scuttlebutt
Date: Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:30:12 +1000
Subject: Scuttlebutt 6532 - June 9, 2026
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Scuttlebutt Sailing News [1]
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - Issue 6532
Photographer Amory Ross says a great photo tells a whole story in a single frame. Click above to learn more about Ross and additional tips in Sail Magazine.
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:
FOILFAST - UK Sailmakers - Team One Newport
WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION [2]
The Curmudgeon can be a grumpy employee, but that’s to be expected. Comes with the job description. But for employees not meeting expectations, here’s some HR advice: “We expect an upcoming termination meeting to be more emotional than usual. How should we prepare?” For the answer, click here [2].
Finding a “Needle in a Haystack” [3]
The volunteers that host regattas can be competitive too, and this report shares a behind-the-scenes incident on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, MD.
We were the “Gate Boat” at the 2026 Sailing World Regatta, positioned near the *nish pin recording downwind *nishes as a check for the Signal Boat. The J/105 class was *nishing under spinnakers when one of the boats hooked the tetrahedron *nish mark and started pulling it downwind.
We immediately hoisted an M *ag and finished the rest of the fleet, but then noticed the tetrahedron was no longer attached to the J/105 … it was simply gone, sank to the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay in 35-feet of water.
When we arrived back at shore, we notified the Annapolis Yacht Club Equipment Director of the lost tetrahedron, anchor, two chains, 100-foot rode, and a high-tech sailing instrument attached to the mark.
He mentioned that he had a grappling hook in case we want to go back out there and search for the gear. We thought about it for a few hours and then texted our crew, “Come early tomorrow – we’re going to look for that mark.” Our team enjoys a great adventure!
The grappling hook was small, about 12 inches in diameter, made of aluminum. Right away we changed out the line for a heavy, long towing line and began our search. Our skipper had pinged the location of the Signal Boat the day before and knew the distance and angle to the *nish mark.
However, conditions were bad with 20 knots of wind and big seas, and the grappling hook was too light to sink to the bottom. We added a six-foot heavy chain, but it still didn’t seem to be dragging the bottom so we attached a mushroom anchor right above the hook.
We located the area and began trawling back and forth in an East and West trajectory, every once in a while yelling that we were close to the right spot. The grappling hook seemed way too small to be e*ective and the turns were always a worry with two engines. After about 45 minutes, we changed to a North to South route and bingo … we found that needle in a haystack!
With considerable e*ort we pulled up the whole thing. The mark was de*ated and filled with water so a knife was deployed to empty it before dragging it onboard. We retrieved everything … the mark, anchor, rode, towing line, three chains, mushroom, grappling hook, and the high-tech sailing instrument which had a green light still shining.
Submitted by AYC Race Committee Paul Parks, Kathy Parks, and Chip Devine from Sundog, an Axopar 37.
[4]
USFoil HUBs Bring Foiling to Community Sailing [5]
USFoil HUBs are now open and active across North America. Sailors, parents, coaches, and clubs can contact a HUB now to schedule a visit, try the WASZP, and begin learning to foil.
USFoil is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to bring foiling to community sailing. Through local HUBs, USFoil helps clubs and programs access boats, coaching resources, and a clear North American Pathway for sailors who want to experience Dinghy Foiling.
Active HUBs now include Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation, Richmond Yacht Club, Severn Sailing Association, Norfolk Yacht & Country Club, Corpus Christi Yacht Club, and Jensen Beach US Sailing Center.
These HUBs are open to juniors, high school sailors, college sailors, adults, masters, coaches, and first-time foilers. No previous foiling experience is required.
To find a HUB, make an inquiry or support the mission, visit usfoil.org [5].
Should America’s Cup be a social topic? [6]
If the America's Cup is among the Alps of sailing, does the event risk losing altitude when participation is not solely based on ability? The 38th edition mandates each crew have a woman, which is a growing policy in the sport. British Olympic champion Hannah Mills, who has benefited from this trend, shares her opinion [7]:
It’s a really powerful moment in the sport right now. I understand the argument of mandatory quotas versus the “best people for the job”. But I think there is no meritocracy if you don’t create the same opportunity at the starting point.
So I think it is actually very important to support women breaking through to the top sailing positions, and I cannot wait to see more and more women on board!
Looking at the experience of the AC40, where there is a 50-50 team between women and young people, I can say that mixed teams are much more enriching, because you have different points of view and so you can get the whole picture, which in strategic terms can be more performing.
Compared to the last edition of the Americas’ Cup – where women had a separate competition – this time it is just so exciting to compete all together, I think it’s more interesting for everyone.
[8]
Cringing over female-only sailing events [9]
Yachting and racing expert Georgie Corlett-Pitt tells us why female-only sailing events are still missing the mark:
The topic of gender equality in sailing has been bubbling away for some time. I’ll be honest, there’s a part of me that, as a female, a sailor and a sailing magazine editor, thinks this topic shouldn’t be given a platform as a subject. Why? Simply because putting a topic on the table as an issue makes it an issue – and it shouldn’t be one. Women should go sailing, men should go sailing; we should be picked for teams on our own individual merits, not excluded on baseless, pre-conceived stereotypes. We shouldn’t need to separate by gender.
In a way, even the idea of female exclusive teams and events makes me cringe. Don’t get me wrong, I have participated in plenty such myself, accepted ‘first female’ accolades on more than one occasion; I have reported on them too, and met many outstanding female sailors as a result. But I have always wondered, should women-only events/teams even be a thing? Should we highlight and applaud women’s achievements under the label of ‘women’? The question seems especially pertinent in a sport where one of our most laudable and unique selling points is (or should be) that men and women can compete on equal terms together. – Full report [10]
[11]
The new offshore racing world, after IOR [12]
Yacht Racing Performance Coach Stuart Greenfield provides the final part of a three part series [13] about what’s happening to offshore racing:
At the end of Part 2, racing certificates had begun to rule everything.
IOR had given offshore racing a golden age. It had produced the Admiral’s Cup at its height, Ton Cup battles that felt like design warfare, and a generation of naval architects who had to think harder than almost anyone before them. Carter, Peterson, Holland, Farr, Frers, Dubois, Jones, Humphreys and others had learned to draw in two languages at once. One language belonged to the sea. The other belonged to the rule.
The problem was that, by the end, the rule was speaking too loudly.
Part 3 begins when that single argument starts to break apart. – Full report [14]
[15]
Newport to Bermuda: Meet the fleet [16]
The biennial Newport Bermuda Race fleet has 150 boats for 2026, spread across six divisions and several subclasses for the 636 nm course. This 54th edition of the race has brought together a roster of competing yachts that includes eye-catching modern cruisers, legendary past winners, and some of today’s most famous racing boats.
With the start on June 19, who are the major players, and which boats are the ones to watch?
Boats are divided into divisions, each governed by specific rules regarding participants and equipment. These divisions are further subdivided into classes based on handicap ratings. All boats are assigned a handicap under the Offshore Rating Rule (ORR), which uses a boat’s measurements in a formula designed to level the playing field.
On race morning, boats’ data are run through a program that factors in ratings and weather forecasts to predict optimal finish times. Crews then compete against that projected time to determine their standings. In simple terms, each boat knows how much time it needs to beat its competitors. - Full report [16]
[17]
How could I say no? [18]
by Lydia Mullan, Sail Magazine
The Laser was a little worse for wear. It was an old one, a little too heavy with chips and gouges that left the fiberglass exposed. Half the parts had gone missing over the years. The sail was new, but it was a full rig. A radial would’ve suited me better.
Still, the boat’s previous owner made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. He said I could have it for free. He said he’d give it to me with the trailer. He said he’d fix the wiring on the trailer so that it was street legal. He said he’d drive two hours to drop it off.
How could I say no?
Like every new boat owner, I had starry-eyed ambition about the adventures the Laser and I would go on—and the abs I’d have after a summer of hiking. And like many new boat owners, I bit off more than I could chew. – Full report [19]
[20]
Don’t Forget About Your Spinnakers [21]
Conventional wisdom has sailors most concerned about their mainsail and upwind headsails. However, in a W/L course half the race is downwind and distance races are often predominantly off-the-wind. While your upwind headsails are critical to performance, so are your spinnakers.
Contact your UK Sailmakers loft today for a thorough review of your spinnaker inventory. Has your A2 or S2 seen its best days? Could your performance benefit from a “tweener” sail like a 1.5 or 2.5 spinnaker. And some sailors are eliminating ORC penalties by trading in Code Zeros for A3’s. Today, there are more downwind options than ever before, and your local UK Sailmaker can walk you through what’s best for your program.
Yes, sailmaking is what we do, but sharing our passion for sailing is why we do it. UK Sailmakers, sail with confidence.
[21]
“Vessels of opportunity” help science [22]
The Ocean Race Europe 2025 during August and September [23] had seven IMOCA teams compete for 4,500 nautical miles across five Legs, but it was not only about the racing. Seawater samples collected by the sailors might help to unlock new insights into ocean hazards, from algal blooms to jellyfish swarms.
The study comes at a critical time, with shorelines across the Caribbean and beyond continuing to be swamped by sargassum seaweed [24], highlighting the urgent need to better understand ocean biodiversity and the spread of invasive species.
The data collected during the Race could prove invaluable in assessing how these phenomena are being driven by climate change and human activity, and identifying the risks hiding in Europe’s seas. The preliminary results were released on World Ocean Day (June 8), a global event that aims to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth. - Full report [22]
[25]
My love affair with Caribbean Rum [26]
by David H. Lyman, Caribbean Compass
In 1979, I was on a two-week bareboat charter in the Virgin Islands. The boat, a Morgan Out Islander, was a floating Winnebago, but it came with a complimentary gallon jug of rum punch.
It’s been rum for me ever since.
Rum is native to the Caribbean, made from West Indian sugar cane or molasses, a distillate of sugar cane — so rum tastes Caribbean. West Indian rum is available clear or in shades ranging from gold to amber to black. Mix the amber with pineapple and orange juice, add a splash of grenadine, and the drink takes on all the colors of a West Indian sunset.
Back in the ’80s, when you could buy a 750 ml bottle of Mount Gay on St. Barts, duty free, for $2, the universal choice was Mount Gay and OJ. In more recent times, Cruzan Dark has supplied my daily ration — a reasonably priced amber rum distilled on the island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands.
My daily ration starts with a 24-ounce insulated Yeti coffee mug — it keeps the morning coffee hot and the evening rum chilled, both for hours. Drop in four cubes of ice, four ounces of rum, and top it off with 18 ounces of tonic water — a squeeze of lime is optional and a dash of nutmeg is nice. – Full report [27]
[28]
Rescued (again) while seeking record [29]
Andrew Bedwell wants to skipper the smallest boat ever to cross the Atlantic. He tried in 2023 [30] but didn’t make it to first night, and his second effort in 2026 [31] wasn’t much better.
He started his record attempt on June 3 for the 1,890nm trip from Newfoundland, Canada, to Falmouth, England, but a call for assistance, while 75 miles offshore in his 1.2m sailboat, was sent on June 5. Later that day he was rescued and boat abandoned.
The current Guinness Book of Records holder for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic is Hugo Vihlen. In 1993, the American sailor crossed from Newfoundland to Falmouth in 106 days aboard 1.62m sailboat. – Full report [32]
[33]
RORC claims return of Sardinia Cup [34]
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (GBR) won the 2026 Sardinia Cup, claiming the coveted trophy ahead of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (ITA) and RORC Gold (GBR). In the individual class standings, Ino Veritas (TP52) took victory in the Sardinia Cup 1 class for RORC, while Ran (Carkeek 40) topped the Sardinia Cup 2 class for RORC Gold.
The regatta for 2-boat yacht club teams, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda since 1978, returned this year after a 14-year hiatus. The 2026 edition took place in Porto Cervo on June 2-7, with the next edition scheduled for June 4-11, 2028, alternating with the Admiral’s Cup, which the Royal Ocean Racing Club organizes in the UK in odd-numbered years.
“We’ve had a fantastic week, making the most of a format that rewards teamwork, just like the Admiral’s Cup," noted James Neville, owner of Ino Veritas. "That’s the most important aspect of the Sardinia Cup: the result counts at team level, not for individual boats, and success comes from collaboration and mutual support between teammates." - Full report [34]
[35]
ILCA Masters beat Father Time [36]
One hundred fifty-nine sailors from 24 countries came for the 2026 ILCA 6 Masters World Championship on June 1-7 in Athens, Greece. The Class provides six age categories beginning for 30-year olds, which doesn’t seem too old unless the ILCA makes you feel old. Probably…
The 10-race series was completed by all fleets, even the Super Legends which had three participants in the 85 years and over division. The Notice of Race notifies competitors to carry sufficient health insurance. Father Time is undefeated… just not yet
The event had a wide range of conditions, from light and tactical races to stronger sea-breeze days. The largest fleet was the Great Grand Masters for sailors 65–74 years of age, with Canadian Allan Clark missing the title by one point.
The next largest fleet with 47 competitors was the Grand Masters (55–64 years) which was won by American Rob Hallawell with compatriots William Symes and Bill Pagels taking the top two positions in the Legends Division (75–84 years).
Details: [37]
[38]
YOU THOUGHT THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA? [39]
But really the Devil wears Musto, Helly Hansen, Patagonia, Gill, Zhik, Revo, Dubarry, Xtratuf, North Sails and is our harshest tester to all the brands that Team One Newport [39] partners with. It’s her job to test the gear for function, durability and fit, so we know that you are buying the best sailing gear available.
And she is always at all the regattas that Team One Newport creates, produces, and sells the official merchandise. The next regattas are the Newport Bermuda Race [40] and then the Chicago Race to Mackinac [41]. Come visit her and the team at the Newport Bermuda Race Village and then Chicago YC and Mission Point on Mackinac Island
Oh, and her name is Mad Martha; never angry just a wee bit crazy!
DOCK TALK
Recall: Risk of drowning to users [42]
The quality control of Helly Hansen is under question as the equipment manufacturer has issued a recall in May 2026 for its buoyancy aids that pose a risk of drowning to users due to production failures. Users are instructed to stop using the recalled product and destroy the equipment. This recall follows a similar notice in July 2025 when certain lifejackets did not meet the applicable certified standards and posed a risk of drowning to users. – Details [43]
[44]
2026 ISCA North American Championship [45]
The 2026 ISCA (formerly Sunfish) North American Championship was sailed June 5-7 on Narragansett Bay off Barrington, Rhode Island. A fleet of 106 competitors from 11 countries competed in the 9-race series won by Jean Paul de Trazegnies of Peru by two points over Colombia’s Simon Gomez Ortiz. - Full report [45]
[46]
Sailing World Regatta Series – Chicago [47]
One hundred thirty boats competed in the fourth event of the 2026 Sailing World Regatta Series on June 5-7 in Chicago, IL. Both distance and course racing was held for ORC, PHRF, and one design fleets with Craig Roehl and Edward Mui dominating the largest fleet in the Tartan 10 Class. - Details [48]
[49]
2026 Santa Maria Cup [50]
USA’s Team BAAM, skippered by Allie Blecher, successfully defended their Santa Maria Cup title on June 3-6 in Annapolis, MD. Blecher defeated Sweden’s Anna Östling and the Wings Sailing Team 3-1 in a dramatic final to win the second stage of the 2026 Women’s World Match Racing Tour. - Full report [50]
[51]
Eight Bells: Jane Pegel [52]
Elite iceboat and scow competitor and contributor Jane Pegel died at the age of 92 on June 6, 2026.
Her first ice boat was named Holy Smoke. Pegel’s C Scow was named Calamity Jane and her legendary E Scow was named Frozen Asset, a phrase every sailor can appreciate. Pegel started sailing early in life and was the descendant of a line of sailors.
She was named US Sailing’s Yachtswoman of the Year three times (1964, 1971, 1972), twice won the Adams Cup, the North American Women’s Championship (1957, 1964), and has won championships in the X Class, C Scow, M Scow and DN iceboat classes. - Full report [52]
[53]
GUEST COMMENTARY
Scuttlebutt strongly encourages feedback from the Scuttlebutt community. You can add your comments directly to stories on the website [54] or submit commentary by email [mailto:editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com]. Please save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere.
CURMUDGEON'S OBSERVATION
Boats are like strippers. They work until you quit throwing money at them.
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[14] https://firstbeat.substack.com/p/after-ior-to-today-when-offshore
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[23] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/09/20/closure-for-the-ocean-race-europe-2025/
[24] https://www.wgcu.org/top-story/2026-05-25/record-tons-of-sargassum-arriving-in-southeast-florida-florida-keys-caribbean
[25] https://email.sailingscuttlebutt.com/t/j-fb-ydktjldd-ijtljumj-jk/
[26] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2026/06/07/my-love-affair-with-caribbean-rum/
[27] https://caribbeancompass.com/my-love-affair-with-caribbean-rum/
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[29] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2026/06/07/rescued-again-while-seeking-record/
[30] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2023/05/29/crossing-the-atlantic-in-a-three-footer/
[31] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2026/02/04/crossing-a-big-ocean-in-a-small-boat/
[32] https://www.pbo.co.uk/news/big-c-solo-sailor-andrew-bedwell-rescued-while-attempting-to-cross-the-atlantic-in-his-100cm-boat-104879
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[42] https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2026/06/08/recall-risk-of-drowning-to-users/
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Subject: Scuttlebutt 6532 - June 9, 2026
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Scuttlebutt Sailing News [1]
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - Issue 6532
Photographer Amory Ross says a great photo tells a whole story in a single frame. Click above to learn more about Ross and additional tips in Sail Magazine.
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:
FOILFAST - UK Sailmakers - Team One Newport
WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION [2]
The Curmudgeon can be a grumpy employee, but that’s to be expected. Comes with the job description. But for employees not meeting expectations, here’s some HR advice: “We expect an upcoming termination meeting to be more emotional than usual. How should we prepare?” For the answer, click here [2].
Finding a “Needle in a Haystack” [3]
The volunteers that host regattas can be competitive too, and this report shares a behind-the-scenes incident on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, MD.
We were the “Gate Boat” at the 2026 Sailing World Regatta, positioned near the *nish pin recording downwind *nishes as a check for the Signal Boat. The J/105 class was *nishing under spinnakers when one of the boats hooked the tetrahedron *nish mark and started pulling it downwind.
We immediately hoisted an M *ag and finished the rest of the fleet, but then noticed the tetrahedron was no longer attached to the J/105 … it was simply gone, sank to the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay in 35-feet of water.
When we arrived back at shore, we notified the Annapolis Yacht Club Equipment Director of the lost tetrahedron, anchor, two chains, 100-foot rode, and a high-tech sailing instrument attached to the mark.
He mentioned that he had a grappling hook in case we want to go back out there and search for the gear. We thought about it for a few hours and then texted our crew, “Come early tomorrow – we’re going to look for that mark.” Our team enjoys a great adventure!
The grappling hook was small, about 12 inches in diameter, made of aluminum. Right away we changed out the line for a heavy, long towing line and began our search. Our skipper had pinged the location of the Signal Boat the day before and knew the distance and angle to the *nish mark.
However, conditions were bad with 20 knots of wind and big seas, and the grappling hook was too light to sink to the bottom. We added a six-foot heavy chain, but it still didn’t seem to be dragging the bottom so we attached a mushroom anchor right above the hook.
We located the area and began trawling back and forth in an East and West trajectory, every once in a while yelling that we were close to the right spot. The grappling hook seemed way too small to be e*ective and the turns were always a worry with two engines. After about 45 minutes, we changed to a North to South route and bingo … we found that needle in a haystack!
With considerable e*ort we pulled up the whole thing. The mark was de*ated and filled with water so a knife was deployed to empty it before dragging it onboard. We retrieved everything … the mark, anchor, rode, towing line, three chains, mushroom, grappling hook, and the high-tech sailing instrument which had a green light still shining.
Submitted by AYC Race Committee Paul Parks, Kathy Parks, and Chip Devine from Sundog, an Axopar 37.
[4]
USFoil HUBs Bring Foiling to Community Sailing [5]
USFoil HUBs are now open and active across North America. Sailors, parents, coaches, and clubs can contact a HUB now to schedule a visit, try the WASZP, and begin learning to foil.
USFoil is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to bring foiling to community sailing. Through local HUBs, USFoil helps clubs and programs access boats, coaching resources, and a clear North American Pathway for sailors who want to experience Dinghy Foiling.
Active HUBs now include Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation, Richmond Yacht Club, Severn Sailing Association, Norfolk Yacht & Country Club, Corpus Christi Yacht Club, and Jensen Beach US Sailing Center.
These HUBs are open to juniors, high school sailors, college sailors, adults, masters, coaches, and first-time foilers. No previous foiling experience is required.
To find a HUB, make an inquiry or support the mission, visit usfoil.org [5].
Should America’s Cup be a social topic? [6]
If the America's Cup is among the Alps of sailing, does the event risk losing altitude when participation is not solely based on ability? The 38th edition mandates each crew have a woman, which is a growing policy in the sport. British Olympic champion Hannah Mills, who has benefited from this trend, shares her opinion [7]:
It’s a really powerful moment in the sport right now. I understand the argument of mandatory quotas versus the “best people for the job”. But I think there is no meritocracy if you don’t create the same opportunity at the starting point.
So I think it is actually very important to support women breaking through to the top sailing positions, and I cannot wait to see more and more women on board!
Looking at the experience of the AC40, where there is a 50-50 team between women and young people, I can say that mixed teams are much more enriching, because you have different points of view and so you can get the whole picture, which in strategic terms can be more performing.
Compared to the last edition of the Americas’ Cup – where women had a separate competition – this time it is just so exciting to compete all together, I think it’s more interesting for everyone.
[8]
Cringing over female-only sailing events [9]
Yachting and racing expert Georgie Corlett-Pitt tells us why female-only sailing events are still missing the mark:
The topic of gender equality in sailing has been bubbling away for some time. I’ll be honest, there’s a part of me that, as a female, a sailor and a sailing magazine editor, thinks this topic shouldn’t be given a platform as a subject. Why? Simply because putting a topic on the table as an issue makes it an issue – and it shouldn’t be one. Women should go sailing, men should go sailing; we should be picked for teams on our own individual merits, not excluded on baseless, pre-conceived stereotypes. We shouldn’t need to separate by gender.
In a way, even the idea of female exclusive teams and events makes me cringe. Don’t get me wrong, I have participated in plenty such myself, accepted ‘first female’ accolades on more than one occasion; I have reported on them too, and met many outstanding female sailors as a result. But I have always wondered, should women-only events/teams even be a thing? Should we highlight and applaud women’s achievements under the label of ‘women’? The question seems especially pertinent in a sport where one of our most laudable and unique selling points is (or should be) that men and women can compete on equal terms together. – Full report [10]
[11]
The new offshore racing world, after IOR [12]
Yacht Racing Performance Coach Stuart Greenfield provides the final part of a three part series [13] about what’s happening to offshore racing:
At the end of Part 2, racing certificates had begun to rule everything.
IOR had given offshore racing a golden age. It had produced the Admiral’s Cup at its height, Ton Cup battles that felt like design warfare, and a generation of naval architects who had to think harder than almost anyone before them. Carter, Peterson, Holland, Farr, Frers, Dubois, Jones, Humphreys and others had learned to draw in two languages at once. One language belonged to the sea. The other belonged to the rule.
The problem was that, by the end, the rule was speaking too loudly.
Part 3 begins when that single argument starts to break apart. – Full report [14]
[15]
Newport to Bermuda: Meet the fleet [16]
The biennial Newport Bermuda Race fleet has 150 boats for 2026, spread across six divisions and several subclasses for the 636 nm course. This 54th edition of the race has brought together a roster of competing yachts that includes eye-catching modern cruisers, legendary past winners, and some of today’s most famous racing boats.
With the start on June 19, who are the major players, and which boats are the ones to watch?
Boats are divided into divisions, each governed by specific rules regarding participants and equipment. These divisions are further subdivided into classes based on handicap ratings. All boats are assigned a handicap under the Offshore Rating Rule (ORR), which uses a boat’s measurements in a formula designed to level the playing field.
On race morning, boats’ data are run through a program that factors in ratings and weather forecasts to predict optimal finish times. Crews then compete against that projected time to determine their standings. In simple terms, each boat knows how much time it needs to beat its competitors. - Full report [16]
[17]
How could I say no? [18]
by Lydia Mullan, Sail Magazine
The Laser was a little worse for wear. It was an old one, a little too heavy with chips and gouges that left the fiberglass exposed. Half the parts had gone missing over the years. The sail was new, but it was a full rig. A radial would’ve suited me better.
Still, the boat’s previous owner made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. He said I could have it for free. He said he’d give it to me with the trailer. He said he’d fix the wiring on the trailer so that it was street legal. He said he’d drive two hours to drop it off.
How could I say no?
Like every new boat owner, I had starry-eyed ambition about the adventures the Laser and I would go on—and the abs I’d have after a summer of hiking. And like many new boat owners, I bit off more than I could chew. – Full report [19]
[20]
Don’t Forget About Your Spinnakers [21]
Conventional wisdom has sailors most concerned about their mainsail and upwind headsails. However, in a W/L course half the race is downwind and distance races are often predominantly off-the-wind. While your upwind headsails are critical to performance, so are your spinnakers.
Contact your UK Sailmakers loft today for a thorough review of your spinnaker inventory. Has your A2 or S2 seen its best days? Could your performance benefit from a “tweener” sail like a 1.5 or 2.5 spinnaker. And some sailors are eliminating ORC penalties by trading in Code Zeros for A3’s. Today, there are more downwind options than ever before, and your local UK Sailmaker can walk you through what’s best for your program.
Yes, sailmaking is what we do, but sharing our passion for sailing is why we do it. UK Sailmakers, sail with confidence.
[21]
“Vessels of opportunity” help science [22]
The Ocean Race Europe 2025 during August and September [23] had seven IMOCA teams compete for 4,500 nautical miles across five Legs, but it was not only about the racing. Seawater samples collected by the sailors might help to unlock new insights into ocean hazards, from algal blooms to jellyfish swarms.
The study comes at a critical time, with shorelines across the Caribbean and beyond continuing to be swamped by sargassum seaweed [24], highlighting the urgent need to better understand ocean biodiversity and the spread of invasive species.
The data collected during the Race could prove invaluable in assessing how these phenomena are being driven by climate change and human activity, and identifying the risks hiding in Europe’s seas. The preliminary results were released on World Ocean Day (June 8), a global event that aims to raise awareness about the crucial role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth. - Full report [22]
[25]
My love affair with Caribbean Rum [26]
by David H. Lyman, Caribbean Compass
In 1979, I was on a two-week bareboat charter in the Virgin Islands. The boat, a Morgan Out Islander, was a floating Winnebago, but it came with a complimentary gallon jug of rum punch.
It’s been rum for me ever since.
Rum is native to the Caribbean, made from West Indian sugar cane or molasses, a distillate of sugar cane — so rum tastes Caribbean. West Indian rum is available clear or in shades ranging from gold to amber to black. Mix the amber with pineapple and orange juice, add a splash of grenadine, and the drink takes on all the colors of a West Indian sunset.
Back in the ’80s, when you could buy a 750 ml bottle of Mount Gay on St. Barts, duty free, for $2, the universal choice was Mount Gay and OJ. In more recent times, Cruzan Dark has supplied my daily ration — a reasonably priced amber rum distilled on the island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands.
My daily ration starts with a 24-ounce insulated Yeti coffee mug — it keeps the morning coffee hot and the evening rum chilled, both for hours. Drop in four cubes of ice, four ounces of rum, and top it off with 18 ounces of tonic water — a squeeze of lime is optional and a dash of nutmeg is nice. – Full report [27]
[28]
Rescued (again) while seeking record [29]
Andrew Bedwell wants to skipper the smallest boat ever to cross the Atlantic. He tried in 2023 [30] but didn’t make it to first night, and his second effort in 2026 [31] wasn’t much better.
He started his record attempt on June 3 for the 1,890nm trip from Newfoundland, Canada, to Falmouth, England, but a call for assistance, while 75 miles offshore in his 1.2m sailboat, was sent on June 5. Later that day he was rescued and boat abandoned.
The current Guinness Book of Records holder for the smallest boat to cross the Atlantic is Hugo Vihlen. In 1993, the American sailor crossed from Newfoundland to Falmouth in 106 days aboard 1.62m sailboat. – Full report [32]
[33]
RORC claims return of Sardinia Cup [34]
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (GBR) won the 2026 Sardinia Cup, claiming the coveted trophy ahead of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (ITA) and RORC Gold (GBR). In the individual class standings, Ino Veritas (TP52) took victory in the Sardinia Cup 1 class for RORC, while Ran (Carkeek 40) topped the Sardinia Cup 2 class for RORC Gold.
The regatta for 2-boat yacht club teams, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda since 1978, returned this year after a 14-year hiatus. The 2026 edition took place in Porto Cervo on June 2-7, with the next edition scheduled for June 4-11, 2028, alternating with the Admiral’s Cup, which the Royal Ocean Racing Club organizes in the UK in odd-numbered years.
“We’ve had a fantastic week, making the most of a format that rewards teamwork, just like the Admiral’s Cup," noted James Neville, owner of Ino Veritas. "That’s the most important aspect of the Sardinia Cup: the result counts at team level, not for individual boats, and success comes from collaboration and mutual support between teammates." - Full report [34]
[35]
ILCA Masters beat Father Time [36]
One hundred fifty-nine sailors from 24 countries came for the 2026 ILCA 6 Masters World Championship on June 1-7 in Athens, Greece. The Class provides six age categories beginning for 30-year olds, which doesn’t seem too old unless the ILCA makes you feel old. Probably…
The 10-race series was completed by all fleets, even the Super Legends which had three participants in the 85 years and over division. The Notice of Race notifies competitors to carry sufficient health insurance. Father Time is undefeated… just not yet
The event had a wide range of conditions, from light and tactical races to stronger sea-breeze days. The largest fleet was the Great Grand Masters for sailors 65–74 years of age, with Canadian Allan Clark missing the title by one point.
The next largest fleet with 47 competitors was the Grand Masters (55–64 years) which was won by American Rob Hallawell with compatriots William Symes and Bill Pagels taking the top two positions in the Legends Division (75–84 years).
Details: [37]
[38]
YOU THOUGHT THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA? [39]
But really the Devil wears Musto, Helly Hansen, Patagonia, Gill, Zhik, Revo, Dubarry, Xtratuf, North Sails and is our harshest tester to all the brands that Team One Newport [39] partners with. It’s her job to test the gear for function, durability and fit, so we know that you are buying the best sailing gear available.
And she is always at all the regattas that Team One Newport creates, produces, and sells the official merchandise. The next regattas are the Newport Bermuda Race [40] and then the Chicago Race to Mackinac [41]. Come visit her and the team at the Newport Bermuda Race Village and then Chicago YC and Mission Point on Mackinac Island
Oh, and her name is Mad Martha; never angry just a wee bit crazy!
DOCK TALK
Recall: Risk of drowning to users [42]
The quality control of Helly Hansen is under question as the equipment manufacturer has issued a recall in May 2026 for its buoyancy aids that pose a risk of drowning to users due to production failures. Users are instructed to stop using the recalled product and destroy the equipment. This recall follows a similar notice in July 2025 when certain lifejackets did not meet the applicable certified standards and posed a risk of drowning to users. – Details [43]
[44]
2026 ISCA North American Championship [45]
The 2026 ISCA (formerly Sunfish) North American Championship was sailed June 5-7 on Narragansett Bay off Barrington, Rhode Island. A fleet of 106 competitors from 11 countries competed in the 9-race series won by Jean Paul de Trazegnies of Peru by two points over Colombia’s Simon Gomez Ortiz. - Full report [45]
[46]
Sailing World Regatta Series – Chicago [47]
One hundred thirty boats competed in the fourth event of the 2026 Sailing World Regatta Series on June 5-7 in Chicago, IL. Both distance and course racing was held for ORC, PHRF, and one design fleets with Craig Roehl and Edward Mui dominating the largest fleet in the Tartan 10 Class. - Details [48]
[49]
2026 Santa Maria Cup [50]
USA’s Team BAAM, skippered by Allie Blecher, successfully defended their Santa Maria Cup title on June 3-6 in Annapolis, MD. Blecher defeated Sweden’s Anna Östling and the Wings Sailing Team 3-1 in a dramatic final to win the second stage of the 2026 Women’s World Match Racing Tour. - Full report [50]
[51]
Eight Bells: Jane Pegel [52]
Elite iceboat and scow competitor and contributor Jane Pegel died at the age of 92 on June 6, 2026.
Her first ice boat was named Holy Smoke. Pegel’s C Scow was named Calamity Jane and her legendary E Scow was named Frozen Asset, a phrase every sailor can appreciate. Pegel started sailing early in life and was the descendant of a line of sailors.
She was named US Sailing’s Yachtswoman of the Year three times (1964, 1971, 1972), twice won the Adams Cup, the North American Women’s Championship (1957, 1964), and has won championships in the X Class, C Scow, M Scow and DN iceboat classes. - Full report [52]
[53]
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