Feature

Will AI win Scuttleball 2026?

Published on March 16th, 2026

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News When Conan O’Brien hosted the 2026 Academy Awards, it was his second consecutive year, but he expects it be his last. “I am honored to be the last human host ... Read More →

Curmudgeon's Observation

Curmudgeon’s Observation

Published on March 17th, 2026

“Chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don’t need an appointment.” – Catherine Aitken Providing “insight” since 1997, the Curmudgeon’s Observation has been a hallmark of the Scuttlebutt Newsletter which delivers a digest of major sailing ... Read More →

Feature

America’s Cup: Big steps for France

Published on March 17th, 2026

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News It was several years ago, during a dermatology appointment, when I asked about skin care products. Sailing is not kind to the skin, and 50+ years on the water, not ... Read More →

Feature

Good for water skiing and smuggling

Published on March 17th, 2026

The MacGregor 26 is not an attractive boat. Decent headroom, galley, and accommodations created a raised deck and “generous” hull shape. But a lot of people love the compromises, and it has been a staple in ... Read More →

Feature

Was it impossible to avoid contact?

Published on March 16th, 2026

The Case Book for 2025-2028 (click here) complements The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and provides details on the application of the rules. Here’s Case 87: A right-of-way boat need not act to avoid contact until ... Read More →

Feature

Kiwi membership model under review

Published on March 16th, 2026

Racing sailboats in New Zealand requires membership with a Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) affiliated club. But rather than also directly joining the national federation, as is done in the USA, YNZ is supported by fees from ... Read More →

Feature

SailGP depth chart getting tested

Published on March 16th, 2026

When the Kiwi team lost control of their F50 during the SailGP event on their home waters of Auckland, the dominoes got scattered. Broken boats, broken crew, and a diminished fleet. Their collision with the French ... Read More →

Feature

Women who helped shape a legacy

Published on March 15th, 2026

It is a weakness of the US National Sailing Hall of Fame as it relies on public nomination for candidates to consider, but public awareness only goes so far back in history. More so, as the ... Read More →

Feature

Crossing both Atlantic and Equator

Published on March 14th, 2026

The Mini Transat is a bi-annual, solo transatlantic sailing race, and provides a proving ground for the latest design ideas in the 21-foot Mini 6.50 Class. These ideas have influenced the Class40 and the IMOCA 60 ... Read More →

Feature

Improving the coaching pipeline problem

Published on March 14th, 2026

There are 68 teams that will compete in the 2026 College Division 1 Basketball Championship, with about half having a man as head coach. It was over 50 years ago when the USA enacted the Title ... Read More →