In the United States, sailing has many faces and a mixed bag of perceived ideas: is it sport or is it a leisurely pastime? The answer is both but with skiff sailing one can engage in a competitive race close to shore or watch at ones leisure without getting wet.
Skiff Sailing in America
Skiff sailing is the rawest and most energetic form of sailing available to those interested in the sport. The American Sailing League in collaboration with the San Francisco based Skiff Sailing Foundation have pulled their resources together and are using the 18 foot skiff as the boat of choice for drawing in a crowd. The 18 foot skiff is a three person boat, each sailor balancing on a trapeze, with up to 33 foot tall mast and can carry up to an unlimited amount of sail area. The main sail alone averages at 100 square feet.
The 18 foot skiff, in addition to skiffs in general have been designed to sail at angles to the wind which allow them to reach very high speeds of 20 knots or higher. The boat's design is very unstable and requires all three crew to work together in an intimate dance to keep the boat upright and sailing fast. Each boat is virtually the same with a few exceptions and races are relatively short and performed close to shore.
Sailing a skiff is extremely physically and mentally demanding, is not intended for a day of cruising and limited in resources a sailor can bring on board for the day. In fact, there is really only room for sailors, sails to be used and nothing else. This makes those who sail skiffs inspired to play close to shore.
American sailing League Championship Series
This summer Pier 39 of San Francisco, CA hosted the Inaugural American Sailing League Championship Series, bringing together top sailors in the world of skiff sailing and displaying their talents to the tourists who visit the pier. Each race began and finished at the end of the pier, was paired with live commentary, music and supported with on-the-water cameraman recording the action.
Skiff Racing Can Grow The Sport of Sailing
There was a cash award for the winning team, however the League's goal was not about dishing out titles and silver but inspiring visitors and the young sailors who came down to play on boats made available through the Skiff Sailing Foundation. The individuals behind both the American Sailing League and Skiff Sailing Foundation are hoping to build an organization focused on growing the sport of sailing.
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