The cat-ketch JANE ANN—18' LOA, with a beam of 5' 6"—is builder Mike Kiefer’s interpretation of the lapstrake daysailer Robin, designed by naval architect Rob Pittaway, formerly of Mystic Seaport. Robin was originally conceived as a trailerable open boat that could be sailed or rowed for short distances in New England’s coastal waters. Pittaway said his design was inspired in part by Nathanael Herreshoff’s Columbia Lifeboat Tender, which has a striking resemblance to JANE ANN.Kiefer, a South Haven, Michigan-based boatbuilder, modified Pittaway’s design by adding a short foredeck, 3" side decks, an aft deck with a lazarette underneath, and a steam-bent white-oak coaming, which combine to scatter spray in open waters. A motor mount bolted to the aft deck accommodates a 3-hp long-shaft outboard for auxiliary power to get in and out of channels on the Great Lakes, where few natural harbors exist. Two rowing stations provide alternative propulsion, but maneuvering under oars in relatively long and narrow Great Lakes channels, with surging waters and heavy traffic, can be a tricky proposition.Robin’s original rig called for a mainsail with a diagonal sprit and a mizzen with a horizontal sprit. There were no headsails. Under Kiefer’s interpretation, JANE ANN is rigged with a balance lug mainsail, which has a boom, while the mizzen setup remains unchanged. Collectively, the Robin’s sails carry 103 sq ft of Dacron (70 on the main, 33 on the mizzen).
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What a nice boat.
Are plans available for purchase?
Mike Kiefer of Great Lakes Boat Building Company closed his business a few years ago. I left a message with designer Rob Pittaway but haven’t heard back from him. He may be retired. If I find that plans area available, I’ll provide information at the end of the article.
—Ed.