C/S/K

They rode a remarkable wave of opportunity that embraced the California "surf" lifestyle, the public desire for modern "Jetsons" technology, and the South Seas "Tiki" fad that swept the country - From Trader Vic's to Gilligan's Island.

2 C/S/K cats beached in front of the Outrigger Canoe Club, Hawaii.
Photo: Scoop Tsuzuki, Catamarans Offshore.

C/S/K was an authentic member of the great California wave. It was a part of the movement -- a trend setter, not a follower. The firm had a unique caché, with Hollywood movie stars and LA elite for customers. Nevertheless, every wave finally breaks and so did C/S/K - a result of an economic recession at the end of the 1960's - but not before designing and building about a hundred beautiful catamarans. Unlike the concurrent home-built multihull movement (exemplified by Arthur Piver) C/S/K cats were yachts - built to the highest standards. Their fit, finish and price was in line with other top yachts of the era. They were campaigned by wealthy owners who spared no expense - from a top drawer sail inventory to matching Aloha shirts for the crew.

C/S/K was a perfectly American partnership, being made from a native Hawaiian, a Korean-American, and a New Jersey Anglo Saxon. They were all brought together by a love for the Pacific ocean and sailing, an appreciation for the canoes of the Pacific Islanders, and a drive for excellence. I consider them a gift to sailing; the 'Sparkman & Stephens' of multihulls. In the best tradition of patronage, their visions were made real by people who appreciated their innate passion and ability. Like modern day Michelangelos, it granted them remarkable freedom to create what they really wanted.

Comparing a California yacht design firm to Renaissance artists is maybe a stretch, but I don't think so. The 1960's were in every sense of the word a Renaissance of American culture. The Italian Renaissance artists not only painted and sculpted. They invented new pigment technology and ways to apply them (plywood, fiberglass cloth and polyester resin). They explored radical new themes (multihulls). They were drawn to classical traditions outside and older than themselves (ancient Polynesia). They practiced in a defined geographical location that amplified their creativity (California). They attracted wealthy and influential patronage (Hollywood movie stars), and they were charged with the idea that they were part of something new and worthwhile.

C/S/K was:

• Rudy Choy - Choy was the naval architect. He grew up in Hawaii, worked as a Waikiki beach boy, and was present at the dawn/creation of the post-war multihull boom. A gifted designer, excellent helmsman, eloquent writer and determined promoter, he was the driving force behind the firm.
• Warren Seaman - Seaman was the consummate California waterman. He designed the famous Malibu Outrigger. Seaman designed the scantlings for the boats, and was also a coveted trimmer on any ocean race.
• Alfred Kumalae - Gifted engineer, builder and wood worker, and steeped in Polynesian canoe wisdom, Kumalae was the "ground" from which grew the firm's authentic Polynesian roots.
• Vince Bartolone - Not an original partner, Bartolone joined the firm in the early '60's, and was the artist and draftsman largely responsible for the character and style of C/S/K designs.

The C/S/K legacy continues today at Choy Design in Hawaii - with Rudy's son Barry Choy at the helm.

Some C/S/K Cats

What yacht represents the "Sistine Chapel" of C/S/K? Well, I'm not qualified to say, but I am presenting my personal favorites.

Manu Kai - 1947

Manu Kai at Waikiki.
Photo: Scoop Tsuzaki, Catamarans Offshore.

A forebear of C/S/K, the 38'-6" Manu Kai was designed and built in Hawaii by Woody Brown. Woody was inspired by the sailing canoes he had seen in the the Pacific during his tour of duty in WWII. His knowledge of aerodynamics and lightweight glider construction led to the remarkable cross-pollination of cultures that resulted in the first catamaran of the modern era. Woody was a Waikiki Beach Boy, along with Alfred and Rudy, so this catamaran was the catalyst for all that came after.

Aikane - 1957

Aikane.
Photo: Sir Michael Ian Bruce, Sea Quest.

Owned by Ken Murphy and the first big cat design of Rudy Choy, The 46' Aikane was a resounding success - being first to finish in the 1957 Newport/Ensenada and the Trans-Pac. Aesthetically, She continued the style of the Waikiki beach boats, but in a newly refined manner that created a taut and beautifully balanced design. The bridge deck is a streamlined airfoil shape, and the deck cabin is perfectly proportioned. The sheerline is "just so" and the continuation of the sheer into the marvelous rudder is perfect. Of all the C/S/K designs, this is my favorite.

Patty Cat II - 1964

Pattycat II - first to finish 1966 NOSA Newport-Ensenada race.
Photo: Logan Lockaby, Catamarans Offshore.

An exceptionally well-proportioned catamaran, 44' PC II exemplifies the reverse sheer style of C/S/K. Radically light for its day, PC II still maintained perfectly cruisable interior volume and amenities. She won the 1966 Multihull Trans-Pac.

If anyone has some stories or anecdotes about C/S/K and their boats, please post them below.

Comments

• From 1968 to 1979, I owned a beach cat [approx 22’ WLL, asymetrical hull], which I sailed on the Chesapeake Bay. According to the previous owner, the boat was built by Rudy Choy and Woody Brown, I think he said around 1959. It was fiberglass over mahogany plywood. I’m interested in any info available on the history and construction of those beach cats. I have photos which I’ll gladly email to anyone interested.

  Posted by  on  07/19  at  10:37 AM

• Having grown up on Ipo Kai (38’ CSK #79), it was a dream come true to find a 27’ CSK for sale well in my budget and in need of some TLC. She has been relaunched and (following my daughter) is my pride and joy. She is a dream to sail!
  I have started a Yahoo group specifically for CSK catamarans and encourage anyone to join. Follow the posted URL.
  “Hula Kai” as she has been renamed, was built in Malibu in 1963 and is design #36, which was put to paper in 1961. I have many pictures of all the CSK cats and would like to collect more. (Michel, I would love to see the photos you have!) Also, if there is anyone interested in the details of construction, I have a large collection of the original plans to many of the boats. I welcome all emails and questions!

  Posted by Frank Russell  on  07/19  at  10:13 PM

• Well, I’m now a member in good standing of the CSK catamarans Yahoo Group! I envy your luck in finding a small CSK to restore - it would be like finding an old Bugatti in a barn!

  Posted by  on  07/21  at  09:46 AM

• You will find many pictures of C/S/K Catamarans in the 60’s on this website. This website is for the Toru a 36’ LOA Ocean Racing Catamaran that has been hidden away for 30 years in a building in Vancouver Canada.

  Posted by Linda Jones  on  11/12  at  11:47 PM

• I am in San Diego, currently renovating the Lani Kai; 46ft CSK, that I beleive was originally launched in 1960-62. Any info on this cat would be appreciated.

  Posted by  on  01/08  at  04:23 PM

• hello, can anyone help me find photos of ancient catamarans , have a home in the philippines where i hope to retire and build a catamaran, have no experinance with boats, but am a street rod builder, plans of a ancient catamaran would be great, any advice would be acepted

  Posted by  on  03/14  at  06:30 PM

• It is hard to tell because the picture is small but I believe the catamaran in the forgound of the first photo of cats on the outrigger beach is Antigone. I now own a run this Rudy Choy designed catamaran commercially in Honolulu, Hawaii. She has since been rechristened and sails under the name Royal Hawaiian. If possible please email me a full size version of the photo for verification and I use on my website.

  Posted by Captain Kelly Faulkner  on  04/12  at  09:35 PM

• Hi Kelly,
  The boat in the foreground of the picture is ‘Glass Slipper II’, not quite a sistership to ‘Antigone’. I may have a high res photo of Antigone somewhere. Email me directly and I’ll get it to you....
  All the best..

  Posted by  on  05/20  at  08:37 PM

• Hey David C here.I was the owner of the Cheshire Cat (CSK)from 1974 til 1988. I had to sell her then lost track of her.Does any know where she is.If so please contact me if you would. David

  Posted by  on  05/29  at  10:23 PM

• Hi David, you should post your inquiry at:

  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cskcatamarans

  There are a couple of people who will be able to tell you most anything about your boat.

  Posted by  on  05/30  at  03:29 AM

• This makes me want to go sailing!

  Posted by Hawaii  on  09/01  at  06:28 PM

• I was attracted to naval stuff since i was born, god i love my parents for letting me find my vocation.

  Posted by marine  on  11/20  at  08:46 AM

• as a kid ( 53/54) I would get a ride to the surf on the rudder on Manu Kai on waikiki beach and now I learned about rudy’s desigh of the hull is very interesting now.. would like to see drawings andwhat ever..love to buy on old one too..robin metze

  Posted by  on  01/04  at  05:44 PM