The Most Active Fleet
By Peter Haynes, H20 Class President (2011-2014), Fleet 1 Captain (2009-2010)
Sailing out on the water is a wonderful experience; it makes one wonder why more people don't enjoy it. Like most things, it becomes a matter of cost versus benefit.
Even if someone owned a boat, many need to be transported, and set it up, and then one must find a crew. There are also organizations and events, but they often end up lackluster and don't provide the sense of community that people crave. Sailing could easily take off with the right boat, and a fleet that feels like a family.
Back in the 90's, the Newport Harbor Yacht Club consisted of older gentlemen spending more time in the clubhouse than they did on the water, and they started to wonder why. Setting up to sail was simply too time consuming, logistically challenging, and wasn't comfortable enough to enjoy with non-sailing family and friends.
They went in search of the perfect boat, and when they discovered that it didn't exist, they teamed up with boat designer Steve Schock to develop the Harbor 20. This boat was built to be fast, simple, and above all, comfortable. The Harbor 20 is "kind of like sailing a couch", a very fast couch. It is great for beginning and professional sailors alike.
Many more women, youth, and elderly have taken interest in the Harbor 20 because it is not as physically demanding as larger boats. Ready to sail in minutes, with no winches and a self-tacking jib, they should call it the " Hassle-free 20"!
Because of the simplicity, the vast majority of H20 racers are couples.
Couples who sail together...
Even with a better boat, sailing can get lonely. The local sailing organizations and events can attract or deter new sailors from joining. Many Yacht Clubs hold competitions, in which people travel from far away, race, and then go back to their hotels or travel back home with little time for socialization.
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| Fleet Dock and Dine Party |
The Harbor 20 class has had great success "moving people, not boats". There are currently six fleets nationwide, and yearly events in which one fleet hosts sailors from other fleets, providing boats, housing, and entertainment.
Now, that's a lot if fun without the hassle!
Sailing Buddy
The largest fleet is Fleet 1 in Newport Beach, Ca. where the boat was invented. Fleet 1 actively encourages new sailors to join. They race approximately every other weekend during the winter sailing season, and five nights a week during the summer season, enjoying a dinner party every night at a different yacht club, averaging 100 parties a year.
The Fleet 1 Summer Party and the Winter Awards Banquet have an attendance of about 110 people. Races don't require a crew since the Harbor 20 can easily be manned by 1-3 people plus the occasional family pet.
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| Sailors of Peter's Fleet - Video |
Classes are divided into A, B, and C to match up sailors of similar experience in order to keep the races fair. It is very common to see the most experienced sailors sail with the least experienced sailors with two types of mentoring programs. Fun afternoon seminars teach extensive boat handling, racing rules, and tactics.
Less formal on the water training also helps sailors rise rapidly in league by a fleet skipper. This creates a much better experience for everyone and builds a stronger sense of community.
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| Peter Haynes Fleet Building |
See Peter Live and In Person !
For those who wish to learn from Peter directly. He is giving one of his famous seminars this January 16th at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club. Sailors from everywhere should take advantage of Peter's know how.
