The Cape Ann Dory is a variant of the beach dory or Swampscott dory, both of which are decendants of the Banks dory. Cape Ann dories were often fitted with a small leg of mutton or bowsprit rig sail, a short folding centerboard, and washboards (bits of deck that run along side the boat to keep the water out when heeling). The decendants of the Cape Ann Dory are still raced as the Town Class. Due to their 'V'-shaped hulls, dories have a tendency to heel sharply at first, especially those which were more slab-sided than rounded.

Beach dories were designed to be launched behind a breakwater (structure) and into no more than a moderate surf for a day of fishing or lobstering. The oars were generally used to propel the boat to the fishing grounds and the afternoon wind would come up and allow the sails to be used for the return trip.

External Links

Town Class Homepage