24-June-2026 - Beer Can Races aboard S/V Liberty

June 24, 2026

June 24th 2026, San Diego
Boat name: S/V Liberty, Sail # 77394
Boat Type: Dencho Marine / Schumacher 30'
Length: 30 ft
Crew role: Jib Trimmer
Distance: 12 nautical miles
Duration: 2 hours 38 mins
Wind: 7-14 knots
Notes:

Wednesday evening's Beer Can Regatta was a great experience aboard S/V Liberty as part of a five-person crew. Skipper Randy was at the helm, with John handling the mainsheet, Frankie managing the forestay and symmetrical spinnaker, and Sue and I serving as trimmers. During the downwind leg on a broad reach with the spinnaker flying, I also acted as a human preventer for the boom. Also, while sailing upwind, I was one of the crew hiking (hanging our feet over the windward side).

The team sailed an excellent race, finishing 3rd in our class. Beyond the result, the biggest takeaway was the opportunity to learn from such an experienced crew... several members have nearly 50 years of sail racing experience. Their knowledge, communication, and sail-handling techniques provided valuable lessons that will make me a better sailor going forward.

0 comments

Coffee and Tea Subscriptions

Never Run Out of Coffee Again

Life’s too short for an empty mug.

With a Skipper’s Remedy® coffee and tea subscription, fresh, specialty coffee arrives right when you need it ...so you’re always ready to Fuel Your Crew™. From long passages to laid-back mornings at home, stay stocked with the roasts your crew counts on and never miss a brew.

Come aboard, you're invited

Journal

Velocity Made Good (VMG): Why the Fastest Sailor Isn't Always the Fastest Boat

One of the first surprises many sailors encounter is this: The fastest boat doesn't always reach the destination first. Wait... what? How can a boat sailing at 7 knots lose...

Broad Reach vs. Wing-on-Wing: Which Is Faster Downwind?

Every sailor eventually faces a classic downwind dilemma: Should you sail directly toward your destination wing-on-wing, or should you heat things up a bit and sail a faster broad reach? ...

Boom Vang Basics: When to Ease It, When to Trim It

If sailboat controls were crew members, the boom vang would be the quiet one who rarely says much but somehow keeps everything running smoothly. It doesn't get the attention of...