Bruce Schwab’s Improbable Northwest Project

When it comes to setting up or sailing a boat, few can compete with Bruce Schwab. A renaissance man, Schwab has raced singlehandedly around the world twice, rebuilt the 30 square meter Rumbleseat in magnificent fashion (and won 1996 Singlehanded Transpac in it), and founded Oceanplanet Energy, a very forward-looking company with energy solutions for life afloat,.

And when it comes to legendary boats, few can complete with Improbable. Designed by Gary Mull and built of Kauri, Improbable was a completely different take on the then-new IOR measurement handicapping system. Relatively skinny and light, Improbable raced successfully in many places around the world including England and Australia. She eventually came to the Pacific Northwest where Bruce’s father (and Bruce) sailed her.

It’s best to let Bruce tell the story, but many of us old salts have it in the backs of their minds to do the same thing with some iconic racer.

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