Living in the Scuttlebutt World

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
This has been the 27th year of Scuttlebutt Sailing News, with 2024 having 94 newsletters distributed and 1900+ reports to the website. I joined the“firm” in 2002 when my kids were kids, and now they are adults getting married. And through it all has been the sport of sailing.

Scuttlebutt has grown up too, evolving as the landscape evolves. Events are using social media more to report their news, which has allowed us to focus on the stories within the sport. We seek to bring attention to what matters most while highlighting what can be applied at many levels.

Among the services Scuttlebutt provides are the Eight Bells tributes for some of the significant contributors and participants in sailing. We annually compile these remembrances, which in 2024 included too many familiar names. I lived with some, sailed with some, received stories from some, and respected all 52 individuals. Sail on!

I had the great pleasure of being on America, the 139-foot replica yacht which won ‘that’ historic race in 1851, for the 54th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. I am also now reading Dave Gendell’s book, The Last Days of the Schooner America, and feel so fortunate that America owner and skipper Troy Sears keeps this memory alive. We got massive applause from parade fans.

And after being on America, I was inspired to take out my boat the following weekend to watch this holiday parade (yes, in San Diego the parade is on two consecutive Saturdays). It was amazing the amount of decorating effort on display, and a very fun way to share boating and the holidays with some non-sailing friends.

The past few weeks have been hectic at Scuttlebutt World Headquarters as we line up advertisers for 2025, and am pleased to have nearly all sponsor opportunities filled. The marine industry isn’t getting bigger, and there are more options for companies to promote their products. Thankfully, Scuttlebutt remains on the list.

I am also grateful for our generous community that financially contributes to Scuttlebutt Sailing News. If you can help the publication, an online patron program accepts pledges. Thanks in advance for your consideration… click here.

But there’s more to do, and with Christmas coming next week, we’ve sent the final newsletter for 2024. Updates will continue on the Scuttlebutt website, with the newsletter resuming January 3rd. Thank you for your support and enjoy the holiday season!