Welcome to the Waterfront

Mark Alan Lovewell is an avid sailor and spirited Martha’s Vineyard waterfront catboater who enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the open waters. Experience his passion for sailing across the beauty of Edgartown’s harbor by hearing him tell his stories ashore. Embark on a storytelling voyage with Mark as your guide today! He can perform at your dock, your clambake or nearly anywhere, in places where salty friends like to gather.

About Catboats

They were once the most common of workboats in Southeastern New England. They were the workhorse of the day of sail, used for fishing, transportation and for leisure. They were the pickup trucks of the 19th century, as common as today’s Volkswagen bug. These boats were large enough to carry stone, agile enough to fish the open ocean and maneuverable enough so that one man could sail them easily close to shore and in narrow places.

About the Sailor

Mark Alan Lovewell has been sailing on the waters of Edgartown harbor since he was a child. He is an avid enthusiast about all things that are maritime and the hope to share his love for boating. For eight years Mark sailed the catboat Edwina B., a 90-year-old wooden catboat built in Edgartown by Manuel Swartz Roberts. And throughout his maritime adventures he has been a crewman aboard many different vessels from fishing boats, research vessels and even an old rusty freighter crisscrossing the Northern Sea between Sweden and England.

Today Mark sails Sea Chantey, a 48-year old fiberglass 22-foot catboat for personal use. In addition to his love for boating, Mark is also a sea chantey singer and storyteller.

About Catboats

They were once the most common of workboats in Southeastern New England. They were the workhorse of the day of sail, used for fishing, transportation and for leisure. They were the pickup trucks of the 19th century, as common as today’s Volkswagen bug. These boats were large enough to carry stone, agile enough to fish the open ocean and maneuverable enough so that one man could sail them easily close to shore and in narrow places.

About the Sailor

Mark Alan Lovewell has been sailing on the waters of Edgartown harbor since he was a child. He is an avid enthusiast about all things that are maritime and the hope to share his love for boating. Mark sails two old catboats. Edwina B., an 82-year-old wooden catboat built in Edgartown by Manuel Swartz Roberts, belongs to the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust. Mark takes guests out for a few hours at a time. Mark also sails Sea Chantey, a 40-year old fiberglass 22-foot catboat for personal use. In addition to his love for boating, Mark is also a sea chantey singer and storyteller.

Catboats and Catboaters
Grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit back, and enjoy the story about catboats told by a catboater along with some of his friends.