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What’s Wrong with Folkboat Skippers?

We were browsing sailing photos from photographer and tireless race committee volunteer Roxanne Fairbairn when we noticed that something must be wrong with Folkboat skippers. It seems the crews do everything they can to get as far away from the skipper as possible. We’ve heard of skipper/crew problems before but this appears to be a universal issue on Folkboats.

Unhappy Folkboat crews do all they can to avoid the skipper.
© 2018 Roxanne Fairbairn
Does the short straw mean you have to sit farther aft?
© 2018 Roxanne Fairbairn
Folkboat crew
We hear they bring snacks to avoid going aft to eat.
© 2018 Roxanne Fairbairn
2 Folkboats
These crewmembers can’t wait to go to work on Monday.
© 2018 Roxanne Fairbairn

Despite the apparent skipper challenge, the 26-ft Folkboat is one of the most popular classic, one-design fleets on the Bay, and most skippers and crew seem to make up enough to have a good time at the yacht club after the races.

Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon will host the Folkboat International Regatta on September 29-October 4, 2019. See www.sfbayfolkboats.org for more info. For more of Roxanne’s great photos, see https://roxshots.smugmug.com.

11 Comments

  1. Kenneth 5 years ago

    It’s to increase the waterline going downwind . . . You should at least inform your readers with correct information if you claim to be a source of sailing knowledge and information.

    Also a Nordic Folkboat is closer to 25′ than 26′ . . .

    yikes.

    • Tim Henry 5 years ago

      Whoa, Kenneth, easy there. We think our readers are more than aware that this piece is just in good fun. But yes, you’re right, a Nordic folkboat is about 25.2 feet.

  2. Robert Ward 5 years ago

    Hah! My brother and I used to fight over who got to be bowman on the Soling when we crewed for Don Bever back in the 70’s, just for the chance to get out of the cockpit a bit…

  3. Kurt Hemmingsen 5 years ago

    Its just more fun to be the first to cross the finish line

  4. Ditte Andreasen 5 years ago

    And this is not just in SF – you will see it on folkboats all over the world, trying to get the edge down wind 😉

  5. Risto 5 years ago

    It’s the smell of the crew.

    • David Delany 5 years ago

      hahah!

  6. Edward 5 years ago

    Folks boat …racing …is a crew event …
    You know how bad the skipper breath is
    By number of crew members on bow..

  7. Ian 5 years ago

    White sails only, no spinnakers?

    • Christine Weaver 5 years ago

      Ian: The Folkboat class races one-design sans spinnakers.

  8. David Delany 5 years ago

    Fun group! I am leading a project to restore a Folkboat as part of the SCBC effort in Sausalito.
    This Spring we will put it together. We have all the pieces just waiting for clear weather and a crew of volunteers. It promises to be a good time. Interested? Contact me, David Delany : ) [email protected]
    Happy Sailing! dD

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