Living in the Scuttlebutt World

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
Every once in a while, the stars align. Not only is August 30th National Mai Tai Day, but also the start of the Labor Day holiday in the USA. What better way to kick off a three-day weekend, as Labor Day is the first Monday of September, than to have in hand a lovely rum cocktail? I’m in!

I do find myself fortunate to be in the Pacific Time Zone with the America’s Cup racing underway in Spain. When they start at 2:00pm, that translates to me still in bed, enjoying my morning coffee at 5:00am. I eventually move to the office, with television on the wall, to continue watching. Easy peasy.

Some people find the races monotonous, which they can be, except for maybe Formula One fans (I’m not one). But the races are short enough, I can put on mute if needed, and continue with my morning work routine. Or I sleep in and fast forward where needed. I wasn’t happy about paying for ESPN+, as all other competing nations have it for free, but I am loving my time zone.

The USA was once the leading Olympic sailing nation, but the problem with success is that it creates expectations. However, the national program has faded from glory, and while there are many variables at work, such as what kids are doing before Olympic dreams form, inadequate management has hurt the brand.

Morgan Larson, an unbelievable talent across the scope of the sport, offers a rant on the topic, in which he notes how “our governing body is creating a system where our own talent isn’t willing to step up to the plate.” But sailors will commit, coaches will commit, and sponsors will commit to something they can believe in. Confidence in the brand is needed, and that requires stability and communication. Standing by.

It has been our goal to provide thoughtful commentary regarding the tragic end to the 56m Perini Navi Bayesian. Hearing from the yacht’s previous skipper on the boat’s features, along with another professional captain regarding yacht habits at anchor, has been revealing. Live and learn, I hope.

I enjoy hearing about what it takes to engage sailing participants, and in a report from the Great Lakes, this quote noted how “the best Fleet Captains don’t make decisions on what the skippers want. Instead, skippers tell the Fleet Captain by voting with their feet.” The elite racers tend to be more vociferous, but what they want may not be what the mid- and back-fleet racers want.

Must of what I wrote in The State of the Sport in 2020 still applies today, as sustained growth is a challenge when equipment technology and necessary skill keep climbing. When non-sailors see rocket-ships racing in the America’s Cup, does it interest them in trying the sport, or do they see it as inaccessible? Time will tell…