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Meet the crew

Since the publication of our first issue in 1977, Latitude 38 has championed a way of life with a style unique among sailing magazines. Often imitated but never matched, we’ve gone from that funky regional publication to a laid-back California standard to an “alternative” authority for sailors across the nation and around the world.

Everyone at Latitude is dedicated to bringing you the most compelling read in sailing. People sail for escape, adventure, fun and just to get away from it all. Those are the same reasons to read the magazine each month. If you're not sailing and need an alternative, pick up the latest issue brought to you by the people below and the many sailors and contributors who help make sailing and reading Latitude an almost synonymous pastime.

And our readers make the difference! We appreciate all your letters, photos and stories. If you want be part of the Latitude 38 family and story you can read our Writer's Guidelines here. Send a letter to the editor here. Or send us a submission for a cover photo — details here.

Contact Information - Job Opportunities - Department Information

John Arndt

Publisher

John grew up sailing on the coast of Maine, sailed in college and taught sailing during college summers. He's raced and cruised the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Mediterranean and been sailing San Francisco Bay since 1984. He started at Latitude 38 in 1987.  John has been on the board of the Northern California Marine Association, Sail America and currently the Corinthian Yacht Club.  John founded the Summer Sailstice celebration of sailing in 2001 and has recently purchased a 1989 Sabre Mk II to for San Francisco Bay and coastal racing and cruising with his wife and two daughters.

 

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Nicki Bennett

Marketing

Nicki grew up sailing to the Channel Islands on the weekends with her best friend's family, and always dreamed of coming back to it. She got her degree in nutrition and spent much of her career in hospitality including owning a small restaurant in coastal Maine. Upon returning to the West Coast, Nicki began connecting to the Bay Area sailing community. In 2020, during the beginning of the pandemic, she came to work at Latitude 38 and fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning her own boat. Nicki is currently upgrading her 1972 Ericson 32 Sospiro, and sailing as much as she can.

 

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Penny Clayton

Bookkeeper

Penny moved to California in 2010 and was thrilled to become part of the Latitude 38 team as it introduced her to this vibrant sailing community and lifestyle. She learned to sail catamarans (Tornados and SolCats) as a teenager with her father on Lake Ontario. Born in Barbados, she grew up in Toronto and is now bi-coastal. Penny sailed the 2014 Baja Ha-Ha on s/v Iolani – still one of her favorite boats on the Bay!

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Crissy Fields 

Spokesmodel

Before coming to Latitude 38, Crissy worked long hours in the retail fashion industry. Once past the first blush of youth, however, she fell on hard times. (Latitude found her on Craigslist for $50.) She immediately took to the comfy and stylish Latitude logowear she was asked to model, and she made many friends among readers.

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Soren Hemmila

Production Supervisor

Soren manages the production and distribution departments at Latitude 38. He previously worked for local newspapers and magazines. Soren studied Journalism at San Jose State University and lives in the East Bay.

Christine Weaver

Racing Editor

Racing and monthly Calendar editor at Latitude 38. A California native, Christine learned to sail in El Toros at age 12; she has been racing and cruising avidly since 1992. She co-founded the Delta Doo Dah cruising rally in 2009 and still acts as rally organizer. She's a graduate of San Francisco State University.