Sailing With Josh

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A photo of a salty geezer and a salty boat just turned up. This is upon arrival in Port Angeles after 60 days at sea from the Marquesas, And another installment of The Resourceful Sailor hit the internet on Sept. 5, 2025, at ‘Lectronic Latitude, The Resourceful Sailor Configures a Spinnaker Pole Holder. Thanks to Monica and Latitude 38 for the continued support. This one is about storing a spinnaker pole on… Read More

The presentation, A Flicka 20’s Pacific Odyssey, commenced on March 12, 2025 at the Port Townsend Sailing Association clubhouse in Port Townsend. Thank you to everyone who made it out. I believe the farthest traveled from was San Francisco. Several made it up from Seattle too. And, of course, lots of more local folks. About 70 people made the effort and I very much appreciate it. I hope it was worth it…. Read More

Here are a couple videos about lowering masts on small sailboats for the DIY folks. First, a keel-stepped mast using a gin pole. Courtesy of the Port Townsend Sailing Association. Video: Steve Scharf Second, a deck-stepped mast using the boom. There was also a write-up on this in ‘Lectronic Latitude – Lowering the Mast on a Small Boat with The Resourceful Sailor.

This is a bit of a feedback loop, but upon discovering their generous words, I raised their colors. Sampaguita sits at anchor in a windy and choppy La Paz anchorage. Her Mexican flag is showing the tatters of time, prone to flogging on the stays, part of being a small boat. The lowest flag is a Flicka flag displaying the filigree which helps define the breed. I appreciate PTSA’s consideration and support…. Read More

Sailing the windward/leeward buoy races on the foredeck of Corvo with the Port Townsend Sailing Association One-Design Thunderbird Fleet on Wednesday evenings in Port Townsend Bay has made The Resourceful Sailor a better offshore sailor. Naturally, it has made them a better sailor overall, but writing about the nuances of sail trim and their controls, strategy, or rules feels a bit stuffy right now. This is about working the foredeck and managing agility, comfort,… Read More

The Port Townsend Sailing Association, Blackbird Associates, and Steve Scharf have relaunched the 1979 CHB Trawler race committee boat, Committee. (Yes, that’s the name. Underworld sounding? Or a little like naming your dog, Dog?) Fresh from the Port Townsend Boatyard, simplified for purpose, and with a new electric motor, Committee is meant to augment the local sailing community and to oversee the local Thunderbird fleet and PHRF buoy and long-distance races.  Originally put on the hard for… Read More