Racing
Discover Beetle Cat racing, championship events, regatta traditions, and the competitive spirit of this historic one-design class.
Membership
Join the Beetle Cat community, connect with fellow sailors, and help preserve the traditions of this classic New England boat.
Buy a Beetle Cat
New Beetle Cats are only built by Beetle, Inc. and are only available in wood. There is no such thing as a fiberglass Beetle Cat.
CELEBRATING THE BEETLE CAT AND NEW ENGLAND SAILING
who we are
PRESERVING A NEW ENGLAND SAILING TRADITION
The Beetle Cat is a twelve-foot, gaff-rigged wooden catboat designed by John Beetle in 1921 and originally built by the Beetle family of New Bedford, Massachusetts, renowned for their whaleboats.
The New England Beetle Cat Boat Association (NEBCBA) was formed in New Bedford in 1940 following several years of informal regattas. Originally established to provide an annual junior championship, the Association grew to sponsor championships for both junior and adult Beetle Cat sailors.
Today, NEBCBA promotes the maintenance, restoration, preservation, sailing, and racing of the Beetle Cat. The Association continues to celebrate this historic wooden one-design while carrying its traditions and fellowship forward for future generations.
Beetle Cats unite generations through racing, tradition, and fellowship, preserving a treasured New England sailing heritage.
EXPLORE THE BEETLE CAT
For generations, the Beetle Cat has remained a distinctive part of New England sailing, bringing together sailors who value tradition, competition, craftsmanship, and community. The New England Beetle Cat Boat Association supports this enduring one-design through racing, championships, class standards, preservation, and fellowship. Explore the people, events, and traditions that continue to keep Beetle Cat sailing active on New England waters and thriving for future generations across the region.
RACING & REGATTAS
Discover Beetle Cat regattas and racing traditions that bring sailors together for spirited competition on waters throughout New England each sailing season and beyond.
CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
Explore championship results, notable skippers, winning clubs, and the generations of sailors who have shaped the competitive history of Beetle Cat racing through generations.
Class Specifications
Review the measurements, sail requirements, and class standards that help preserve the traditional design and one-design character of the historic Beetle Cat for racing.
BEETLE CAT SAILING BRINGS ALL GENERATIONS TOGETHER
Beetle Cat sailing has long welcomed families, friends, and young sailors, creating memorable experiences on the water while passing New England traditions forward together proudly.
From first sails to competitive racing, the Beetle Cat offers an approachable way for sailors of different ages to learn, participate, and grow together confidently.
NEBCBA encourages participation through racing, championships, community events, and shared knowledge, helping new sailors discover the character and enjoyment of this historic wooden boat firsthand.
These experiences strengthen the Beetle Cat community, connecting generations through seamanship, friendship, competition, and a lasting appreciation for one of New England’s sailing traditions today.
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