PHRF Courses and Sailboat Design

Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) race courses have transitioned from traditional Olympic triangular patterns to windward-leeward designs, emphasizing tactical skills, boat speed, and positioning. Random Leg courses, which offer varied angles and conditions, provide more balanced competition for different boat types.

Naval architecture has evolved to optimize boats for specific conditions, creating designs specialized for particular race formats, often favoring performance over versatility. Cruiser-racers and traditional cruising designs may struggle to compete on modern windward-leeward courses, prompting new classifications.

Costa Mesa: A Silicon Valley Parallel

The year 1973 marked the zenith of Southern California’s boat building industry, with Costa Mesa standing as the unquestioned epicenter of fiberglass sailboat production. This maritime manufacturing powerhouse, with its tight concentration of innovative companies, specialized workforce, and entrepreneurial spirit, mirrored what would later become the defining characteristics of Silicon Valley’s technology ecosystem. Both represented…

Costa Mesa, From Building Boats to Building Yacht Clubs

Costa Mesa’s boat building heritage continues to hold cultural significance even as the manufacturing base has largely disappeared. The description of Costa Mesa as remaining “a Mecca for boat owners” despite having lost most of its boat builders suggests that the industry created a lasting cultural impact beyond its economic presence.

This legacy lives on through the sailors who still enjoy vessels produced during that era, the yacht clubs that continue to promote sailing traditions, and the community’s recognition of Costa Mesa’s historical importance to recreational boating in Southern California.

Grand Tour

Tour of the Salish Sea in May of 2023. This page outlines key boating destinations and yacht club facilities across the Salish Sea, emphasizing recreational opportunities and amenities for visitors. Here’s a structured summary:

San Juan Islands (Washington)
• Roche Harbor: A picturesque destination on San Juan Island with a Seattle Yacht Club outstation (Henry Island), offering moorage, waterfront restaurants, a fuel dock, and a 19-acre sculpture park. Hosted the 2023 Grand Banks rendezvous.
• Friday Harbor: A hub in the archipelago with hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.
British Columbia Destinations
• Ganges (Salt Spring Island): A top boating destination with marinas, the Salt Spring Island Saturday Market, and proximity to artisanal shops. The Seattle Yacht Club’s Ganges outstation provides moorage.
• Desolation Sound: Features Cortes Bay, home to both Royal Vancouver and Seattle Yacht Club outstations, public moorage, and access to wilderness trails. Nearby Refuge Cove offers provisioning.
• Ladysmith (Vancouver Island): Known for its 5-mile harbor, Ladysmith Yacht Club, and annual events like the Heritage Boat Festival. Ovens Island (owned by the Seattle Yacht Club) allows seasonal public dock use.
• Garden Bay (Pender Harbour): Hosts outstations from both the Royal Vancouver and Seattle Yacht Clubs. The historic Garden Bay Bar and Restaurant, destroyed by a 2020 fire, remains a point of local contention due to redevelopment plans.
• Sydney (Saanich Peninsula): Home to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea aquarium and a full-service marina near attractions like the BC Aviation Museum.

Jamestown New York and Chautauqua Yacht Club

Topics related to Jamestown, New York, and the nearby Chautauqua Institution include:
1. Chautauqua Institution:
* A historic center for education, culture, and recreation
* Hosts summer lecture series featuring prominent speakers
* Home to the Athenaeum Hotel, a Victorian-era establishment
* Offers various activities including boating, arts, and religious programs
2. Jamestown Attractions:
* National Comedy Center
* Lucille Ball-related sites and her burial place at Lake View Cemetery
* Roger Tory Peterson Institute, dedicated to the renowned naturalist
3. Boating and Recreation:
* Chautauqua Lake offers various water activities
* Chautauqua Sports Club provides boat rentals and other recreational facilities
* Chautauqua Yacht Club hosts sailing events and social gatherings
4. Historical and Cultural Aspects:
* Jamestown’s history in furniture manufacturing, particularly Swedish-designed furniture
* The role of railroads in the city’s industrial development
* The city’s connection to famous figures like Lucille Ball and Roger Tory Peterson
5. Nature and Wildlife:
* Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge for birding and nature observation
* Roger Tory Peterson’s influence on birdwatching and nature studies
6. Educational Programs:
* Chautauqua Institution’s diverse lecture series and cultural programs
* Educational opportunities in various fields including arts, science, and religion
The rich cultural, historical, and recreational offerings of Jamestown and the Chautauqua area, appeal to a wide range of interests from engineering and architecture to wildlife and religious studies.

Seattle, Washington USA 2025

Take a cruise of Seattle’s Elliot bay, Or ride a ferry to nearby bays. Watch the Ballard Locks in action, And enjoy the botanical garden attraction. Seattle, a city of endless possibilities, With so much to offer, it’s hard to leave with ease. From boat tours to coffee shops and beer gardens, Seattle is a city that never stops giving.

Bayesian Capsize

insights into the design and safety considerations of modern yachts, exemplified by the superyacht Bayesian. highlights how traditional sailing technologies, such as masts and keels, continue to influence contemporary yacht design. The discussion includes Bayesian’s specifications, stability measures like the Angle of Vanishing Stability, and features like the dinghy garage, which may impact flooding risks. Such details are crucial for boat designers focused on integrating historical sailing principles with modern innovations to enhance performance, safety, and luxury in yacht construction. This blend of old and new technologies is essential for advancing yacht design in today’s market.

America’s Cup is Still Relevant for Sailors

From PredictWind’s polars to Garmin’s integrated sensors, the America’s Cup legacy lives on in every boat and app-equipped cruiser (both power and sail). Far from being irrelevant, today’s America’s Cup remains a vital catalyst for progress, proving that the line between elite AC racing and recreational cruising and semi professional race sailing is not a divide—but a continuum.