Bon Voyage!

Getting ready to depart for San Diego this week. The Baja Haha starts on Monday November 4. With 2 stops it will take 10 days to sail the 750 miles to Cabo San Lucas. I am sailing on a Morgan Catalina 44 that has made her way to San Diego and is ready to rock. I am joining the owners for their first big voyage. They intend to end up in the Caribbean sometime next year. Be on the lookout for the trip log in mid November.

The Big Boyz!

A fascinating contest for monohull line honours was staged at the 2024 Rolex Middle Sea Race. Huang-Seng Lee’s Scallywag 100 (HKG) prevailed as the first yacht to complete the 606-nautical mile course following an epic duel with rival 100-ft Maxi Black Jack 100 (MON). Her elapsed time was two days, 21 hours, 33 minutes and 29 seconds. An international fleet of 112 yachts are contesting the 45th edition of the race which starts and finishes in Malta and comprises an anticlockwise circumnavigation of Sicily. The focus now switches to the race’s most significant prize, the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy, awarded to the overall winner on handicap. Rolex has partnered both the race and its organizers, the Royal Malta Yacht Club, since 2002.

30 years ago big wave surfer Mark Foo drown at Mavericks

So glad I sail in a bay!

NZ Wins Cup in Barcelona! 3 times in a row!

2024...so far!

It's been another amazing year so far. We had lots of travel around the planet, my son got married, several sailing vacations and lots of day sails on the bay. We started the year with a trip to Florida to visit my sister. She lives in an awesome water based community called Ocean Reef. We also did a fun stop at Disney World with a VIP tour of the top rides. Then it was off to Norway with Bridget. We did a cruise up the coast and into some amazing towns and villages. The highlight was a night time dog sled run in a snowy valley with a full moon. We did a week in Kauai and stayed near Hanalei. Lots of hammock time and kayaking. Iceland was next with Bridget, my two sisters and brother in law Tom. What a special voyage on a beautiful ship. Our highlight came on a coastal trip on a small boat on the Faroe Islands. Big mountains of ancient lava coming right down to the sea. Also had a great hot springs experience. In July I took off on a road trip to Oregon with Hana. I had plans to visit a few friends and then hit the coast. Some great kayaking and a fun time visiting my friends. In August I hit Vegas with a buddy and we went to see Dead & Co at the Sphere. The most amazing concert experience of my life! We also did a 5 day sojourn to the Delta with Tex and Barry. Last month I celebrated my birthday on a week long voyage to the islands of Greece. We met the boat 100 miles off Athens in the heart of the Aegean Sea. We hit a very windy week with winds 20-30 every day! My day sails have been epic. Hana and I anchor off the beach for a few hours while the wind builds and then have some great winds to Angel Island. The boat continues to amaze while keeping the crew safe. This weekend I am taking out a total of about 20 folks over a three day period to the air show over the bay that includes the Blue Angels. To finish off the year, I am on an awesome boat for the 30th annual Baja Haha. The 750 mile regatta down the coast from San Diego to Cabo. 120 boats and 400 friendly sailors will be joining us. Check back in mid November for the recap of my eighth Haha.

J Class Barcelona Regatta 2024

The J Class sailboats are a group of prestigious racing yachts that emerged in the 1930s, primarily designed for the America's Cup. Here’s a brief overview of their history: Origins 1930s Design: The J Class was created to comply with the 1930 America's Cup rule, which stipulated that yachts be at least 75 feet long, with a maximum sail area. The "J" designation comes from the specific measurement of the boats, which were over 75 feet long and had a number of variations. Notable Yachts Ranger and Endeavour: Among the most famous J Class yachts are Ranger (built in 1937) and Endeavour (built in 1934). Ranger, designed by Olin Stephens, won the 1937 America's Cup. Shamrock: Sir Thomas Lipton's Shamrock V also competed in the 1930s, showcasing the class's international appeal. Design and Features Sail Plan and Construction: J Class yachts are known for their impressive sail plans, often with large mainsails and headsails. They were built using traditional wood construction techniques, which contributed to their beauty and performance. Decline and Resurgence Post-War Era: After World War II, interest in the J Class declined, and many yachts were abandoned or repurposed. However, the 1980s saw a revival of interest in classic yacht racing. Modern Reproductions: In recent years, several new J Class yachts have been built, replicating the designs of the original boats. Events like the J Class Regatta have further popularized the class. Cultural Significance Heritage: The J Class represents a significant chapter in yachting history, combining artistry and engineering. They are celebrated not only for their racing prowess but also for their aesthetic appeal. Today, J Class yachts continue to be symbols of elegance and competition, attracting enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

The Cup Races begin this Sunday! Brits vs.NZ

The Cup match is scheduled to run from October 13-22. The regatta is being live-streamed on the America’s Cup YouTube channel.

Direct from Barcelona

“Probably the most frustrating part of the day was just the wind limit, but we did get the race off and from there, the boys just bounced back brilliantly, especially after that unfortunate issue with the mainsail,” LRRP helmsman Jimmy Spithill said. “It was an awesome race, just a full-on street fight and we love that sort of stuff, it was a lot of fun. It’s just great for the team to be under that sort of pressure that sort of stress and load, because you need to be able to go through that as a team,” Spithill continued. “Once again, the guys just didn’t falter, just kept their heads up and executed, but also full credit to INEOS Britannia. They just kept coming, but ultimately that’s a good one for the team to take away.”