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Thanks again to Josh and Small Craft Advisor for keeping The Resourceful Sailor alive. This edition reviews how racing on a small foredeck with no lifelines helped me gain more confidence and experience in single-handing Sampaguita on the ocean. Thanks for stopping by and checking it out. CLICK HERE to be routed to the article. Thanks again.
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
I just published two slow-moving videos about warping boats at the dock on Youtube. One was a re-edit of a previously published video of Sampaguita, a 1985 Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 with a full keel, which I recently discovered had some annoying glitches. I removed the major ones and preserved what I could. The second video is recent and of Corvo, a Thunderbird sailboat, a much lighter boat with a fin keel… 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
Little Thunderbird I see your face. Little Thunderbird Ready to race. Your suit is creased And your shoes are worn Still you cut the waves For which you were born. * Made fast to the dock You patiently stand Awaiting a skipper To take your hand. Your regular dance The summer through Wednesdays and Fridays Sometimes Saturdays too. Whatever tempo The band will blow You take a deep breath And go on… Read More
sailingwithjosh
Sailing With Josh 