Living in the Scuttlebutt World

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing news
Winners like to say trophies aren’t given out at the first weather mark; that happens at the finish. However, our sport has more losers than winners, so celebrating all highlights keeps people inspired. I bring this up because after the first weekend of the College Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, I am winning Scuttleball.

I’ve never been above the fold in this infamous hoop pool, so being on top of the rankings is unfamiliar territory. Yes, I should act like I’ve been there before, but no one would believe that, and it’s not like I have to keep my head in the game. All decisions have been made, and I got lucky on a few games with still two-thirds of the tournament remaining. I’m dancing while I can.

Besides a lot of basketball, I also watched the SailGP races in San Francisco, and took pleasure in the wind strength not living up to the hype. The teams must have been given a script by the league to promote epic conditions as that attracts attention. While San Francisco does blow hard, that occurs in the summer. Saying the venue is nuclear in March is nonsense, and the “best sailors in the world” were full of it. Yea, me!

The recent news that The Ocean Race 2027 would return to New Zealand puts into question whether there is a realistic chance for the America’s Cup to also be held in Auckland. The offshore fleet would arrive in March 2027, which is about when the AC racing would be held. While the Kiwi defenders refer to the event being held in 2027, which has always seemed unrealistic, but even so, would Auckland write an even bigger check to host the 38th edition?

Aside from the Los Angeles and Chicago teams, as they played last week in Japan, the Major League Baseball season gets underway for the other 28 teams this week. I will be in Petco Park as my San Diego Padres host Opening Day on March 27 against the Atlanta Braves. The smell of fresh cut grass. The hope of a fresh start. Play ball!

However, my love of baseball will disrupt the distribution of the newsletter, as ballpark beverages and editing are to be avoided. Translated – there will be no newsletter this Friday. More so, I have been juggling some additional issues in the background that may derail the April 1st newsletter. Life gets in the way sometimes… my apologies in advance when it does. Onward!