The Shellback

News & Stories from the Master Mariners

In maritime lore, sailors who cross the Equator take part in the lively “Crossing the Line” ceremony, emerging as Shellbacks—true sons and daughters of Neptune, celebrated for their courage and camaraderie at sea.

Inspired by that spirit, The Shellback is the living journal of the Master Mariners—where stories of wooden boats, Bay traditions, and the people who keep them alive are shared as they happen. From race recaps and restoration updates to member profiles and maritime history, each post keeps our community connected and inspired.

We invite you to join in—contribute your stories, photos, and ideas to shellback@sfmastermariners.org, and help keep the Master Mariners’ legacy vibrant and growing.

Hans Hansen 10/22/26 Hans Hansen 10/22/26

Jessica Cup 2026

The Jessica Cup closed the classic season with a points tie in Marconi 1 and championship honors for Fairwyn, Hana and Brigadoon.

Hans Hansen 9/26/26 Hans Hansen 9/26/26

Cleat Cruise 2026

Boats at Schoonmaker, music and a barbecue at List Marine brought Master Mariners and PSPYC together in Sausalito. Jim Cullen of Gold Star passed the Cleat Cruise trophy to Louis Nickles of Vectis, with more than 50 friends gathering for Saturday’s celebration.

Hans Hansen 9/20/26 Hans Hansen 9/20/26

Rolex Big Boat Series 2026

Six wooden yachts returned to the Rolex Big Boat Series classics division September 17–20. Fairwyn won the series, followed by Ocean Queen V and Wiletie, with young sailors helping carry the fleet’s traditions forward.

Hans Hansen 8/22/26 Hans Hansen 8/22/26

Belvedere Classic 2026

Classic boats gathered at The San Francisco Yacht Club on August 22 for the Belvedere Classic and Great San Francisco Schooner Race. Close racing, a growing fleet and a Sea Scout victory kept a lasting Bay tradition moving forward.

Hans Hansen 6/21/26 Hans Hansen 6/21/26

Wooden Boat Show 2026

The Master Mariners Wooden Boat Show brought the fleet to Corinthian Yacht Club on June 21, celebrating craftsmanship, restoration and the people who keep wooden boats sailing. Congratulations to this year’s award winners, including the first recipient of the Nunes Trophy.

Hans Hansen 5/23/26 Hans Hansen 5/23/26

2026 Master Mariners Memorial Day Regatta

Strong winds and close finishes marked the May 23 Master Mariners Regatta. Nine divisions raced across the Bay before crews gathered at Encinal Yacht Club for music, dinner and awards.

Hans Hansen 5/15/26 Hans Hansen 5/15/26

2026 Skippers and Sponsors Luncheon

Skippers and sponsors gathered at St. Francis Yacht Club on May 15 for the annual luncheon, celebrating the partnerships and friendships behind the Master Mariners Regatta.

Hans Hansen 4/2/26 Hans Hansen 4/2/26

Spring Fling Cruise-In

Seven classic wooden boats gathered at South Beach Harbor to open the 2026 social season. The Spring Fling cruise-in brought friends together for a weekend of dockside visits and shared appreciation of the fleet.

Hans Hansen 1/10/26 Hans Hansen 1/10/26

New Year’s Day Regatta 2026

Persistent rain kept the fleet small for the 2026 New Year’s Day Regatta. Those who ventured onto the Bay opened the sailing year in cold, overcast conditions and light breeze.

Hans Hansen 10/18/25 Hans Hansen 10/18/25

Jessica Cup 2025 & Bay Championship Series

The classic fleet closed the 2025 season at St. Francis Yacht Club’s Jessica Cup on October 18. Light northerlies and a building ebb made for tactical racing along the Cityfront.

Hans Hansen 9/30/25 Hans Hansen 9/30/25

New Board Member: Sandee Swanson

Meet new board member Sandee Swanson through the voice of Black Witch, the 1949 gaff-rigged sloop she stewards. Their story connects a new chapter of service with decades of Master Mariners sailing.

Hans Hansen 9/20/25 Hans Hansen 9/20/25

Kaze Victorious at the 2025 Red Bra Regatta

Kaze’s all-woman crew swept her division with three wins in three races at South Beach Yacht Club’s Red Bra Regatta on September 20, 2025. The 23-footer’s Master Mariners crew made a memorable showing on the South Bay.