California Offshore Race Week Starts With the Spinnaker Cup
California Offshore Race Week kicks off the West Coast ocean racing circuit each spring — the Spinnaker Cup to Monterey, the Coastal Cup to Santa Barbara, and the SoCal 300 to San Diego. Crews enjoy long downwind legs and plenty of sunshine, and each YC rolls out the red carpet for the finishers. As this missive goes to press, the third leg is underway. Andy Schwenk tells the tale from the decks of Sir Edmund.
Spinnaker Cup 2025 started Saturday, May 23, in front of StFYC, with a fairly stiff flood and puffy 12- to 15-knot westerlies. The fleet of 60 competitors was split into six PHRF divisions and one multihull division. Big boats first, these lead-bellied money guzzlers stretched their legs early and reached under headsail as far as Montara. No, not Montana. The wind compressed against Año Nuevo and points south, and the yachts that played it tight along the beach were soon in front of those that didn’t.
It got lively and required jibing. My mother always taught me not to jibe or I would capsize. Now, some 40 years later, she is not wrong. Vessels either swapped down to smaller kites or allowed King Neptune to decide for them, as plenty of colorful panels of nylon were donated to Davy Jones’ locker. The boats that kept it dirty-side down and worked into Monterey Bay early were welcomed to Monterey Peninsula YC before the sun even thought about setting. Easy for them because the tough part of the race was just beginning. Imagine near-total darkness save for traffic lights downtown, boats that finished ahead of you, harbor patrol vessels, and nav beacons. Add to that mix your crew dousing your mainsail and wandering about the deck celebrating. Trust me, you can’t see much and what you can see ye’re not able to determine what it is. It’s enough to make you consider spending a boat buck or two and purchasing one of those carbon-fiber speedsters that can finish while the lights are still on.
The MPYC welcome includes mouthwatering chili, warm corn bread, and chocolate chip cookies. The volunteers pass out security gate keys, answer questions, sell T-shirts, and make you feel like someone really important. The bartenders pour until the last boat finishes, and then for a few rounds after that. The sea lions get a little excited, and if you have an open transom, plan on a defense mechanism or you will gain overweight crew prospects overnight. Speaking of sea lions, don’t ya think their constant barking would begin to annoy them eventually?
Well, the new whip on the block put the smackdown on the fleet in her first regatta with no regard to protecting her rating. Thomas Akin’s Botin 52 Meanie has been getting all the attention this spring, and set sail for first in division, first overall in her first test on the Left Coast. Congratulations, Meanie captain and crew. Proving she can punch above her waterline length, Ian Rogers’ Orca, a J/90, slipped into fifth overall with a win in her division as well. The Cal 40s finished one, two, and three in their division, with Bart Hackworth’s Shaman showing the correct path.
Take a moment now and go to the Yellow Brick tracker for the SoCal 300, off to a slow start; maybe the fun meters are rising now?
S.F. Sea Scout’s ‘Viking’ Rudder Returns to Base
In Wednesday’s story about the mayhem in last weekend’s Master Mariners Regatta, we included the incident in which the San Francisco Sea Scout vessel Viking capsized and was subsequently towed back to her dock. Viking was being crewed by nine Sea Scout alumni. After she’d flipped, a nearby boat tried to tow her, on her side. The crew righted the vessel and climbed back aboard. They were then approached by the Coast Guard and eight of the crew transferred to the Coast Guard boat. Viking’s captain elected to stay with the boat. The Coast Guard departed temporarily to bring the eight passengers ashore. In their absence, the Viking flipped onto her side once more. A TowBoatUS vessel then arrived and was able to tow Viking into Aquatic Park, with the captain still on the hull, before righting and mooring it at the pier.
Viking had lost her rudder. S.F. Sea Scout Program Director Tamara Sokolov told us, “No one was injured, and the boat was never in danger of sinking due to its being a wooden lifeboat. Viking is safely back at home in Aquatic Park.”
Later in the week, the rudder was found! We heard the news from various sources, including local sailing photographer Chris Ray, who wrote, “Looks suspiciously like the Viking’s rudder assembly is noticeably absent from the rest of Viking. Someone please alert the Sea Scouts that we have something of theirs!”
Tamara Sokolov confirms that the rudder is the missing piece of Viking. “So thankful it was found; that will be very valuable for the hardware and templating. StFYC has already returned it to us.”
UPDATE:
The Sea Scouts will build a new rudder creating a template from the old one, and use the old rudder’s hardware Sokolov later commented. “… because Mike [skipper] stayed with the boat and was able to keep it on its side and not fully capsized, the rig stayed intact and sails were taken down and not damaged. Thank goodness, those were relatively new for us. The only damage was the broken rudder, and about a 2’ strip of cracked rail where the coast guard came alongside, and we lost some gear like an anchor, charts, radio, etc. all things considered, very minimal damage to the boat, and zero injury. We’re glad the training we do for these events paid off.”
Read the full story “Mayhem in the Master Mariners Regatta” here.
The Ninth Annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival Brings Maritime Magic to Life
There’s something undeniably enchanting about the sight of a wooden boat gliding across the harbor — its gleaming varnish, timeless silhouette, and the silent suggestion of a thousand stories held within its hull. This June, the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival invites you to step into that enchantment — and into the pages of your favorite sea-bound tales.
On June 13–14, 2025, the Balboa Yacht Club will once again become the epicenter of classic maritime charm as it hosts the ninth annual celebration of wooden vessels and the stories they’ve carried — both fictional and true. This year’s theme, “Stories of the Sea: Wooden Boats in Film & Fiction,” brings a narrative twist to the festival, honoring the cinematic and literary legends that have inspired generations to dream of the sea.
Whether it was Treasure Island’s Jim Hawkins navigating the high seas, the haunted majesty of the Black Pearl, or the unforgettable journey of The Boys in the Boat, these tales are woven into the festival’s heart — and reflected in every polished plank and brass fitting.
The weekend sets sail with a glamorous Premiere Night on Friday, June 13. Picture a red-carpet affair, harbor style. Think vintage Hollywood meets coastal elegance — complete with signature cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, cinematic tunes, and an exclusive dockside preview of the festival’s featured vessels.
This one-night-only event also includes a live auction offering high-seas-inspired experiences, with all proceeds benefiting the ALS Foundation, youth sailing programs, and scholarships for young shipwrights at the Northwest School of Boat Building — a nod to festival founder Ralph Rodheim’s legacy.
Tickets are $95 (advance purchase required, limited to 300 guests). Evening event — exact time listed on the festival website.
Come Saturday, it’s all hands on deck. The harbor transforms into a living museum, featuring over 30 wooden boats — each with its own tale to tell. From legendary Hollywood vessels to historic racing shells, it’s a haven for maritime lovers, storytellers, and anyone in search of a perfect day by the bay.
Here’s what’s in store: talks by celebrated authors and maritime historians, the “Cruising with Legends” photo exhibit, the Wooden Boat Walk of Fame honoring cinematic maritime icons, and the debut of wooden rowing vessels, including vintage shells from The Boys in the Boat, on display in collaboration with the Newport Beach Aquatic Center.
General admission is $15. The Wild Goose Cruise is $65 and includes festival admission.
Make a weekend of it with exclusive hotel packages from Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, just minutes from the festival. Book through the festival site for insider deals and upgrades.
Tickets went on sale April 1 at www.newportbeachwoodenboatfestival.com. Pro tip: Premiere Night always sells out. Secure your spot early.
Proudly presented by Whittier Trust and hosted by the Balboa Yacht Club, this year’s event is also made possible by the City of Newport Beach, County of Orange, and Visit Newport Beach. Whether you’re a maritime purist, a weekend wanderer, or just a lover of great stories, the ninth annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival promises to stir your soul and spark your imagination.
Start the Weekend With the June Issue of ‘Latitude 38’
As May draws to a close we bring you the June issue of Latitude 38. This month we share tales of the Great Vallejo Race, the Singlehanded Transpacific Race, and the 60-ft C³ (“C cubed”). We also have a host of stories from sailors about sailor’y stuff such as former Latitude team member Heather Breaux ‘s take on getting her captain’s license; S.F. Sea Scouts at SailGP; an update on the life and demise of Nereus; and stacks more stories. Here’s a preview.
Was This the Greatest Vallejo Race Ever?
The brass at the Vallejo Yacht Club pulled out all the stops to put together what may have been the greatest Great Vallejo Race in history. If you like sailing, dancing, feasting, or watching fellow sailors performing acts that are likely to go viral on YouTube the next day, Vallejo was the place to be on May 4–5.
Performance Art — the Creation of C³
One of the most unique boats to sail the Bay in recent years is Charles Ray’s 60-ft C³ (“C cubed”), part catboat, part “Batboat,” part performance art. It’s not hard to imagine the Caped Crusader himself might be on the tiller as the boat hisses by.
In fact, C³ is the latest collaboration of two artistic minds: Charles Ray, a world-renowned sculptor, and Bay Area designer Tom Wylie, who has certainly turned out his share of beautiful, functional sailing craft over the years.
Yes — it’s true, I received my US Coast Guard 50-ton master’s inland license just a few weeks ago, making me a newly minted captain. Hold the applause, thanks. I’m not saying you have to call me Cap, but I am saying that you could, if you wanted to.
To any landlubbers reading this, you might be tempted to put me up on a pedestal for my many accomplishments: She’s only 30? She only started sailing a few years ago? She’s a professional writer, too, with a dozen published articles in Latitude 38? My, however does she do it all? Well, I did “it” because I ran out of other options.
The June issue includes your favorite monthly columns:
Letters: Sellers Beware the Not So Classy Classifieds; Researching My Grandfather’s Epic Legacy; My Best Kelpie Memories; What’s the Best Transpac Halfway Package?; and a mail sack full of readers’ letters and comments.
Sightings: She’s a Captain; Del Rey Yacht Club Intro to Yacht Racing; On Board Nereus for 18 Years; Richmond Sailors Chart Marine Hazards; and more.
Max Ebb: “Tides and Details”
Racing Sheet: It’s a mélange of regattas for us this month, with Sailing League, the Area G Sears Cup Qualifier and the S.F. Bay J/105 Women Skipper Invitational at StFYC; the YRA Lightship Race; a skipper overboard in the YRA In the Bay Series; SCYC’s Moore 24 Roadmaster and Laser NorCals; SDYC’s Orca Bowl; and the Newport to Ensenada Race from the Ensenada perspective; plus lots of Race Notes and Box Scores.
World of Chartering: This month we hear from Corinthian YC member Greg Winters about his cruise, with five friends, through the French West Indies. Over 21 days across three trips, they enjoyed diving into the local sailing and shore scenes — and learning about the islands’ tumultuous history.
Changes in Latitudes: With reports this month on Arcturus’s cruise from Alaska to the South Pacific; the differences in Iliohale’s South Seas trip from her owners’ last one on a different boat; Coyote’s return to Mexico to fulfill a lifelong dream; Terrapin’s slightly interrupted Pacific Puddle Jump; and a footlocker full of Cruise Notes.
All the latest in sailboats and sailboat gear for sale, Classy Classifieds.
We appreciate all readers and all our supporters — you keep Latitude 38 in print! Please show your appreciation by supporting the advertisers who have made this issue possible.
Pick up a magazine near you.
Read the magazine online here.
June Regatta Preview Hits the Highlights
May and June Sailing Offshore With the YRA and the SSS
The Yacht Racing Association reports that “May 17 ended up not being a good day for racing. The YRA has a policy that we will not run a race if a gale warning is issued by NOAA, and sure enough, by Friday afternoon, May 16, NOAA posted an official gale warning, so our Duxship race was canceled. It’s been rescheduled for Saturday, May 31, so if you couldn’t make the race on the 17th, you have another opportunity to race up to the Duxbury Reef Buoy and back.” The Singlehanded Sailing Society had also scheduled the Singlehanded Farallones Race for May 17. They postponed it to May 31 as well. Registration is closed with 29 boats entered.
The next offshore race on the YRA to-do list is the Farallones Race for full crews on June 14.
The next offshore race for the SSS is the biggie. The biennial Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race will depart San Francisco Bay for beautiful Hanalei Bay, on the north shore of Kauai, on June 21. See Jibeset and https://sfbaysss.org/shtp2025.
The race to Half Moon Bay on June 28 is both a YRA Destination Regatta and part of the Offshore Series. “Our only offshore destination race takes sailors out the Golden Gate and south to Pillar Point Harbor on the beautiful San Mateo coast. Enjoy views of the coast and marine life during the race and then stay for a fantastic beachside party at Half Moon Bay Yacht Club. Berthing and anchoring in Pillar Point Harbor are available for an overnight stay. To enter the race, register for the Offshore Series as a One-Time Entry, and select “Half Moon Bay” on 6/28/25 as the race you are signing up for.
Register or learn more about YRA offshore races here.
San Francisco Bay Area
SFYC will host the Midnight Moonlight Maritime Marathon pursuit race on June 7. There’s a doublehanded division. Sign up by 4 p.m. on June 4 to avoid a late fee.
The PICYA Lipton Cup will return to Richmond YC this year on June 13-15 in J/22s (provided by StFYC) with crews of four people. This is a competition between yacht clubs. Berkeley, Richmond, Encinal, Inverness, Corinthian, Sequoia, South Beach, St. Francis and Tahoe YCs have registered, with various crew configurations sailing on each day.
StFYC and US Sailing are accepting registration for the US Wingfoil Championship/Summer Wingding, on June 20-22.
Next up for the Mercury fleet will be the Hart Nunes Regatta at SFYC on June 21-22, which is part of the Travel Trophy.
Encinal YC will hold the Shirley Temming Cup for female drivers on June 28. At least 50% of all crew members, including the driver, must be women. A $10 late fee will apply after June 1.
Gordie Nash writes, “Lake Merritt Sailing Club will hold their last regatta on Sunday, June 29. The organization will be 88 years old at this regatta. It will be the club’s last one ever. So many great sailors got their start racing on this tricky, wind-shifty, urban lake. Jim DeWitt, Hank Jotz, Don Trask, Paul Cayard and Jim Warfield all started here. My first real trophy was during a late-1950s Midwinter Regatta. When there was a hoist available for launching, there were Stars, Mercurys, 110s, Zephyrs, Snipes, Blue Jays, Finns, Lightnings, Thistles and many other keelboat and dinghy classes sailing and racing on Lake Merritt.” How to sign up? There’s no website. Just show up with some cash and your boat.
More Northern California Races
This year marks the 34th running of the Delta Ditch Run. It’s a 65-mile mostly downwind ride from the Richmond Yacht Club, up the bays and rivers, to the Stockton Sailing Club on June 7. Don’t miss out on all the fun — and excitement — sign up here. Register by this Sunday, June 1, to save $25.
Lake Washington Sailing Club will host the El Toro Nationals in West Sacramento on June 19-22. (Thursday’s a practice day.)
Rick Raduziner of Tahoe YC reminds Laser sailors to sign up for the ILCA Pacific Coast Championships, coming up on June 20-22. (Sign up before June 1 to save $50.)
Southern California
Alamitos Bay YC will host the ILCA North Americans in Long Beach on June 12-15.
Long Beach Race Week on June 20-22 will feature:
- Beneteau 36.7, Catalina 37, Express 37, Farr 40, J/70, J/109, J/111, J/120, Melges 15, Moore 24, Schock 35, Soling (charter), Viper 640 and VX One classes
- PHRF buoy and random leg racing (open to PHRF boats with a handicap of 222 or less)
- Beneteau 36.7 High Point Series
- Catalina 37 National Championship
- J/109 Pacific Coast Championship
- Melges 15 National Championship
- Moore 24 National Championship
- The famous Friday and Saturday after-race parties
Sign up now — entry fees increase at 6 p.m. on June 1.
San Diego YC will host Area J’s qualifier for the US Sailing Sears Cup Triplehanded Championship on the 24th. Then, on June 28-29, it’ll be SDYC’s Olympic Classes Regatta.
In Washington
The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle will host the J/70 US National Championship Mixed Plus on June 13-15. This regatta is for mixed-gender crews with no more than two males over 18 years old. The fleet will sail on the waters of Puget Sound at Shilshole Bay in Seattle. See https://cycseattle.theclubspot.com/j70-mixed-nationals.
The WA360, an R2AK-ish race from Port Townsend to Port Townsend via Olympia and Point Roberts, will set sail on June 28 at 11 a.m. Organizers at Northwest Maritime call it, “All of the thrills, none of the Alaska.” Entries are closed.
But Wait — There’s More!
This is the season when the list of regattas is bulging at the seams. We try to gather them all for our monthly Calendar but couldn’t possibly fit them all in here. Find many more in the June issue of Latitude 38, and feel free to give a shout-out to your favorites in the Comments section below. For more advance planning, refer to our annual calendar.
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