Scuttlebutt Sailing News

Scuttlebutt Sailing News is your go-to source for important sailing updates, insights, commentary, and community chatter, all with a focus on North America. Founded in 1997, Scuttlebutt Sailing News was one of the pioneers in bringing sailing content to the Internet at a time when email was just becoming popular. Initially, founder Tom Leweck aimed to cover Southern California, but as the audience expanded, so did the range of topics covered. Instead of waiting for a monthly print magazine, sailors can now receive daily email updates, keeping them informed in near real-time. Since its inception, Scuttlebutt has prioritized integrity in its reporting. We are committed to enhancing the sailing community by providing reliable sailing news every day.

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Memories of the jibe mark graveyard

2 days ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Craig Leweck

Published on June 5th, 2025by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News The 1995 Snipe US National Championship was on San Francisco Bay, which is reliably windy in the summer. To attract apprehensive inland lake sailors, the locals assured how the racing would be under Angel Island to significantly reduce the wind and wave condition. The upwind legs may have gotten some relief, but the jibe mark was beyond the wind shadow and felt the full fury of Bay conditions.
Back when ocean racing was a delight

1 week ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Craig Leweck

Published on May 25th, 2025by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News In the history of yacht racing, there are few moments when the sport has saved us from ourselves. Clever people keep making equipment better and more costly, and in the realm of offshore racing, less comfortable. Modern boats get to the destination faster, but are painfully wet and tiresome machines. Keeping these boats light boosts performance, which has led to the removal of traditional galley equipment and proper meals.
Conviction shocking club membership

2 weeks ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Phoebe Wall Howard

Published on May 22nd, 2025by Phoebe Wall HowardWarning: Details in this story contain graphic description of trial testimony. Robert Allen Declercq of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, is the son of a Great Lakes sailing legend whose boat "Flying Buffalo" dominated Port Huron to Mackinac Island races for years.
Jane! Stop this crazy thing!

2 weeks ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Craig Leweck

Published on May 21st, 2025by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News I'm no fan of the "foiling is the future" phrase as it infers that "everything else is the past." If that's the case, our sport is screwed, yet The Foiling Organization is committed to making foiling a way of life. Sorry... just too George Jetson for me. To highlight all things foiling, they annually recognize the best projects, athletes, and events in various categories.
But what was served for dinner?

2 weeks ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Craig Leweck

Published on May 19th, 2025by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News I have attended the World Sailing Annual Conference as an observer, and there was always a lot to observe. Much of it was deep in the weeds, but gave sense for why the organization exists. Somebody has to deal with the details of the sport. Thankfully, the World Sailing staff would provide a daily summary which would clear any confusion and fill in the blanks.
Seeking to sustain and build the sport

3 weeks ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Craig Leweck

Published on May 13th, 2025by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News Depending on your participation or location, the purpose of a national sailing federation may be hard to see. Every country has one - mine is US Sailing. What they do might be a mystery, but a fundraising solicitation offers what they want to do:* Develop the next generation of sailors by providing exceptional training programs for youth instructors.
Confusion won't help sell this boat

1 month ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Craig Leweck

Published on May 7th, 2025by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News The 2013 America's Cup initiated a significant shift, trading monohulls for catamarans on San Francisco Bay. While the AC72 broke new ground in performance as it introduced foiling to the world, it broke a lot of eggs along the way. The USA defender capsized and nearly destroyed their boat. A capsize by the Swedish challenger led to a fatality.
Emergencies at sea aren't neat and tidy

1 month ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Nikki Henderson

Published on May 2nd, 2025by Nikki Henderson Did you ever catch the news of Tapio Lehtinen's boat sinking in the Indian Ocean? What a learning opportunity that was for any budding SALTS out there. The short story:Tapio's boat started to sink whilst he was sleeping. He woke up to a 'BANG' and floorboards floating. The boat was going down fast. He deployed the life-raft and threw the emergency comms bag and survival suit bag on deck.
Can team racing events get it together?

1 month ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Craig Leweck

Published on May 2nd, 2025by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News As much as I admire team racing, I have a certain disdain for the event organizers. It's nothing personal, and they are not fully to blame. World Sailing is complicit, as they are the authority on everything. Plus general ignorance is a contributing factor. My problem? The inconsistency in event names. The High School racing calendar lists the Team Race National Championship, but its NOR calls it the Team Racing National Championship.
Different kinds of mixed crew

1 month ago | sailingscuttlebutt.com | Craig Leweck

Published on April 29th, 2025by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News With the ultra-high level of competition in J/70 one design racing, the class association has been busy building bridges. While the main trophies typically require a significant budget for new equipment and professional crew, there are now sub-divisions to spread out the ribbons. * Corinthian Division: For people that qualify for World Sailing Group 1 categorization. This is where the amateurs can shine.