falmouth Cutter, Lyle Hess’ two timeless voyaging designs. The seaworthiness of these designs has been proven by scores of offshore sailors and adventurers, perhaps the most famous of whom are Larry and Lin Pardey. In early 2007 the Sam L. Morse Company, which built these classics in Costa Mesa, Calif., announced reluctantly that they would cease production of the boats.

On July 17, 2007, Morse announced that the molds, patterns and exclusive rights to manufacture boats had been acquired by Cape George Marine Works, Inc. of Port Townsend, Wash. Cape George Marine manufactures bluewater boats ranging from 31 feet to 40 feet with designs inspired by the late William Atkin. The addition of the two Lyle Hess designs will round out the range of their boats nicely.

Cape George plans to offer the boats in kit form or as a completed package ready to sail away. Like the Bristol and Falmouth cutters built by Sam L. Morse, Cape George cutters are stoutly built, beautifully finished and ready for the challenge of any bluewater adventure. Contact Cape George Cutters by visiting www.capegeorgecutters.com.