Overview

Triumph was built by Jim Melcher and his family in 1969 in Orleans MA from plans drawn by the acclaimed Lower Cape marine architect, Peter Culler.  The boat is perfect for the shallow waters of Pleasant Bay as it can operate in as little as 2 1/2 feet of water, due to its leeboards and small skeg.  This is a double masted, gaff rigged 46' wooden ketch with a jib, main and mizzen and it sleeps six in its cabin.   It is comfortable with ten sailors onboard and crew.

For many years campers at Pleasant Bay Camp located on Little Pleasant Bay in South Orleans, MA enjoyed day sails to the Outside Beach (OSB) and other special day sails onboard the sturdy vessel.  In the off season the Melcher family took the boat all the way down to Florida and Bermuda while the children were homeschooled on board. 

 Triumph Sails is excited to announce the board has chosen Shaw & Tenney to build our replacement masts in 2025 ! 

Shaw & Tenney, founded in 1858, is one of America’s oldest and most respected manufacturers of traditional wooden masts and spars, as well as oars and paddles. Located in the heart of Maine, the workshop has been crafting high-quality products for over 165 years.  Triumph Sails is honored to work with a company preserving the timeless art and maritime history through wooden craftsmanship. Triumph must replace both its mast which will be meticulously constructed with the finest materials to ensure durability and beauty that withstand the years to come.  We look forward to next season when our new masts will be installed by Roger Carroll's Boat Shop  in Chatham.

Owner, Neil Gutekunst, writes, "At Shaw & Tenney, we take pride in supporting sailors and maritime enthusiasts across the globe, from recreational boaters to educators who inspire the next generation of sailors. Our collaboration with organizations like yours reflects our commitment to preserving the heritage of sailing while empowering communities to connect with the sea. We’re honored to be a part of your mission to teach the art of sailing, and we’re thrilled that our masts will serve as a foundation for your ship’s journey and the stories it will tell."

This level of craftsmanship and quality do come at a cost.  As the year comes to a close please consider making a tax deductible charitable contribution of any amount.  100% of all donations go directly to the maintenance of Triumph and all those involved in Triumph Sails, Inc are volunteers.  Please go to hit the DONATE NOW button.

Triumph will soon be in a slip for the winter in Saquatucket Harbor, Harwich, MA and we expect to hual her in the spring and put her in Roger Carool's Boat Shop for rannual eparits.

Triumph Sails will be focusing on providing  "at risk" individuals with the opportunity to learn to sail a wooden boat and to be immersed in the marine environment of Lower Cape Cod