Episode #3: Chuck Hawley Describes His Offshore Sailing Adventures and Lessons

This week’s host, Ryan Foland, is joined by Chuck Hawley to discuss being a first-timer, safety tips, and the joys of sailing. Chuck was Chairman of the US Sailing Safety-at-Sea Committee, has sailed over 40,000 miles on a range of vessels and worked for West Marine for over 30 years. Hear how to approach your first offshore race, why it’s okay to be intimidated, how to find your community of sailors, West Coast vs. East Coast sailing, and how Chuck turned a depressing race into a joyful journey. This episode covers everything from Chuck’s storied sailing career to getting your captain’s license.

Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

• Where did Chuck’s passion for sailing come from?
• Do you ask questions when sailing with elite sailors?
• What is Chuck’s favorite sailboat make and model?
• Do you need a sailing resume?
• What is Chuck’s longest voyage at sea?
• How do you start sailing more?
• What would Chuck tell a powerboater to convince them to try sailing?
• Tack or Jibe: Cruising vs. Racing?

Learn more by checking out the Safety-at-Sea Committee or emailing Chuck at [email protected].

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite podcast spots – follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

What is Good Jibes with Latitude 38?

Welcome to the world of sailing through the eyes of the West Coast Sailor. Each week, hear stories and tips from West Coast sailors on the topics of community, cruising, and racing. Cast off, laugh and learn, and become a better sailor. Hosted by John Arndt, Nicki Bennett, Ryan Foland, and the team at Latitude 38 – the sailing magazine for West Coast sailors since 1977!

Good Jibes is brought to you by the Safe Boating Campaign, in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Coast Guard. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com.

How do I subscribe to Latitude 38?

Thanks for listening to Chuck Hawley & Ryan Foland on Good Jibes with Latitude 38. Subscribe here to receive Latitude 38 to your home each month. 

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• Chuck Hawley on Sailing Adventures & Lessons
  • [0:29] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:34] Ryan Foland
  • [0:49] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [0:58] Learn more by checking out the Safety-at-Sea Committee or emailing Chuck at [email protected]
  • [1:42] Good Jibes is brought to you by the Safe Boating Campaign, in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Coast Guard. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com
  • [2:17] Safety at Sea Course
  • [2:34] What is a story that shaped Chuck about his first offshore race?
  • [3:11] Singlehanded Transpac, Moore 24
  • [4:05] Gatorade
  • [4:41] Drake’s Bay Race
  • [5:49] Depression
  • [6:45] California Offshore Race Week
  • [7:00] Anxiety
  • [7:38] Where did Chuck’s passion for sailing come from?
  • [8:02] El Toro
  • [8:43] Herreshoff Ketch, Hobie 14
  • [8:57] West Marine
  • [9:02] Santa Cruz, CA
  • [10:17] Stan Honey, Peter Hogg, PlayStation
  • [11:35] Do you ask questions when sailing with elite sailors?
  • [12:26] Charley, Nolan Bushnell
  • [13:09] Skip Stevely
  • [14:02] Pacific Cup
  • [14:11] Merlin
  • [15:10] Navy, Coast Guard
  • [15:45] Do you need a sailing resume?
  • [16:12] ASA (American Sailing Association)
  • [16:24] OCSC (Olympic Circle Sailing Club)
  • [16:48] Steve Fossett
  • [18:15] Cabo San Lucas
  • [18:54] Good Jibes is brought to you by the Safe Boating Campaign, in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Coast Guard. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com
  • Community
  • [19:57] How do you start sailing more?
  • [21:04] University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC)
  • [21:21] Olson 30
  • [21:27] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [21:51] Paul Cayard
  • [22:39] John Arndt, Summer Sailstice
  • [24:01] Alerion Express 38
  • Tack or Jibe?
  • [25:10] What is Chuck’s favorite sailboat make and model?
  • [25:47] What is his story about Moore 24s?
  • [26:01] Grendel
  • [26:46] Ron Moore
  • [28:00] What is Chuck’s ratio of cruising to racing?
  • [28:27] What is his longest voyage at sea?
  • [28:46] What is his favorite place to sail and why?
  • [29:30] What would he tell a powerboater to convince them to try sailing?
  • [30:31] Etchells
  • [30:53] What would Chuck tell a sailor to convince them to try powerboating?
  • [32:43] Westerbeke 35
  • [33458] Good Jibes is brought to you by the Safe Boating Campaign, in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Coast Guard. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com
  • [34:04] What is Chuck’s most important safety piece other than a life jacket?
  • [35:22] Monterey, CA
  • [36:16] What’s Chuck’s scariest moment on the water?
  • [37:07] What’s his favorite sailing book?
  • [37:14] Safety-at-Sea Manual
  • [37:31] Tinkerbelle by Robert Manry, Gipsy Moth Circles the Globe by Sir Francis Chichester, Trekka Round the World by John Guzzwell
  • [37:58] COVID-19
  • [38:35] What’s his favorite sailing movie?
  • [38:54] Maiden, Dawn Riley
  • [41:11] Learn more by checking out the Safety-at-Sea Committee or emailing Chuck at [email protected]
  • [42:04] Where can you take sailing courses?
  • [44:22 Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [44:45] Follow our sponsor, the Safe Boating Campaign, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @boatingcampaign and use the hashtags #SafeBoating and #RealBoatersWearit. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com
  • [45:22] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • Theme Song: Pineapple Dream by SOLXIS