DOWN THE BAY RACE · May 2026

"I didn't think long distance sailing could be any more fun… until I tried double-handed sailing. Racing the Down the Bay Race with Marianna onboard Spite proved to be an incredible experience. This was my first time racing a Mini 6.50, my first time double handing, and my first solo watch.

Around midnight on Friday, Marianna handed me the tiller and main sail and headed below for a power-nap. I glanced at the wind speed indicator and read 27 knots consistently. I live for adventure, and thought to myself, "well, this certainly will be an adventure of a watch!" Steering Spite through the waves, I had the biggest smile on my face — navigating, trimming, and driving all at once. All my favorite positions at the same time!

Spite Sailing is doing a great job making waves and creating opportunities for women in double-handed sailing. Short-handed sailing pushes you to handle every position onboard. It accelerates the learning curve and teaches self-reliance. I look forward to racing with Marianna and Spite again."

Ellie

Crew · Down the Bay Race

EYC Beer Can Race · June 2026

"I double-handed a J/105 for the EYC beer can race — and honestly, I never would have had the guts to do it if it weren't for my time sailing on the Mini and Spite Sailing's campaign overall! We were holding second place right up until we had to get the spinnaker down, and then all but one or two boats passed us. But we didn't break anyone or anything, so that's a success! I definitely wouldn't have thought it was possible without double-handing practice on the Mini."

Beth

Crew · Practice Sail

Race to Oxford · June 2026

I was lucky to be one of the first people to race aboard Spite Sailing's new Mini 6.50, crewing the 2026 Spring Race to Oxford. I'd sailed the boat once before, on a light-air delivery, so I knew the basics of the rigging — but I still had a lot to learn and nothing prepared me for the conditions we got.

The wind was already over 20 knots when we left Annapolis at 7am. Other boats motored to the start line, waiting until the last minute to hoist the sails and get underway. Spite only carries a small electric outboard, so we didn't have that option — we raised sails outside the drawbridge and beat upwind for nearly three hours, crossing the starting line with minutes to spare and no time to plan a strategy. We just got our heads into race mode and went.

That's what makes racing on a boat like Spite different. With only three of us aboard, instead of the crews of six, eight, or more on the bigger boats, everyone did everything — we traded off driving and trimming all day. At one point Joanna drove while I trimmed main, and we worked together to figure out the optimal timing for feathering the main in the puffs when she started to feel more weather helm. 

Opportunities like this aren't always easy to come by for women sailors. A lot of the boats I've raced on, that kind of responsibility goes to the same few people, usually men, and everyone else fills in around them. Spite is building something different, and every woman who has the opportunity to crew for them will have a unique experience.

We had our share of trouble — a line break, a jib I couldn’t quite trim in fast enough after tacks, and the loss of wind near the finish. But it was one of the best days I've had on the water, and I'm thrilled for what's ahead for Emma and Marianna. I'll be cheering for Spite Sailing all season!

Laura

Crew · Baltimore to Annapolis to Delivery & Race to Oxford