Of all the notable sailing industry luminaries of the Pacific Northwest, none have had a greater influence on the world of sailing than naval architect Bob Perry. From his seminal Valiant 40 design to today’s “Carbon Cutter,” his work not only stands on its own, it has influenced cruising boat design for six decades. Over the years several aspiring designers have interned and worked with Bob and gone on to successful careers. Beyond that, his design review column in Sailing Magazine has educated and entertained since the 1970s. (Ed. Note. I had the honor of editing that column for some years) Still very much an active designer, Bob can also occasionally can be coaxed out of his “Shack” on the water to speak to groups, never failing to entertain. If you doubt that, listen to his acceptance speech, below.
Bob was just inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame. It’s a well-deserved honor. Here’s the video of his acceptance:
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
The Chicago Mackinac race is known as one of the greatest races anywhere in the world, and with good reason. Conditions change with frightening speed, chunky waves test boats and, moreover, crews and the quality of racing is top notch.
The white boat in this Yellow Brick tracker image is Baby Blue approaching the Mackinac bridge and finish line at the Island beyond. All the other boats in the image are from Class 6 (her class), Class 5 (bigger, “faster”) and Class 4 (even bigger, even “faster”). Baby Blue won her class handily and finished 6th overall in the under 40′ Mackinac Cup division.
Paul Bieker’s 40′ Blue design caught people’s attention when she appeared a few years ago sailing around and in front of much larger boats. This year, the Bieker designed and Jim Betts built Baby Blue rocked the Mac fleet with a resounding Class 6 win. In the process, she beat all the supposedly faster Class 4 and Class 5 boats boat for boat.
Congratulations to Peter Heppel, Evan Walker and the largely PNW crew. Hopefully we can get some first-hand comments about the race.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
Bob Perry with a Portuguese water dog shirt. Very fitting.
Of all the PNW sailing luminaries, Bob Perry has probably had the biggest impact of all. His induction to the Sailing Hall of Fame is well deserved.
First of all, Bob’s designs are everywhere. And even when cruisers are not of his design, it’s not too hard to detect Bob’s influence. Secondly, Bob’s boat reviews in Sailing Magazine have educated and entertained sailors everywhere about yacht design. Who among us have not pored over his reviews? Finally, he moved with the times and enjoys a large online following, with sailors engaging with him constantly. And he does love the discourse. His enthusiasm and creativity has not waned and he continues to surprise with the projects he takes on. For instance, I just learned he redesigned the interiors for the Farr racer turned offshore trainer/adventure boat Falken for 59 North.
I’ve had the great good fortune to edit his column in Sailing Magazine for several years and now sell his designs as a broker. I’m proud to call him my friend.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
We’ve all seen the handwringing. We’ve all heard the pontificating. I’m one of those. We’ve all read the varying opinions as to why participation in sailing and racing is struggling.
ILCA Worlds Start. Plenty of countries represented in a still vibrant class.
“Big-boat” fleets are shrinking. Dinghy fleets are often on life support or only come together for Nationals, Worlds or Regionals. The US Sailing Championships do not have the prestige they used to. It’s great to see kids out there, but it seems they’re generally not carrying the love for racing into adulthood. Maybe they are, they just can’t afford the time or money.
What we haven’t heard or seen that much of are fully successful solutions. One might just have arrived with Starting Line Sailing (SLS) venturing into new ground as a builder of ILCA dinghies (yes, Lasers to many of us) and Hobie Cat. Two of the most successful boats at introducing sailing to the masses will now be produced by one of the most dynamic sailing groups around.
The solutions to a diminished sailing have been in the works for decades; community sailing programs scattered throughout the country, US Sailing endorsed education programs, editorialists in print and online proposing all kinds of solutions, one-design fleets such as Lightings making boats available to up-and-comers. All of these efforts have had some effect and should be applauded. None have had THE effect.
The key may be found in manufacturing and distribution. Enter Starting Line Sailing. SLS has a simple mission: “The goal is simple – grow sailing by keeping it accessible and fun.” The company isn’t exactly new. The driving force is George Yioulos, whose West Coast Sailing became a major force in small boat sailing over the last 18 years. In 2021 SLS was formed and acquired Zim Sailing and Dwyer Rigging and Masts. (Disclaimer – West Coast Sailing has been a sponsor of Sailish, but I’d write this piece anyway.)
George Yioulos
Yioulos is a whirlwind of energy. From the start, West Coast Sailing (WCS) was all about taking care of customers. Finding Lasers and parts for them when there were none. There was a WCS gear truck on site at big regattas so sailors could buy those last-minute fittings and clothing. Boat lines like Hobie and RS Sailing were added. WCS sponsored regattas and some of the more notable sailors.
An online storefront was very successful and expanded WCS’s reach internationally.
Then Yioulos “retired” and passed the reins to the team he built. But the Whirlwind couldn’t stay out of it long, especially when his deep convictions about making sailing accessible were calling.
The latest move is even bigger – taking on the manufacture and distribution of Hobie Cats and Lasers, the definitive “get people sailing” boats. This makes perfect sense. It’s no secret that there’s a bigger market, and profit, for Hobie products such as rotomolded kayaks and sunglasses. Why not bring in a sailing-focused supplier for the boats themselves? Things are happening fast. Hobie Wave and Getaway tools were moved to a new rotomolder in the US. Production to start in Februrary. Hobie 16 molds have arrived in Rhode Island at Zim Sailing. Production to start in late January.
Manufacturing sailboats is hardly a financial sure thing. In fact, the demise of sailboat manufacturers throughout North America is somewhat staggering. “It just might bankrupt the company, but I truly believe that it’s what sailing needs,” explains Yioulos.
Yioulos cites Vanguard Sailboats as an example of a successful small boat manufacturer. “This will be like creating Vanguard Sailboats 2.0,” he says.
The Hobie 16.
From my standpoint, the real potential of these new Hobie and ILCA arrangements (and any future ones Yioulos stirs up) stems from Yioulos’ experience as dealer. Yioulos knows firsthand what works in the Booties on the Ground world. Dealers need to be able to have a solid pipeline for parts, and if they’re in a small market, they can’t be expected to buy truckloads of product. There are many ways to get boats efficiently and cost-effectively into the hands of customers and Yioulos has the hands-on experience to draw on.
Dealers need high quality boats that don’t need to be fixed at the dealership before going to customers. Too often new boats have “issues” that are expensive distractions for the dealer and cause for a lot of customer distress.
Even more importantly, knowing Yioulos’ focus on supporting sailing on a very local level, it’s not hard to imagine sailing communities becoming excited about getting on the water. “The community aspect is vital,” Yioulos says, and he means it. We know that soon after two boats are on the water, it’s likely there will be a race, followed shortly by a regatta.
From my standpoint, it’s great to see this kind of energy coming into the manufacturing corner of the sailing world. It’s easy to get jaded and cynical about sailing and racing’s future. This is a breath of fresh air, and just maybe a whirlwind of fresh air.
A bland marine industry news press release this is not. Yioulos isn’t the kind of guy to wring his hands. He’s the roll up your sleeves type.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
This is a particularly fun press release to run. My friends (and sponsor) at West Coast Sailing now has a parent company, plus siblings! The most important takeaway here is that several different high quality brands will be under the same leadership and that there will be continuity in their respective leaderships. George Yioulos has already established a formula of building up fleets from the grass roots, and serving those sailors as they move through them. From The Starting Line website: “The goal is always the same, and very simple. Promote the sport of sailing — not by selling more stuff and being a big company. But by helping anyone realize — yes, you too, you, can be on the water with us. You don’t need to buy anything from us, but we’re here for you — and hope you give sailing a try.“There’s a lot more to this move, I’m sure, and I’ll get to talk to George directly about it in the coming days. -KH
Starting Line Sailing, Inc. Acquires Zim Sailing and Dwyer Mast & Rigging
Zim Sailing – the Bristol, Rhode Island-based marine equipment manufacturer, has been acquired by Starting Line Sailing, Inc. The purchase transaction also includes Dwyer Mast and Rigging, the long time aluminum spar manufacturer. As part of this acquisition, Zim Sailing and Dwyer Mast and Rigging will join West Coast Sailing as subsidiaries of Starting Line Sailing, a newly formed holding company led by CEO George Yioulos.
The sailing industry continues to evolve, and Starting Line Sailing was formed to play a key role in that evolution. The goal is simple – to grow the sport by making it more accessible for everyone. Backed by decades of industry experience, an ownership group of passionate sailors aims to fulfill this vision by building on the strengths of each business, investing in and providing career pathways, and providing greater support to the sailing community. Over the next several years, sailors can expect faster and more efficient systems that make it easier to find the parts and support you need, expanded access to new products and services, and the creation of better opportunities to work in the industry. Behind this multi-year roadmap is a commitment to helping more people discover their own passion for sailing.
Whether you are a new sailor or long time racer, coach or parent, club program or class association manager, the collective team of 40+ staff across West Coast Sailing, Zim Sailing, and Dwyer Mast and Rigging is here to help you make the most of your time on the water.
Zim Sailing, founded by Steve Perry in 2008, provides one-design sailboats, parts, accessories, and services to the North American market. They manufacture popular dinghies such as the Club 420, Flying Junior, and Optimist, and engage in grassroots youth development of yacht club junior sailing programs, community sailing programs, and high school and collegiate sailing programs. Zim Sailing can be found at regattas around the country, providing support with charter boats and onsite sales and service. Dwyer Aluminum Masts, was founded in 1963 to more fully integrate the manufacturing of spars, rigging, and hardware with sailboat production. The two companies share production facilities in Bristol, Rhode Island.
West Coast Sailing, founded in 2005 in Portland, Oregon by George Yioulos, is one of North America’s leading marine retailers, focusing on the dinghy racing and small keelboat market with an emphasis on e-commerce fulfillment and providing industry leading customer service. Longtime Zim dealers, they also distribute for trusted brands such as RS, Hobie, Gill, Rooster, Dynamic Dollies, Harken, Ronstan, Ovington, Zhik, Marlow, and more. In the past year they launched a full service rig shop to offer one design and custom rigging and have a long history of community support and sponsorship.
Day to day operations at all the companies will continue independently and without interruption following this acquisition. Steve Perry will stay as President of Zim Sailing and Dwyer Mast and Rigging. Chris Brown will continue his role as President of West Coast Sailing. All staff members carry on in their existing roles. Existing dealer, vendor, and class association relationships continue unchanged. Zim Sailing, West Coast Sailing and Dwyer Mast & Rigging are open for business and committed to providing high quality products and outstanding service for you, your team, your club, or your organization.
Starting Line Sailing is excited to establish this portfolio of brands in a shared commitment to growing the sport and making it more accessible for everyone. The future of the sport is bright!
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
The Northwest Marine Trade Association has announced, to nobody’s surprise, that January’s Seattle Boat Show will not be taking place in person. The NMTA has been hard at work preparing an online event they’ve dubbed Seattle Boat Show Connected. Here’s the release:
SEATTLE — November 3, 2020 — Ongoing COVID restrictions are preventing the Seattle Boat Show from being held in person in January 2021 but are not preventing the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) from producing a major boating event in January. The show will go on—but in a digital format. The digital show, Seattle Boat Show Connected, will take place Thursday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021 with an extensive suite of tools and exhibitor advertising opportunities designed to connect exhibitors and attendees. Additionally, NMTA is committed to driving attendee traffic to the show with an advertising budget just as large as previous in-person shows. The advertising campaign, with digital and traditional media, will start on December 15.
“We’ve spent five and a half months researching and planning for a digital show,” said George Harris, president, NMTA. “We’re leaning in and doubling down and giving it all we’ve got. I’m proud and excited about the new features and technologies we’re adding to the website and making available to exhibitors to help them drive those all-important winter sales.”
Seattle Boat Show Connected is the next generation of digital shows. It will have a number of features that will allow exhibitors to connect with attendees in a variety of ways, including an easy-to-use tool that allows them to schedule in-person appointments, Zoom, FaceTime, or phone meetings, boat and product tours as well as live text chat. The three-dimensional show floor will feature the show’s iconic red carpet and allow boaters to simulate cruising the aisles. Exhibitors holding special events at their locations concurrent with the show will be able to promote them via a calendar on the show’s website and through advertising opportunities. Exhibitors will also be able to upload product images, descriptions, videos, spec sheets, pricing, company logos, and even host their own live or recorded seminars.
The Seattle Boat Show is famous for its extensive seminar line up. The digital show will be no different. It will be full of engaging content aimed at drawing people in and keeping them coming back. There will be more than 100 hours of original boating, fishing, lifestyle and Boat Show University seminars, as well as a live video stream during show hours that will feature interviews with guest speakers, seminar presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors.
Exhibitor participation levels start with a free website listing. No NMTA member will be excluded from the show for lack of funds. However, companies that want to buy additional exposure can select from four higher level exhibitor packages with additional benefits and sales tools that include:
Up to 20 photos, videos or 3D tours per featured product.
Appointment calendar setting tool that allows exhibitors to control their availability and meet with attendees via the customer’s preferred method (in-person, Zoom, FaceTime, Phone, etc.).
Live text chat with businesses during show hours.
“Buy Now” button for special boat show only promotions.
Calendar listing of in-person events at individual retail locations
Live or recorded exhibitor content including product demonstrations, Q&A sessions with product experts and virtual tours during all show hours.
Advertising opportunities and product spotlights on the website.
“Interest and demand for boats and accessories are at an all-time high right now and many industry experts are predicting an even bigger year in 2021. If people wait until next spring to go boat shopping it may be too late,” said Harris. “That‘s why we’re so pleased to be producing a rich and robust digital experience that will allow boaters to easily shop, tour and compare boats and accessories all in one place and make a plan for 2021.”
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
West Coast Sailing is celebrating 15 years (!) with a little video. I wish them a hearty happy birthday.
I have a rather special relationship with West Coast Sailing and its founder George Yioulos. As a Laser fleet captain and district secretary, I asked for and received help promoting the fleet as soon as they were on the scene. As a writer, I’ve leaned on George for helping me understand the marine industry. As a customer, they’ve always come through for me. As a sailor, I’ve seen WCS step up to sponsor and support both community sailing and some of our most notable international racers. Finally, WCS has been a great support to sailish.com.
West Coast Sailing deserves every bit of their success. And here’s their video:
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
All of us who stop by Sailing Anarchy regularly know that the Pacific Northwest’s own Bob Perry frequents it as well. Here, Sailing Anarchy editor Scot Tempesta interviews Bob. For those who have never heard Bob speak, here’s your chance! For that matter, here’s a chance to listen to Scot. They both have something to say!
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
