1964 Colvin 40 – Chesapeake Bay Bugeye Ketch

The Story of RADIAN: A Classic Ketch

Early Beginnings

RADIAN’s keel was laid in early 1964, and the vessel was launched in June 1965. Built at Colvin Manufacturing in Mathews, Virginia, RADIAN is a rare wooden vessel designed and built by Thomas Colvin. Ray Kauffman, for whom the boat was built, also assisted in its construction. Another friend, Lt. Col. Dennis Fleming, USAF (RET), contributed to the build as well.

A Legacy of Adventure

Ray Kauffman had a storied history of sailing, having circumnavigated the globe in a 46-foot ketch called HURRICANE in the 1930s. He documented his adventures in the book “Hurricane’s Wake: Around the World in a Ketch,” published in 1942. This spirit of adventure was imbued in RADIAN, whose first three owners collectively held the vessel for 28 years. The previous owner, Jack, was the sole owner and skipper for the past 31 years.

A New Chapter

On July 10, 2024, my wife Anna and I purchased RADIAN. We are completely enthralled by her history and are dedicated to preserving her legacy. We understand the responsibility that comes with owning such a storied vessel and are committed to keeping her legacy alive.

Voyages and Races

RADIAN has sailed from Rockport, Maine, Toms River, New Jersey, Red Bank, New Jersey, Yorktown, Virginia, and Hampton, Virginia. We have enjoyed many voyages up and down the Bay and participated in the wooden boat division of “The Turkey Shoot Hospice Regatta” and the non-schooner division of “The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race.”

A Pirate’s Life

Known as a “resident” pirate ship in the Tidewater area, RADIAN has attended the Hampton Blackbeard Festival for the past 17 years, participating actively for the last seven. We have also been involved in the Yorktown Pirate Invasion and the Yorktown Tea Party for several years.

In the Media

RADIAN has been featured in Yachting Magazine, Wooden Boat Magazine, and various local newspapers, showcasing her storied history and beautiful craftsmanship.

Design and Construction

RADIAN is designed and registered as a Chesapeake Bay Bugeye Ketch, constructed in Skipjack fashion. However, the hull is closer to a New Haven Sharpie. It is built with 1/2-inch marine ply on Douglas fir frames. The deckhouse is made of red mahogany, and all trim is teak. The spars are white oak. Remarkably, all sails are self-tending from the cockpit, and all running rigging is hand-operated, as there are no winches on board this yacht.

RADIAN’s resilience and elegance continue to inspire all who sail with her, embodying a rich legacy of maritime history and adventure. Anna and I are honored to be her new custodians and look forward to many more voyages, keeping her spirit and history alive.