7 minute read
master mariners retrospective
Along with just about every other event ashore or afl oat these days, the 2020 Master Mariners Regatta, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our disappointment at the cancelation of the 'regatta non grata' probably doesn't hold a candle to that of the competition's classic yacht owners and sailors, but we will also miss the event. It's one of the most colorful and fun events of our yearly calendar.
To mitigate some of our grief, we thought it would be fun to look back at the regatta's equally colorful origins, and run a selection of the thousands of images we've taken of the event over the years. So kick back, self-isolate, throw the docklines off that armchair, and let's get crackin' — no foulies required. Back in the 19th century, before organized sports, arcades, television and computers, most recreational sailors — and pretty much any other outdoorsport enthusiasts (except golfers) — still got together and had fun. One source of pleasure in early San Francisco was the annual Fourth of July celebration; almost the entire population found a way to take
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part in the festivities. In 1867, someone came up with an idea to add even more fun to the day: a race for commercial ships around the Bay, with all proceeds going to the Boatmens' Protective Association, which helped care for sick, injured or retired sailors, as well as the widows and orphans of those lost at sea. Historian Roger Olmstead put it in perspective in a 1955 article: "Explosives were more widely distributed than they are today, and liquor was cheaper. A combination of the two produced a lively holiday, spattered with shootings, bombings, fi res and other catastrophes. The Master Mariners Regatta
Charge of the heavy brigade (left to right): 'Royaliste', 'Stroma of Mey', 'Unda' and 'Brigadoon' sprint across the Central Bay in 2005.
was a happy addition to this medley." It was a rollicking success. With a 'Bay tour' course set up to maximize shoreside viewability, thousands of spectators watched from Telegraph Hill and local wharves. Bets were made ashore and afl oat. The last run from Fort Point — 70 years before the Golden Gate Bridge was built — to the fi nish line, off present-day Fisherman's Wharf, took the fl eet close
Top: 'Barbara' on the clubhouse reach. Top right: The Bear Boat 'Panda's crew in full battle dress. Above: The visiting topsail schooner 'Lynx' put the 'big' back in the Big Schooner Division. Right: On Bird Boats, 'boom vang' is actually a crewing position. Bottom: The lovely 'Spirit' — still giant-killing after all these years.
to shore, where the cheers of the crowd reverberated through the waterfront. Local businesses got aboard as sponsors, 30-some ships sailed, and everyone had a great time, including the sailors. Not only did they get off work for the day, most got together afterward and threw the first of many legendary post-race parties. The event continued on through the 1870s under the auspices of the rebranded Master Mariners Benevolent Association (MMBA). It's said that outside-boat captains actually altered their schedules so they could be in town for the regatta, and many ships paid extra attention to sprucing up with new paint and greased bottoms. There was even a hint over the years that participation in the Master Mariners Regatta might have contributed to the building of faster vessels. After its 19th century beginnings, the event started to wane in the '80s. The rush for gold was mostly over, the
JOHN SKORIAK
Below: Perennial rivals 'Brigadoon' (foreground) and 'Yankee' on the homestretch. Above: Rick Hastie (steering) and the busy crew of 'Gaslight'. Top: Rounding Blossom Rock. Top right: A rare shot of one of the original Master Mariners races. The flags all carry an "H" that stood for "Hope." Middle right: The mighty 'Wander Bird', built in 1883, is the oldest boat to ever participate in the regatta. Bottom right: The 52-ft Dutch sailing barge 'Groote Beer' (or 'Great Bear') has her way with the Bay. (All photos / Latitude archives, except as noted.)
silver from Nevada's Comstock Lode was petering out, and steamers were encroaching ever further into the local waterborne trade. The last 'original' Master Mariners was in 1891.
The rebirth of the modern MMBA is credited to the late Bill Vaughn, although Vaughn himself gave equal billing to his friend mentioned earlier, historian Roger Olmstead. Vaughn — then of the 39-ft Pumpkinseed yawl Billiken, later of the lovely 54-ft Alden yawl Evening Star — envisioned the new MMBA as keepers and preservers of classic yachts. Bill organized the first modern Master Mariners Regatta in 1965 with a few other friends with classic yachts, including Brigadoon, which has sailed almost every one of them. The Regatta was sailed on Memorial Day in conjunction with San Francisco Maritime Week, a celebration of the shipping industry that has since faded into history. In the early days, MMBA activities consisted only of the annual race — no newsletter, cruises, other races or social events. Of course, all those things are part of the organization nowadays, including the Wooden Boat Show every June at the Corinthian YC (June 21 this year; keep your fingers crossed), and another regatta, the Jessica Cup, in October. The original rules were pretty strict as far as who could join MMBA. Eventually, the rules stabilized at "any vessel built before World War II, or built from pre-war plans using pre-war methods." Further rule-softening and category-creating has happily led to many more 'classic' craft joining, such as the splendid little S&S 33 Spirit, built in 1960. These days, 50 to 70 boats usually race the Master Mariners regatta, and just like in the days of old, businesses sponsor individual boats (which fly the business's house flag, and sail with one representative aboard). Winners of the bigger classes still get a banner featuring a strutting gamecock and the word "Champion." And they still get together afterward for a bit of post-race revelry. Some of these parties were so — ahem — rollicking over the years that several senior members recall the Mariners being 86ed from just about every waterfront venue on the Bay. According to legend, a sailor who belonged to the Encinal YC finally lobbied club officials to host the party with the proviso that the sailors would behave themselves — or at least pay for damages. It's been held there every year since, with the unfortunate exception of 2020. Despite the fact that the event is hosted in the global tech hub of San Francisco, the passion for the heritage, soul and history of classic sailing on the Bay is as strong as ever. Please raise a glass of your favorite beverage and virtual-clink a toast to the Mariners, who will be back bigger and more colorful than ever in '21. — latitude/jr
The Master Mariners fleet takes over the docks at Encinal YC for the post-race party and awards ceremony.
Master Mariners Wooden Boat Show
SUNDAY, JUNE 21 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUB
View and board classic sailing vessels, meet their skippers and learn the yachts' unique history. Show proceeds to go to Master Mariners Benevolent 501(c)3 Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships for youth sailing, wooden boat building and maritime education. Also provides for the preservation of SF Bay Classic yachts. MMBF is dedicated to preserving the continuity of traditional yachting on San Francisco Bay. The Master Mariners Benevolent Association is dedicated to fostering participation in yachting and the preservation of classic and traditional sailing craft. During the Boat Show, the Corinthian Yacht Club outdoor bar and grill is open for lunch, there is model boat building for kids. Children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.
