A sea witch is a type of marine creature that is often associated with legends and folklore. These mythical beings are said to have powerful magic abilities and are known for their connection to the sea and its creatures. The sea witch is commonly depicted as an old woman with long hair, sometimes adorned with seashells or seaweed. They are said to have skin that ranges from pale to green, and are often described as having scales or other aquatic features. These features are thought to be a manifestation of their deep connection to the water. Sea witches are believed to possess a variety of magical abilities.

WELCOME TO
THE SEA WITCH HOME PAGES

The Driscolls'
Blue Water Odyssey
with the Sea Witch
available on DVD
from Amazon.com.

INTRODUCTION
TO THE SEA WITCH HOME PAGES

In the webmaster's considerably biased opinion, if any boat ever deserved its own home page it would be Hugh Angelman's 36 foot auxiliary ketch, the Sea Witch � a boat that not only became a classic, but (in spite of the relatively small number that have been built), went on to win the Trans Pac race and become a "class" in itself � known as the "Sea Witch Class." It is a boat that has never since been equaled, much less surpassed, for romantic appearance and living space and comfort in a small cruising design.

New Feature � Sea Witches on Canvas

This is a "One Boat" (or, rather, one design), web site. It's "my boat" only in the sense that I've had a long and ongoing Love Affair with the design. Many others have fallen under the spell of Sea Witch too, and this site is intended as a place where they can all come together.

SEA WITCH
Auxiliary Ketch

35' 9"
31' 9"
13' 3"
5' 6"
11 to 14 tons
821 Sq. Ft.
Sleeps 8

As fellow Sea Witch admirer, Greg Jordan (owner of the Sea Spirit, Lobo de Mar), has put it, Sea Witch is, ". not merely a boat but a piece of art that evokes a romantic desire to break free from all the pomp and pretense. " (see quote at greater length below)

Sea Witch owners and other interested parties are invited to participate in this web page by submitting photos and information about their Sea Witch. If you have something to contribute to the Sea Witch Home Page, please feel free to make submissions by email in care of this webmaster at:

This site will remain under construction for the foreseeable future. And separate pages featuring photos, articles, and comments will be added from time to time. If you send material or information about a Sea Witch, be sure to let me know if you "don't" want your email address posted with your material or comments on this site.

Though this is a non-commercial web site, I do have an ulterior motive. I'm in hopes of eventually finding (and maybe obtaining), a set of p lans of the SEA WITCH. It is hoped we can make it possible that future Sea Witches will be built and Hugh Angelman and Charles Davies' crowning artistic achievement will be materially immortalized.

HISTORICAL THUMBNAIL OF SEA WITCH

Hugh Angelman designed Sea Witch in 1937. Stephen Carlson (owner of the American Marine built, Sea Quest), tells me that Dave Lee was Angelman's original collaborator on the design, but was apparently one of those invisible helping hands, and Charles Davies later became the acknowledged co-designer.

Angelman built the original Sea Witch for himself in 1939 at his Wilmington Boat Works in Wilmington, California, and sailed her for a year and a half before selling her. According to Dorothy Douglas:

"He found her to be comfortable at all times and with a fair turn of speed particularly on a reach. He failed to realize her fatal charm however, until he had sold her. Oh but the lucky fellow that he is, he built a duplicate, the Sea Rover, just able to launch before turning his ship yard over to work for the Navy. He said, 'Since I couldn't improve on her, I built a second Sea Witch.'" and Dorothy added, "We wonder if that could be possible."

Apparently Haldane and Dorothy Douglas were the ones who bought the Sea Witch from Angelman (or WILBO), and Dorothy penned an article about Sea Witch in an early magazine article (quoted in previous paragraph), the clipping of which remains in my possession. Unfortunately, the article was clipped but the identity and date of the magazine was not preserved (circa early 1940s).

The second Sea Witch, completed in 1941, was named Sea Rover and Angelman kept this one for many years. He and his wife, Leslie, made it their home in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

As shown above, the Sea Witch initially had only a single bowsprit, but Angelman decided to go the extra mile with the Sea Rover and put a double bowsprit on her. The owners of Sea Witch had him refit it the same fashion, so the two boats became true twins. Dorothy Douglas' article included the above photo by W. C. Sawyer, as well as the famous shot of the Sea Rover and Sea Witch (right, below) side by side, with Hugh Angelman between � with Sea Witch newly fitted out with bowsprit and jibboom.

The Sea Witch placed remarkably well in the 1949 and 1951 Transpac races from California to Honolulu, winning the 1951 race on corrected time. Stephen Carlson, of the Sea Quest, has dug up the headline from the TIME/CNN archives:

"Sea Witch Wins LA to Honolulu Race
July 30, 1951, 2,225 miles, 14 days, 14 hours, 46 minutes."

Transpac Plaque

That surprised a good many people, and sparked a great deal of interest in the design. It became a "class" in itself, and orders for more of the same started coming in. Additionally, Angelman and Davies sold several sets of plans to amateur boat builders.

Including those first two Sea Witches, about thirty have been built over the years. A few more of this design were built at Wilmington Boat Works. Some hull and keel design changes were made in the plans dated 1956 and most Sea Witches built afterwards, including the Golden Hind (built in 1959), have a reconfigured keel and forefoot.

American Marine in Hong Kong built close to a dozen in 1960-61 � more than any other yard. Cheoy Lee, also of Hong Kong, built half a dozen or so. Others were built in Taiwan, Vietnam, Denmark, and an undetermined number have been built by amateurs, mostly in the United States.

Two Sea Witches (the Sea Forth and Southern Cross ) starred, along with Cliff Robertson and Angie Dickinson, in the 1978 TV movie Overboard. The Sea Forth was in the Tahiti scenes and the Southern Cross in the California scenes. The movie is a Factor - Newland Production, owned by CBS).

(Current not available to the public).

Comment on SEA WITCH and OVERBOARD movie

"Beautiful boat. Angie's pretty gorgeous too!, 27 July 2006

". I did see a portion of it on TV back in 1978, but have since fallen in love with the make and model of the sailboat in the movie. A Hugh "Angelman" gaff rigged "Sea Witch" ketch. This specific boat's name is "Sea Forthe" . It's a Wooden hull Sailboat, built sometime in the 60's, and is by far the most incredibly beautiful "Angelman - Sea Witch" I have ever come across. Even if you're not a sailor, or even into boats for that matter, you would appreciate the boat, as it is not merely a boat but a piece of art that evokes a romantic desire to break free from all the pomp and pretense that is Los Angeles California or anywhere else similarly dysfunctional. "

Comment by Greg Jordan, owner of Lobo de Mar.

Here's a link to a 1978 article about the movie. http://news.google.com/newspapers. Link contributed by Stephen Carlson of the Sea Quest:

Bob Driscoll owned "the" Sea Witch after the Douglas family, and made a circumnavigation in her with his wife and children in the 1970s. He produced a great video account of his five year family adventure. Available from Bennett Marine Video for $24.95 VHS

Herb and Nancy Payson shucked their shore jobs and spent the next few years cruising with their children aboard their Sea Foam. Herb's books Blown Away (shown here with two dust jackets) and You Can't Blow Home Again, written as only Herb could, tell of their adventures and misadventures sailing the broad Pacific. Both books, as well as Herb's Advice to the Sealorn, can be found at Amazon.com.

The original Sea Witch is still sailing, and is presently owned by Henry and Barbara Whittier, home ported in Florida. The Sea Rover doesn't appear in the registry, and we were told she sunk in Ala Wai Yacht Basin, Honolulu. Robby Coleman has told us she is was salvaged and is now in Kauai. Many others are still around too.
It seems no Sea Witches have been built since 1974, mainly due to the growing popularity of plastic production designs and the increasing expense of building quality wooden boats. And there is one other very prominent reason � Sea Witch plans have not been available for many decades.

Sea witches are believed to possess a variety of magical abilities. They have the power to control the weather, conjure storms, and manipulate the ocean currents. They are also said to be able to communicate with marine creatures and control their movements.

DEDICATION AND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, I'm dedicating this site to the men who gave us the Sea Witch � "The Grand Old Man of Pacific Yachting," himself, Hugh Angelman (1886 � 1967), and to his long time business partner, and Sea Witch co-designer, Charles Davies ( � 1998). Both of these men have long passed into better cruising grounds, but their generous legacy lives on in many boats, hearts, and minds.

First three issues of Angelman News, dated March, April, and May of 1991. Contributed by Greg Jordan

The AOA published a newsletter called the Angelman News (Sent out from Pier 2, Berth 54, Long Beach, CA). Perhaps a web based version will someday be resurrected.

Well over a decade ago, Cynthia Curtis, then Research Associate for the WoodenBoat magazine (upon receiving my query about the availability of Sea Witch plans), sent me a packet of photocopies of several magazine articles featuring the Sea Witch. She filled in several gaps in my Sea Witch file. She didn't know whether the plans were available, but provided Charles Davies' address as a probable source for information. Ms. Curtis's effort, I'm sure, went far above and beyond the call of duty, and I remain most appreciative.

And, in addition to all who have written or published articles about the Sea Witch down through the years, I'd like to acknowledge WoodenBoat magazine itself, and its editors, along with writers Robby Coleman (owner of the Southern Cross), and Thomas G. Skahill, for the excellent article that appeared in WoodenBoat No. 147 (March/April 1999), entitled "The Grand Old Man of Pacific Yachting, the Enduring West Coast Legacy of Hugh Angelman" � and the "Pure SEA WITCH" sidebar by "RJC" (Robby Coleman), which included a drawing of the original 1937 lines of the Sea Witch � the first I had seen, and perhaps the first ever published. (See Robby & Lorraine Coleman's Web Site at: http://www.alohacouple.com ).

In 2005, I made the email acquaintance of Stephen Carlson, owner of Sea Quest (which he presently lives aboard in the San Francisco Bay area). Stephen sent me a considerable amount of helpful material including many fine photos of his beautifully restored boat. Perhaps more than anything else, Stephen caused me to create this web site. Until he sent me photos of his boat, the idea of a Sea Witch web site had just been another of those "something that ought to be" notions languishing in the back of my mind.

Last, but not least, I must acknowledge my late father, James R. Carr, who (in spite of remaining firmly anchored far inland in the Heartland), initially opened my eyes to the "world out there," and to cruising sail. He introduced me to Slocum and several other early world cruisers, showed me the fundamentals of celestial navigation and yacht design, and provided me with the books that still make up a large part of my cruising and boat designing and building library. And, of course, he introduced me to the Sea Witch.

ON-GOING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

At the time this site was launched, this landlocked webmaster had had contact with only one Sea Witch owner. Since then he has had the pleasure of meeting (via email), several other members of the Sea Witch and "Angelman" communities. All have offered encouragement and had something of interest to contribute.

Since I am endeavoring to keep the focus of this site strictly on the Sea Witch (rather than the much broader "Angelman/Davies/WILBO community"), some of the contributions have not been transformed into content on this site � but they are nonetheless very welcome and much appreciated. I'd particularly like to acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals:

• Stephen Carlson, owner of Sea Quest
• David and Janet Peters, former owner's of the Sea Mist .
• Greg Jordan, former owner of the Sea Spirit, Lobo de Mar
• George Hylkema, owner of the Sea Dragon
• Robby and Lorraine Coleman, owners of the Southern Cross
• Dr. Ted Nolan Thompson, former owner of Sea Belle
• Dwight Alderdyce, owner of the Hestviken
• Barbara and Henry Whittier, owners of Sea Witch
• Godwin Pelissero, Jr., son of former owners, Godwin, Sr. and Deborah Pelissero, contributed photos of Sea Witch .
• William Heritage, former owner of the Leeway, featured on the ( WILBO Page)
• Dave Lee, Jr., contributed photos for the WILBO and Sea Queen Pages.
• Beth Campbell and Jeff Berg, co-owners of Hannah Girl
• Gary Gero, owner of the Sea Pirate
• Barbara (Buchanan) Medders, contributed to WILBO page.
• Anita C. Mason, contributed to WILBO page.
• Robin (Carlson) Miles, contributed to WILBO page.
• Roger Marlin, former owner of the Golden Hind, has contributed images of the 1956 Sea Witch Plans.
• Mark Robertson, owner of the Sea Mist, has contributed images of the 1956 Sea Witch Plans.

And thanks to all of the Sea Witch owners who have contributed photos and information for display on the various individual Sea Witch pages featured on this site.

Webmaster: William R. Carr

Your are visitor number since 21 June, 2006. Thanks for visiting.

1960 American Marine Seawitch Ketch 36ft

Sea Forth is not just some old interesting boat, she's a show stopper, and elegant throughout the entirety of the yacht. The owners' long-term particular attention permeates the whole vessel, with lovely varnish, stylish upholstery, polished bronze, and even the bilges are spotless and look new.

Sea Forth turns heads whether she is underway, anchored, or participating in boat parades.

She was chosen for the movie "Overboard" in 1978, starring Angie Dickinson and Cliff Robertson, for the parts filmed in Tahiti.

This is a true ocean cruiser, in the epitome of the classic sense.

She's the only 36 foot yacht that didn't move when I stepped aboard. Like stepping onto the steps of a marble church. Steady.

Entering through the companionway, there is a hanging locker to starboard. There is equipment and storage access under the companionway steps. Galley is to port aft. Salon with centerline table and 2 convertible settees amidships. Forward is a single (or small double) berth to starboard, with an enclosed head compartment to port, and a vanity/drawers to port forward. Further forward in the V is a single pilot berth to port, and sail storage to starboard.

The pilot berth has a private entrance / sail locker access from the bow.

Several bronze opening portlights, and overhead hatches.

Topsides and hull constructed of teak carvel planking on double sawn yackal frames, with paneled teak and plywood bulkheads, and teak decks.

Bronze keel bolts, bronze fasteners.

Spruce masts and booms.

This yacht is hauled and inspected regularly by a marine surveyor specializing in wood boats. Recent surveys indicate a vessel rated in good condition.

The extreme quality of her original construction and materials, including solid teak planking, contributes to her longevity. Add meticulous care and maintenance by wood-boat enthusiasts, and you have a classic yacht specimen that attracts attention, interest and appreciation.

Sea witch marine

Built in 1957, by Pacific Coast Engineering of Alameda, California (hull #174) as the Sea Witch for Crowley Marine Services Incorporated of San Francisco, California.

In 1997, the tug was acquried by Resolve Towing and Salvage Incorporated of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Where she retained her name.

In 2003, the tug was acquired by the Empire Harbor Marine Company of Albany, New York. Where she was renamed as the Cayuga.

In 2005, the Empire Harbor Marine Company became the Port Albany Ventures Company of Albany, New York. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2009, Port Albany Ventures was acquired by the DonJon Marine Company of Hillside, New Jersey. Where the tug retained her name, and she was scrapped. The tug was single screw, rated at 2,200 horsepower.

• Vessel Name : SEA WITCH
• USCG Doc. No. : 273537
• Vessel Service : TOWING VESSEL
• IMO Number : 6508913
• Trade Indicator : Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
• Call Sign : WH8278
• Hull Material : STEEL
• Hull Number : 174
• Ship Builder : PACIFIC COAST ENGINEERING
• Year Built : 1957
• Length : 115

• Hull Breadth : 24.7
• Gross Tonnage : 293
• Net Tonnage : 106
• Previous Vessel Names :
  SEA WITCH, CAYUGA
• Previous Vessel Owners :
  Crowley Marine Services Inc., RESOLVE MARINE SERVICES INC, EMPIRE HARBOR MARINE INC, PORT ALBANY VENTURES LLC

This makes them incredibly powerful and feared by sailors and fishermen. According to legends, sea witches often lure sailors to their demise. They are believed to use their enchanting voices to call out to sailors, enticing them closer to the dangerous waters. Once the sailors are within reach, the sea witch would cast a spell, causing their ships to sink or be swallowed by the sea. However, not all sea witches are portrayed as evil beings. Some legends depict them as more neutral or even benevolent creatures. In some stories, they are known to help sailors in times of need, using their magic to guide ships to safety or provide valuable information about the weather and sea conditions. These sea witches are seen as protectors of the sea and its inhabitants. Sea witches have also found their place in modern literature and pop culture. They have become popular characters in books, movies, and even video games. These portrayals often highlight their mysterious nature and their deep connections to the ocean. In conclusion, sea witches are mythical marine creatures associated with legends and folklore. They possess powerful magic abilities and are often depicted as both alluring and dangerous. Whether portrayed as malevolent or benevolent, sea witches hold a fascination in our imagination and continue to capture our attention today..

Reviews for "The Deep Dwellers: Discovering the Hidden Life of Sea Witch Marine"

1. John - 2 stars - I recently took my boat to Sea Witch Marine for some repairs and was very disappointed with their service. The staff was rude and unhelpful, and it took them much longer than promised to fix the issues. When I finally got my boat back, the repairs were not done correctly and I had to take it to another mechanic to fix the mistakes. I would not recommend Sea Witch Marine to anyone looking for reliable and efficient boat repairs.

2. Sarah - 1 star - I had a terrible experience with Sea Witch Marine. Their pricing was exorbitant, and they tried to charge me for unnecessary repairs. The staff was incredibly unprofessional and seemed more interested in making money than providing quality service. I ended up taking my boat elsewhere and got the repairs done for a fraction of the cost. Stay away from Sea Witch Marine if you want to avoid unnecessary expenses and frustration.

3. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Sea Witch Marine when I first brought my boat to them, but unfortunately, they did not meet my expectations. The communication was poor, with the staff failing to keep me updated on the progress of the repairs. They also ended up charging me more than the initial estimate without any explanation. It was a hassle dealing with them, and I won't be returning or recommending their services to others.

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