scuttlebutt
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:30:08 +1000
Subject: Scuttlebutt_6451_–_June_27,_2025
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Scuttlebutt Sailing News [1]
Friday, June 27, 2025 - Issue 6451
Now based in North Kingstown Rhode Island, Sparcraft is committed to supporting the US market with experienced technical support and on-hand inventory.
This newsletter is provided through the support of its sponsors, delivering a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions, features and dock talk…with a North American focus.
Today's sponsors:
US Sailing - Wichard Groupe North America - Maine Boat & Home Show
JOIN THE SCUTTLEBUTT SAILING CLUB [2]
Scuttlebutt Sailing Club, the official club of Scuttlebutt Sailing News, officially sanctioned by US Sailing since 2001, and officially available to all Scuttlebutt readers. SSC fulfills the racing rule which requires club membership. For details, click here [2].
Making it safe to come and play again [3]
by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
It was early in 2020, before the pandemic gained traction, when New York Yacht Club hosted me for a presentation on the sport. They were considering the direction of their racing calendar, and I used the opportunity to share all my rants that had accrued over the years.
Among my points was how the seriousness of weekend regattas had risen due to format. What elite racers want is not good for everyone which impacts participation. This year, the NYYC introduced new features [4] to address this trend at the 171st edition of their Annual Regatta, and now North Sails is promoting the Regatta Refresh [5] initiative to throw the ball further.
What did I say in 2020? Here’s an excerpt:
At some point in time our pursuit of perfection took over our weekend regattas, and every course configuration became windward-leewards, and every event took on the format of a world championship.
So for decades now we have been promoting a plan that emphasizes excellent crew work, refined tactics, elite speed, and in handicap racing, benefits modern boats that have efficient layouts. Plus now, the trend has been to get as many races in a day as possible.
We have effectively squeezed out the casual competitors, and worse, socializing may be getting sacrificed too.
None of this is a growth formula, but conversely we see great participation when events set the tone through shorter days, random courses, and strong after parties. There is a reason why mid-week racing is so popular.
While certain events should hold high standards and perfect course types, the lunchbox crowd can’t be forgotten. However, changing the NOR isn’t enough if seeking to bring people back to the sport. You’ve got to pull out your landline, dial numbers, and convince people it is safe to come out and play again.
————–
Click here [6] for the presentation summary.
[7]
Register for a Reach Educator Course! [8]
If you are a sailing instructor, program leader, parent, volunteer, or supporter, US Sailing has THREE exciting courses coming up – both are online and require no prior certifications to take the courses.
The Reach STEM Educator Course provides training in how to deliver US Sailing’s Reach Program [9] which challenges youth to embrace education, establish a love of learning, and explore STEM based careers through hands-on, authentic learning experiences. Being Reach educator trained will help you deliver fun, educational lessons combining STEM and sailing to your sailors.
Dates:
• August 17-26
• October 26-November 4
• November 9-18
Read on and Register: [8]
Having the capability to save lives [10]
George Day [11] offers advice in the Cruising Compass [12] on what can help us live longer:
On September 10, 1982, three passengers aboard a light aircraft crashed into the sea off the Canadian Maritimes. They were able to deploy their life raft and they had with them the earliest version an Emergency Position Indicating Beacon (EPIRB). They switched it on and set in motion the very first COSPAS-SARSAT rescue.
They were found and rescued in a matter of hours instead of the days such search and rescue missions took before the satellite rescue system was in place. Since then, more than 50,000 people have been saved from a watery end by EPIRB technology.
For those of use heading offshore, the risk of losing the boat is relatively small, albeit real, so carrying an EPIRB is essential. But, the risk of falling overboard is more common and the window of success for making an MOB rescue is usually quite short. – Full report [13]
[14]
Riding the rising USA tide [15]
America One Racing [16], as the largest private financial supporter of USA sailors who strive to win at the highest levels, is witnessing the fruits of their labor. Pivoting in 2023 [17] to a hands-on organization with coaches and training plans, A1R shares some updates:
• At the Wingfoil World Cup in Silvaplana, their first-ever international competition in wingfoiling, the A1R athletes demonstrated not only raw speed and technical skill, but also the strategic mindset and team cohesion that define elite-level sport. - Full report [18]
• America One Racing’s Foiling Pipeline continues to deliver outstanding results, with A1R athletes winning three national titles at the US Sailing Singlehanded and Wingfoil National Championships. These victories demonstrate the value of A1R’s long-term development pathway. - Full report [19]
• After finishing third in the iQFOiL at the 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships, 18-year-old Makani Andrews [20] is one of the rising stars for the USA, and shares his recent progress in this report: click here [15]
[21]
How would you decide this? [22]
Dave Perry’s 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes [23] highlights specific aspects of the racing rules in a fun format designed to help you become more familiar with The Racing Rules of Sailing. Here is one of the quizzes:
Quiz 39
Boats PI, on port tack, and SO, on starboard tack, are sailing dead downwind bow to bow approaching a leeward mark to be left to port with PI on the inside. When a length from the mark, PI bears off slightly so that she can round the mark leaving it to port without touching it. The booms of the two boats make contact with no damage or injury. SO hails, “Starboard!” and PI hails, “Room!” Both boats hail, “Protest!” SO rounds the mark behind PI. Neither boat takes a penalty.
You are on the protest committee...how would you decide this? For answer, click here [22].
[24]
Solo beach cat from California to Hawaii [25]
After previously setting two world records, Chris Bertish set off on his next adventure as he attempts to be the first person to sail in an open beach catamaran from San Diego to Oahu, Hawaii.
South African adventurer Chris Bertish set sail from Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego on June 24 for a three-week journey using wind and current to cross the Pacific Ocean in an open 20-foot beach catamaran, by himself, with no stops — “TransCat Expedition 2025 – Oceans Without Borders.”
Bertish is a 2010 Mavericks Big Wave Surfing Champion, and in 2017, became the first and only person to stand-up paddle across the Atlantic Ocean, unsupported and by himself, in 93 days from Morocco to Antigua. He also was the first person to wing foil across the Pacific Ocean from Santa Cruz, California to Honolulu, Hawaii, by himself and unsupported in 2022. – Full report [26]
[27]
Craig Wood: Mission Accomplished [28]
A former soldier has become the first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean. Craig Wood, 33, from Doncaster, arrived at Hiroshima in Japan on June 24, 90 days after leaving Puerto Vallarta in Mexico [29].
Sailing his 40-foot aluminum catamaran, he said he hoped to show anyone living as an amputee that “you can achieve any goal you set out to – there are no limits. I’m exhausted – but so proud to complete an expedition that many thought impossible.”
The former rifleman was posted to Afghanistan shortly after his 18th birthday, but three months later he lost both legs and his left hand in a blast from an improvised explosive device. – Full report [30]
[31]
Sparcraft – Global Trust, Local Support [32]
At Sparcraft, we’re committed to supporting every sailor in the US market.
Our facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island is home to our local mast and spar assembly operations, our rigging and service center, and a large inventory of spare parts for existing Sparcraft spars. Got questions about your rig? Need parts or service? Contact our team today.
• New mast systems: Custom-engineered spars, with OEM
factory specifications or tailored to accommodate your individual needs
• Replacement spars: for damaged or aging masts and booms
• The best inventory of spare parts: readily available inventory for quick delivery
• Expert technical support: direct access to our experienced team, here to help find solutions for any questions large or small
As a member of Wichard Groupe North America, Sparcraft is conveniently located in the same building as other sailing brands including Wichard, Profurl, Facnor, Ronstan, and Robline Ropes, creating a one-stop sailing supercenter.
Contact Sparcraft [mailto:sales@wichardgroupena.com]
SailGP moves on from USA in 2026 [33]
The SailGP sports league has revealed 12 events for its forthcoming 2026 season, reflecting a shift away from the USA as the international circuit explores new territory and returns to popular venues.
Missing from the schedule is Los Angeles which in 2024 and 2025 had a small venue in San Pedro with weeds, plus its March dates assured random winter weather. As the busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere, San Pedro also lacked panache to get big city attention.
Also not included is San Francisco which had been a regular destination from the league's first season. Considered the top ranked tourism city in the USA, there would be little motivation for the City to pay big hosting fees, plus having an event during the best winds of the summer creates logistical problems. - Full report [33]
[34]
Riding a cold front across the Atlantic [35]
Eleven teams crossed the start line on June 18 for the Transatlantic Race 2025, leaving Newport, RI for the 3000nm course to the finish off Cowes, England. Here's an update on June 26, 2025:
Volvo 70 Tschüss 2 (USA), owned by Christian Zugel and co-skippered by Johnny Mordaunt, has taken Line Honors in the West to East Transatlantic Race 2025 in an elapsed time of 07 Day 15 Hrs 29 Mins and 10 Secs.
Formerly known as Wizard, the Tschüss 2 crew was comprised of Zugel, Mordaunt, Al Fraser, Andrew McLean, Campbell Field, Christopher Welch, Edward Myers, Fredric Shanks, Neal McDonald, Nicholas O'Leary, Pete Cumming, Stefano Nava, Stu Bannatyne, and Trystan Seal. - Full report [35]
[36]
Ultimate expression of endurance [37]
Ferrari has entered the world of sailing with their Hypersail project [38] led by Italian yachtsman Giovanni Soldini that it said would blend racing tradition with technological innovation.
The world’s first 100-foot monohull ocean racing yacht with a foil on the keel has been designed by French naval architect Guillaume Verdier and is being built at an undisclosed location in Italy with a launch scheduled for 2026.
“It perfectly aligns with Ferrari’s tradition, drawing inspiration from our Hypercar, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Ferrari Chairman John Elkann. “Designing a yacht for offshore racing is perhaps the ultimate expression of endurance.”
Soldini had raced and pursued records for Maserati on a VO70 and MOD70 from 2012 to 2024. – Full report [39]
[40]
Three of a kind at Optimist Worlds [41]
There is no youth boat as prevalent worldwide as the Optimist which provides racing for kids 15 years of age and younger. The Optimist World Championship attracts the best of the best, with 287 sailors representing 66 nations at the 2025 edition [42] on June 28-July 5 in Portoro˛, Slovenia.
Up to five sailors are allowed from a nation, with Ireland’s team including three sisters. Maeve, Emily, and Lily Donagh are part of a five-strong Irish team – the first time three siblings have represented Ireland and possibly any nation.
Each sister earned her place on the team through strong performances at the national trials. At the Irish Sailing Youth Nationals in April, Maeve, Emily, and Lily finished first, second, and third respectively, after ten races against the country’s top 50 Optimist sailors. They repeated this result three weeks later at the Optimist Leinster Championships, once again claiming the top three spots. – Full report [43]
[44]
Saturday Night’s alright for cruising [45]
The Centerport Yacht Club (Centerport, NY) wants more of their “weekend warrior” members to get off moorings and join the fleet on the Club’s monthly overnight cruises. Their plan? Sing a song.
The CYC Cruising Committee went into the studio to record a parody song, 'Saturday Night’s Alright For Cruising' (a takeoff on Elton John’s 1973 hit 'Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting'), and is expected to soon be heard at raft-ups across Long Island Sound.
Created by member and Cruising Co-Chair Amy Jane Finnerty (whose previous hits include the holiday classics ' Santa Baby (I Want A Yacht) [46]' and ' Baby It’s Cold Outside (The Frostbiting Song) [47]', it features lead vocals by one of the club’s own yacht rock stars, "Fleet Captain Fantastic" Phil Udvadia. To watch, click here [45].
[48]
Maine Boat & Home Show is back, August 8-10, 2025 [49]
If you love the coast of Maine, you won't want to miss this high-end, summer event in Rockland, Maine, the second weekend in August.
Each year, we gather Maine's finest artists, boatbuilders, craftsmen, designers, furniture makers, jewelers, and marine gear vendors together in ONE place at ONE time! Meet them all in person at the annual Maine Boat & Home Show.
The Maine Boat & Home Show is the largest in-the-water boat show north of Newport. This event features boats in the water and boats on land, combined with dozens of Maine’s most talented craftspeople on one spectacular waterfront site. It represents all of the essential components for living the good life on the coast of Maine.
A full schedule of events and activities includes:
• Daily live music
• Exhibitor-hosted seminars
• Panel discussions on buying and owning a boat
• Plein Air Art Show
• Kid’s Area with games and fun
• Array of food trucks
The Maine Boat & Home Show is produced by the internationally acclaimed Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine.
Admission: $15 adult ticket (under 12 always get in free). Gates open at 10 a.m. daily, no pets allowed. For more INFORMATION and TICKETS, visit: [49].
This show is a must for everyone who enjoys life on the Maine coast. Bring the whole family and celebrate summer at the Maine Boat & Home Show.
See you August 8-10, 2025 on the Rockland waterfront!
Hey, we like Scuttlebutt beer too! [50]
Cal Raleigh is terrorizing Major League Baseball. The Seattle Mariners Catcher leads all players [51] in home runs and runs batted in, and now he is well positioned off the field with his partnership with Scuttlebutt Brewing in Everett, WA.
In August, Scuttlebutt Brewing will release Big Dumper Beer, which the brewery created with input from the Cal Raleigh himself. The beer is described as a crisp, crushable lager. They’ll debut the beer at a special release event at the brewery in Everett.
“Partnering with Scuttlebutt is a no-brainer,” said Raleigh. “They represent everything I love about the PNW—creative, local, and all about quality. I’ve been a fan of their beers since I first visited the Taproom during my time in Everett, and now I get to be part of the crew. Excited to work with a Washington original.” – Full report [52]
[53]
DOCK TALK
2025-26 Canadian Sailing Team [54]
Sail Canada has confirmed the 2025-26 Canadian Sailing Team, naming 21 athletes based on the Canadian Sailing Team Sport Canada Carding Criteria as well as on their overall performance over the 2024-25 season. - Full report [54]
[55]
Newport Harbor tops women’s team race [56]
Newport Harbor Yacht Club won the 5th edition of the National Women’s Invitational Team Race for the Thayer Trophy, held June 20-22 in Marblehead, MA. Six teams competed in the 3v3 format sailed in 23-foot Sonar keelboats with spinnakers. - Full report [56]
[57]
Provide opportunities for disabled sailors [58]
The 23rd C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta on June 18-22 hosted 30 sailors with disabilities for a two-day coaching clinic and three days of racing in Newport, RI. - Full report [58]
[59]
2025 US Wingfoil Championship [60]
The 2025 US Wingfoil Championship attracted 41 people to compete on June 20-22 in multiple formats - Windward-Leeward courses, Slalom courses, and a Long-Distance race - in San Francisco, CA. After a qualifying series and medal round in winds from 15 to 30 knots, New Zealander Sean Herbert emerged as the clear victor, winning all but one of the races. - Full report [60]
[61]
Eight Bells: Hugh Treharne [62]
Hugh Treharne OAM, Hall of Fame Inductee and Australian sailing legend, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 24, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Treharne passed away after a long illness at 84 years of age.
Treharne will be best recognized for his role as tactician aboard Australia II during its historic 1983 America’s Cup victory, where he played an instrumental role in one of the most iconic moments in Australian sporting history. That triumph not only ended the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year winning streak, but also elevated sailing to the national stage and inspired a generation of Australians. - Full report [62]
[63]
GUEST COMMENTARY
Scuttlebutt strongly encourages feedback from the Scuttlebutt community. You can add your comments directly to stories on the website [64] or submit commentary by email [mailto:editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com]. Please save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere.
THAT WAS THEN. THIS IS NOW. ( #6450 [65])
What John Shadden said made sense then, and it still makes sense now. His comment was about a race that was "only" 1 hour and 5 minutes long, while my recollection was that races (Olympic course was Triangle, Windward, Leeward, Windward) were close to 2 hours in length.
Just my opinion, but the longer course removes more of the "luck" element:
• Good luck, like some newbie bangs a corner and gets a lucky shift
• Bad luck, like someone fouls you at the start and messes up your race
Either way, the LONGER race will allow the BETTER sailor (superior boat speed, boat handling, strategy, and tactics) time to catch up.
- Allison Jolly, Hall of Fame, 2019
Editor’s note: Yet the sport has gone the other direction with shorter races which should help less skilled sailors who get lucky, or deny enough “catch up” time for the most skilled. While this should encourage participation, the sport has been shrinking. Coincidence?
CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION
“Life is trying things to see if they work.” - Ray Bradbury
SPONSORS THIS WEEK
BSI - New York Yacht Club - UK Sailmakers - US Sailing - Wichard Groupe North America - Maine Boat & Home Show
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[1] http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com
[2] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/about-scuttlebutt/join-the-scuttlebutt-sailing-club/
[3] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/25/making-it-safe-to-come-and-play-again/
[4] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/03/12/not-every-regatta-is-a-world-championship/
[5] https://www.northsails.com/en-us/blogs/north-sails-blog/regatta-refresh-a-new-era-of-fun-competitive-sailing
[6] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2020/04/16/the-state-of-the-sport-in-2020/
[7] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-m/
[8] https://www.ussailing.org/education/youth/reach/courses/
[9] https://www.ussailing.org/education/youth/reach/curriculum/
[10] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/26/having-the-capability-to-save-lives/
[11] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/tag/george-day/
[12] https://www.bwsailing.com/cc/
[13] https://www.bwsailing.com/cc/2025/06/a-personal-locator-beacons-with-ais-capability-will-save-your-life/
[14] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-c/
[15] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/26/riding-the-rising-usa-tide/
[16] https://www.americaoneracing.us/
[17] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/01/31/what-is-america-one-racing/
[18] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Silvaplana-wingfoil-world-cup-1.pdf
[19] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/America-One-Racing-Foiling-Pipeline-shines-.pdf
[20] https://makaniandrews.com/
[21] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-q/
[22] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/25/how-would-you-decide-this-9/
[23] https://ussailing.store/collections/race/products/100-best-racing-rules-quizzes-through-2028
[24] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-yd/
[25] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/25/solo-beach-cat-from-california-to-hawaii/
[26] https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/man-sets-sail-as-first-to-attempt-crossing-pacific-ocean-in-beach-catamaran-from-san-diego-to-hawaii/
[27] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-tj/
[28] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/25/craig-wood-mission-accomplished/
[29] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/03/25/solo-triple-amputee-across-the-pacific/
[30] https://www.yahoo.com/news/triple-amputee-completes-solo-pacific-094655300.html
[31] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-tt/
[32] https://www.sparcraft.com/en/
[33] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/26/sailgp-moves-on-from-usa-in-2026/
[34] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-tu/
[35] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/26/riding-a-cold-front-across-the-atlantic/
[36] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-ij/
[37] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/25/ultimate-expression-of-endurance/
[38] https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/hypersail
[39] https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/ferrari-unveils-hypersail-project-led-by-soldini-2025-06-25/
[40] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-ik/
[41] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/25/three-of-a-kind-at-optimist-worlds/
[42] https://2025worlds.optiworld.org/en/default/toa/race
[43] https://afloat.ie/sail/sailing-classes/optimist/item/67732-three-irish-sisters-to-compete-at-2025-optimist-world-championship
[44] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-di/
[45] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/25/saturday-nights-alright-for-cruising/
[46] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuKsWru95gs&authuser=1
[47] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7a2bIVuMM0&authuser=1
[48] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-dd/
[49] http://maineboats.com/boatshow
[50] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/24/hey-we-like-scuttlebutt-beer-too/
[51] https://www.mlb.com/stats/
[52] https://washingtonbeerblog.com/scuttlebutt-brewing-announces-a-partnership-with-cal-raleigh/
[53] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-hr/
[54] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/26/2025-26-canadian-sailing-team/
[55] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-hd/
[56] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/22/newport-harbor-tops-womens-team-race/
[57] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-ky/
[58] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/22/provide-opportunities-for-disabled-sailors/
[59] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-ku/
[60] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/22/2025-us-wingfoil-championship/
[61] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-oy/
[62] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/06/25/eight-bells-hugh-treharne/
[63] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-wdiyujk-ijtljumj-oj/
[64] http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/latest-posts/
[65] http://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/ViewEmailArchive/j/CB56A1A3A7857D1B2540EF23F30FEDED/C67FD2F38AC4859C/
[66] http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/sailing-supplies-resources
[67] http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/about-scuttlebutt/
[68] https://scuttlebuttsailingnews.updatemyprofile.com/j-wdiyujk-0D30E67E-ijtljumj-ot