‘Latitude 38’s October Issue Has Docked!

Latitude 38’s October issue is out and on the docks, and all the other places you like to pick up your copy. (See our distribution locations here.)

On Monday we gave you a snippet of what’s in this month’s issue. Here’s a bigger preview.

The 2026 Rolex Big Boat Series at StFYC

Racing took place from September 17 through 20, and the regatta saw a variety of conditions, excellent seamanship, tight racing and several wild parties. The eight fleets were the classic yachts, making their triumphant return after a one-year hiatus, three one-designs (J/105, Express 37 and J/88) and four ORC fleets. Of note, the regatta saw a much higher ORC turnout than it had in recent years, with the event also serving as the 2026 ORC North American Championship.

How a One-Design Fleet Became a Family

Whenever Randall Rasicot called out a maneuver, I would jump.
“Vang!”
“Starboard twing to lifeline!”
Even now, hearing the skipper who taught me how to race, I automatically leap into action.
“An inch to the right!”
“Watch the doorjamb!”
Today, we aren’t sailing. The crew from J/24 Flight is moving a giant wooden sculpture, 8 feet across and weighing as much as a piano, through the threshold of Rasicot’s new house. It’s one of three times this summer that the J/24 fleet has helped each other move.

Some Common Misconceptions About Living Aboard a Sailboat Full Time

If you’re scrolling any type of social media these days, I’m sure you’ve seen a bunch of reels/TikToks/etc. of some cute young couple or individual selling everything to move aboard a boat.

While this is nothing new, the influx of social media clips has been overwhelming, at least my algorithm, often showing people who are completely new to the world of sailing. (Nothing wrong with this, by the way; everyone’s gotta start somewhere.) However, it’s easy to be swayed by some aesthetically pleasing video with trending audio. Boat life can be extremely rewarding and a great lifestyle, but as with anything in life, it’s probably a good idea to have an understanding of what you’re getting yourself into.

In this month’s regular columns:

Letters: This month’s Letters includes comments regarding Sausalito’s Measure X debate and other waterfront issues; the Jazz Cup; Merle Peterson; Lord Jim; Classy Love; and many more topics.
Sightings: Sailing With Swim California; The Working Waterfront of Tomorrow, Here Today; The Sea Scouts’ Summer Cruise; A Rib-Shattering Pac Cup Return; Five Years of Good Jibes; and Sailing Into Port Alone.
Max Ebb: “Dragging the Ass”
Racing Sheet: While early fall is always highlighted by the Rolex Big Boat Series, there’s so much other great racing around the West Coast. We kick off this month’s Racing Sheet with the beautiful classic yachts at the Belvedere Classic, and then turn our attention to the Drake’s Bay Race. Next, we cover the Phyllis Kleinman Swiftsure Regatta — the RBBS test event. We wrap things up with a great Knarr turnout in Ballena Bay, and some beautiful Mercury racing down the coast.
World of Chartering: Art Hartinger of Pied-a-Mer, of Jack London Square and the Encinal Yacht Club, shares his experience of chartering in the Caribbean with his wife and friends.
Changes in Latitudes: With reports this month from Salt Whistle’s continuing adventures in Mexico; catching up with old pal Marc Hightower after 30+ years; Part II of cruising aboard Mendocino Queen for 35 years; and a locker full of tasty Cruise Notes.

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