Epilogue: 25 Years Later

When teams from Canada and USA line up this summer to compete in the multihull event at the Rio Games, the sailors will be considered cat converts for having made the switch from monohulls for the 2016 Olympics. But this conversion is hardly unique as Todd Smith had detailed in a 1991 report. Here Todd reflects on the past and present…

It is hard to believe that 25 years have blown by since the USYRU article was written about four dinghy sailors who transitioned from one to two hulls. Each of the featured sailors are not only champions from back in the day, but they have continued over the decades to flourish on and off the water.

Pease and Jay Glaser are truly two of the nicest people around. After the 1991 article was written, Pease realized her Olympic dream winning a Silver in the 470 class at the 2000 Sydney Olympiad to complement Jay’s Tornado Silver medal from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympiad. The Glaser’s continue to give so much back to the sport with their sail making business, clinics, and coaching programs. And yes, they continue to actively race those two hulled speed machines.

Pete Melvin has remained a cat convert all these years and has successfully blended his sailing and engineering talents as one of the premier multihull designers. Morrelli and Melvin has designed everything from Americas Cup catamarans to comfortable cruising cats (which many of us have enjoyed in the BVI). Even with his world acclaimed status, Pete remains as approachable as any one.

Steve Rosenberg is just a perpetually “cool” guy (always has been and always will be). He has made his mark in the sunglass business in helping grow the Oakley brand and then starting up and leading Kaenon. Steve’s son Jacob has been bitten by the sailing bug and started off in the Naples Sabot, crewed on his Dad’s F-18, is now on the 29er circuit, and will be entering Stanford next fall. Steve has to be incredibly proud.

Craig Leweck may be known to Scuttlebutt readers as the Curmudgeon, but I have always known Craig as a never ending comedic monologue. One can always count on Leweck to make light of any situation and bring out a laugh. It has been neat to see Scuttlebutt thrive as a Leweck family venture and to see Craig continue his winning ways on the water including crewing as an Etchells World Champion.

All these sailors bring back great memories and I look forward to sharing more good times going forward. Sheet in!