Morning Light

The racing yacht Pyewacket was launched in 2004, marking a significant milestone in yacht design and technology. It was crafted expertly from carbon fiber, showcasing cutting-edge innovation and engineering in the boating world.

Pyewacket featured an innovative canting keel that shifted from one side to the other, enhancing its speed capabilities. This revolutionary design made it the largest boat of its kind at the time, pushing the boundaries of competitive sailing.

The yacht's mast reaches an impressive height of 120 feet, contributing to its remarkable sailing performance. This height allows Pyewacket to harness wind energy more effectively, further emphasizing its advanced design.

Prominent sailing columnist Rich Roberts recognized Pyewacket as part of a new evolutionary class of boats. He noted that these yachts could sail faster than the wind in light to moderate conditions, requiring a high level of sailing skill to manage effectively.

The yacht's name, Pyewacket, is inspired by a cat character from the classic film 'Bell, Book and Candle.' This choice reflects a unique cultural reference and adds character to the vessel.

The author fondly recalls bringing Pyewacket to a dock at the Aloha Tower Marketplace in downtown Honolulu Harbor. This location was chosen due to the yacht's large size, showcasing the need for special accommodations for such an impressive vessel.

Pyewacket competed in the Transpac race, making headlines as the largest racing sloop in the event. Due to its dimensions, it could not be accommodated at the local yacht clubs, representing a challenge for event organizers.

Because of its substantial size, Pyewacket could only dock at facilities designed for massive ocean liners like the QE2 and Queen Mary II. This situation demonstrated the yacht's exceptional scale and the logistical challenges it presented.

Even years after its launch, Pyewacket remains one of only a handful of yachts incorporating the cutting-edge canting keel design. Its legacy continues to inspire advancements in yacht technology and racing performance.

In retrospective admiration, the author notes that Pyewacket is an utterly magnificent boat. This sentiment underscores the vessel's beauty and the technological marvel it represents in the world of sailing.