Grand Prix Sailing: SailGP and Women’s Match Racing
The Women’s Match Racing Tour and SailGP both held grand prix world tour events on the East Coast last weekend.
Women’s Match Racing Tour
California sailors flew east to bring silver back west from the 2025 Santa Maria Cup for Women’s Match Racing. It was hosted on Chesapeake Bay by the Eastport Yacht Club. First was taken by Team Baam, skippered by Allie Blecher from California Yacht Club, with crew Beka Schiff, Rose Edwards, and Ali Blumenthal Stokes. In the final they defeated Vela Racing team, skippered by Nicole Breault from the St. Francis Yacht Club, with crew Evan Brown Cahill, McKenzie Wilson, and Julie Mitchell. It was a light-air final, with Allie taking the title 3-0. Having run for over 20 years, the Santa Maria Cup is one of the longest-running women’s match-racing regattas in the USA. Hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club, it’s been an official event of the Women’s World Match Racing Tour since 2022.
The Santa Maria Cup in the Chesapeake was preceded by the Women’s Match Racing Vela Cup hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club. Again, four-time women’s match-racing champion Nicole Breault made it to the finals but ended up second to the winner, French match-racing skipper Pauline Courtois and her Match in Pink Normandy team. This was another close-fought battle where races were decided by seconds.
The next event on the Women’s World Match Racing Tour is the Nordea Women’s Trophy, to be held in Marstrand, Sweden, June 30 to July 5.
SailGP
Last weekend was the next SailGP event in New York, which saw all 12 teams back on the line after skipping the event in Brazil. The downtime was used to rejigger the rigs on all the boats to prevent another catastrophic wing collapse like the one that occurred on Team Australia’s boat in the last event on San Francisco Bay.
As in the last event on the Bay, it was Diego Botin and the Spain SailGP team that took the prize money in the three-boat final. Spain had a start-to-finish lead in the final race against New Zealand and France. Overall conditions in New York Harbor were light, with only three-person crews on Saturday and full crews on a somewhat breezier Sunday. After a win on the Bay and in New York, the Spanish team is in the lead for the season, followed by BONDS Flying Roos in second, and Peter Burling and New Zealand in third.
Once again Team USA found it all hard going. With a top finish of seventh, they ended the series in last place. Brazil demonstrated their potential, with female skipper Martine Grael notching their first race win and finishing the series in fourth place, just missing the three-boat final. Complete results here.
Who’s on Board for the Last Baja-Hoorah-Ha?
There are currently 83 boats signed up and paid for Baja Ha-Ha XXXI. And if the past is any guide, there’ll be up to 140 by the November 2 Ha-Ha Kick-Off Costume Party and BBQ in San Diego. Of the 83 entries, 69 are monohulls, 11 are catamarans, and three are motor yachts. Now is the time to add your details to the list of sailors who are joining the rally to Mexico, and it’s also the time to send in your bio for the annual “Meet the Fleet” booklet.
If you’ve signed up, or are about to sign up, and are a little unsure of what’s needed for a bio, check the following one from Dave Gilbert of the Chula Vista-based Hans Christian 38 Heure Bleue. He provides all the basic information, adding additional stuff that helps us get to know him, and there is humor. We’re not looking for bios quite this long, but it should give you an idea. And if you’re a person who is on the private side, feel free to share as little as you want.
Heure Bleue — Hans Christian 38T (W); Dave Gilbert, Chula Vista
Dave, a 65-year-old liveaboard, is a stem cell scientist for cancer research. “I learned to sail on San Francisco Bay in the early ’80s while in graduate school at Stanford. At the time I lived aboard a Columbia 36 with a lady friend, and later a Ranger 26 by myself. For the next 30 years I was married to a landlubber who forbade me to sail. Eventually I was allowed a Venture 17, followed by a Compac 16. I sailed those boats all over the forgotten coasts of Apalachicola, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach on the Florida Panhandle.
“After becoming single again I did a fair amount of chartering before purchasing my Hans Christian 38, a design I’ve been in love with since the ’80s. In July 2023 I sailed Heure Bleue from Green Cove Springs, FL, to her home here in Chula Vista.
“I have a box turtle pet named Indy who sails with me, and probably hates it. He’s getting close to 100 — middle-aged for a box turtle — but doesn’t have any choice in the matter. My daughter will take him when Heure Bleue arrives in port with no captain aboard. LOL.
“I’ve always said I was going to do a Ha-Ha, and since this is the last one, I have to go this year. My longest passage has been Florida to Puerto Rico, which took nine days. What I do after the Ha-Ha depends on what the current administration has planned for the National Institutes of Health. If biomedical research keeps getting slashed, I will sail off into the sunset and leave the few remaining jobs to younger people. If it’s all a bluff, I may see as much of the Sea of Cortez as I have time for and then slosh back up to Chula Vista.
“My dream destination depends upon how much I’ve had to drink. When sober, I’d say winter in La Paz and summer in Chula Vista sounds like heaven. After a few drinks, Tahiti, Fiji, and all of that South Pacific stuff would be tops, with the Mediterranean as a distraction. I own my dream boat. I first saw a Hans Christian 38 in a boat show in 1984, and I promised myself that someday I would own one. I’m very stingy making promises because I always keep them.
“My sailing hero is Michael Attridge, my late best friend. He taught me everything I know, and had so many more sea stories than I do now, even when we were both young. May he rest in peace.
“I like the Clint Eastwood line in Mule: “The only people who want to live to be 100 are people who are 99.”
“I’m left-handed and have been ‘DNA Dave’ since 1984. I had a lot of non-scientist friends at Stanford, such as those who started Apple and stuff, and a lot of them were named Dave. To distinguish me I became ‘DNA Dave’, so I got that as my California license plate. I also had that plate in New York and Florida, and now I have it in California again. You may hear other people say they are DNA DAVE, but hands down, I am the original. But Dave is just fine. Depends on how many Daves you have around.
“I love any dessert with dark chocolate. Like a chocolate mousse with those 90% dark chocolate cacao chips in it. And maybe some chocolate dust on top.
“If I haven’t shared enough already, I’m a damned good harmonica player, and have written many songs on two CDs, I play guitar pretty mediocre, but well enough to lay down 300 songs or so to a drunk audience. And I sing and tap my feet.
“What else? I play basketball with people less than one-third my age, and I used to garden when I had dirt. Oh, yeah, I have been a professor for over 30 years and started a field of science. I raised a family, recorded music, run a nonprofit music production company to support kids with broken homes, played and coached basketball, pumped gas and fixed cars, and studied philosophy (how to think and write 101). Unfortunately, I’ve also lost a child and a marriage.
“I don’t feel I have enough money yet to safely retire, so I’ve started DNA DAVE LLC to help others disrupt the status quo in science while I’m sailing, and maybe I’ll do some fiction or nonfiction writing and publishing. I’m taking a course. If all that works, I just might be able to make the sea my home. Or as I said, if the current anti-science attitude is the new world, I’ll just move to Mexico. ‘Nuff said?”
If you are curious about the Ha-Ha or want to sign up, both the Notice of Rally and entry forms can be found at www.baja-haha.com. We hope you can sail south with us, as this is your last chance to do a Ha-Ha.
Your Home on the Water: The Suntex Marinas Experience in Oakland’s Estuary
Nestled within the vibrant heart of the Oakland Estuary, Suntex Marinas offers more than just a place to dock your boat; we provide a gateway to the rich boating lifestyle of the Bay Area. As part of the nation’s premier recreational marina network, Suntex Marinas is committed to upholding a standard of excellence, ensuring that each of our Oakland locations – including esteemed facilities like Jack London Square Marina, North Basin Marina, Central Basin Marina, and Union Point Marina – reflects our core values of unwavering hospitality, robust security, and a thriving sense of community.
We understand that finding the perfect home for your vessel is paramount, and we’re excited to announce that we currently have slips available in the Oakland Estuary. These aren’t just empty spaces; they are opportunities to become part of a dynamic waterfront community. Our slips are meticulously maintained, providing secure and convenient access to the beautiful waters of the Bay. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a passionate angler, or a casual cruiser, the ease of docking and the comprehensive amenities at your fingertips make each outing a seamless pleasure. From well-maintained walkways and clear signage to essential utilities like electricity and fresh water directly at your slip, every detail is considered to enhance your experience on the water.
At Suntex Marinas, our dedication to our customers is at the very heart of everything we do. We believe in “Blue Therapy” – the scientific finding that being on the water improves our mental and physical well-being. Our mission is to make the benefits of being on the water accessible to everyone, and this ethos guides our approach to customer service. Our on-site teams are more than just staff; they are boating enthusiasts themselves, committed to providing a welcoming environment, professional assistance, and a genuine smile. From routine maintenance advice to local cruising tips, our knowledgeable marina administration are always ready to assist, ensuring your time at our Oakland marinas feels like a true extension of your home.
The acquisition of these Oakland marinas is a testament to Suntex’s strategic investment in premier locations, and it signifies our long-term commitment to the Bay Area boating community. We are not just owners; we are active managers and investors, constantly evaluating and enhancing every aspect of our properties. Our vision for our Oakland marinas is one of continuous improvement and evolution. We have a demonstrated track record of substantial capital investments across our portfolio, aimed at upgrading infrastructure, expanding services, and introducing modern amenities that elevate the boater’s experience.
This commitment to improvement means that our Oakland marinas will only grow better with time. We actively seek feedback from our valued customers, as your insights directly inform our future development plans. Whether it’s upgrading state-of-the-art docks, enhancing fueling stations, optimizing our fully stocked ship stores, or developing more comfortable captain’s lounges and shower facilities, our objective is to create a quality, resort-like experience that is safe, clean, and friendly. We envision our Oakland marinas not just as places to berth a boat, but as vibrant hubs of activity, relaxation, and connection, where memorable experiences are created every day.
Choosing a Suntex Marina in the Oakland Estuary means choosing a partner in your boating journey. It means securing a slip in a prime location, benefiting from top-tier amenities, and becoming part of a community cared for by a team passionate about the boating lifestyle. Discover the Suntex difference and let us exceed your expectations — your perfect spot on the Oakland Estuary awaits.
How Does This Crew List Thing Work Anyway?
“I’m still sailing with crew I connected with on the Crew List over 10 years ago! It has been a great help to me!” — Bill
That email reminded us of all the sailors and future sailors who have connected through the Latitude 38 Crew List over the decades. Given all the content in the magazine and on our website, it could be easy to miss our Crew List as a way to find crew positions on a boat or for owners to find crew. The image below shows the wide variety of options, including daysailing or racing the Bay, or cruising south with the Baja Ha-Ha. You can add your name to your primary crew list interests or search through the listings for boat owners or crew.
There are over 2,000 owners and crew on our Crew List page, so there is lots of opportunity ahead if you want to get out and sail this summer. If you want to know more about crewing on race boats, read Andy Newell’s “How To Get Started Racing if You Want To Crew.”
If you want to sail today you could also visit any one of the yacht clubs listed in our 2025 Sailing Calendar that are hosting Friday night beer can races. These include Berkeley Yacht Club, Corinthian Yacht Club, Golden Gate Yacht Club, South Beach Yacht Club, South Lake Tahoe Windjammers Yacht Club, and Tiburon Yacht Club.
We’re almost at the summer solstice, with its long days making it ideal for evening cruises or beer can racing. Add your name to the Crew List(s) or get down to the docks to find your escape from the mayhem ashore.
For some inspiration, listen to our second Good Jibes episode with Cole Brauer to learn how she persevered in landing great crew positions on her path to becoming a professional sailor.
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.
Ray grew up in Chicago and learned to sail on Lake Michigan on a Sabot his father bought. On his first solo outing, having no idea what he was doing, “I was hooked,” he says. He was 7.
He came west in the 1970s, settling in the L.A. area, where his modernist sculptures built a wide following in the art world, and where he served for almost 30 years as a professor of sculpture at a well-known university.
Sailing was his other passion, pursued on a series of ever-larger, faster boats. Although he’s sailed and raced with other people, he also likes the peace and serenity of singlehanding, “Where you don’t have to listen to anybody else critiquing what you’re doing,” he laughs. By the early 2000s, Ray was doing a qualifying sail for the Singlehanded Transpacific Race, a biennial event that starts in San Francisco and finishes in Hanalei Bay, Kauai.
All entries are required to do a 400-plus-mile offshore qualifying sail prior to the July start. Ray was about halfway through his qualifier — the long way around several Southern California offshore islands — on the Olson 40 Skimmer, when it and a Navy ship collided around midnight. No one was hurt in the incident, which was later determined to be the Navy’s fault, but the dismasted sailboat was out of commission and Ray didn’t want to spend the time or money to fix it.
It was back to the drawing board in what turned out to be a most literal way. Ray has long been fascinated by the singlehanded sailors who circle the globe on high-end Open 50s and 60s. For him, “rock stars” meant Chay Blyth, Loick Peyron, Ellen MacArthur and other, mostly European skippers. Among the few Americans sailing that rarified air near the turn of the millennium was Northern California’s Bruce Schwab.
He had sailed a unique Open 60 named Ocean Planet around the world in both the Around Alone (2002–2003) and Vendée Globe (2004–2005) races. A feature Ray found particularly intriguing about the boat was its freestanding carbon mast. In his reading, Ray came across a photo showing Schwab standing next to the designer of the boat, a tall, lanky fellow named Tom.
He eventually tracked Wylie down to his East Bay workshop and gave him a call, which turned into many calls, which turned into the all-carbon-fiber 44-ft cat-rigged speedster C² — named for the speed of light in Einstein’s theory of relativity. It sports a cat rig with a freestanding mast and wishbone boom.
“We talked a lot about the rig,” recalls Ray. “Tom had this notion of purity about it, which I understood immediately. Rather than pulling a lot of strings, with the freestanding mast and one big sail, you basically have just the mainsheet and choker (for draft adjustment). With that simplicity, you could spend less time working the boat and more time studying the racecourse, or just enjoying the ride.
“In a way, it brought back the joys of sailing the Sabot all those years ago.”
Celebrate ‘The Grand Opening of Svendsen’s New Yard Expansion’
