Pondering the future of Scuttlebutt

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
The proverb ‘All Good Things Must Come To An End’ is rooted in the 14th century, and while I don’t know if they were talking about popsicles or the calm before the next battle, this 25th anniversary year of Scuttlebutt Sailing News has made me think.

What began as a lark in 1997 when the internet was young and fun, the publication now lives in the madness of the modern internet.

I have been pondering the future of the publication. Do I sell it and witness where it goes, or end it like Thelma & Louise, or perhaps something else? And then a letter like this arrives that keeps me engaged:
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As a former Snipe sailor and now steeped in catboats, I want to thank you for your publication of Scuttlebutt over the many years.

You have consistently been a reasonable and moderate voice in the inevitable controversies and issues. You have covered events of regional, national, and international significance with insight and photo journalism. You connect with the newer sailors and the more experienced, without condensation, but, instead, earnest effort toward inclusion.

Also, I appreciate your “Curmudgeon” insights at the end, many of which I have forwarded to friends and relatives for their relevance and insight. Your Scuttlebutt is probably the last thing I would ever cancel from my incoming email blogs.

Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you do and have done over the years. Please keep it up.
– Woody Norwood; Atlanta, GA and Beaufort, SC
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What the future holds is to be determined, but I remain immensely proud to guide the publication, and always hope it helps in some way to make this such a great sport. Sail on!