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

Jessica Cup 2025 & Bay Championship Series

Saturday, October 18, 2025, delivered a picture-perfect fall day on the Cityfront for the Jessica Cup, the season-ending classic-yacht regatta hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club (StFYC). Light northerlies at the first gun had skippers hunting for clean lanes and leverage against a building ebb, and the mixed fleet—ketches, yawls, gaff-rigged schooners, Marconi sloops, and more—made the most of it.

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

New Board Member: Sandee Swanson

I’m the Black Witch, a 32-foot gaff-rigged sloop, designed by Ralph E. Winslow in 1931. I was built and launched by Wilmington Boat Works in Southern California in 1949. I’m also known as a Modified Friendship Sloop—one of those beautiful designs from Maine. I’ve been involved with the San Francisco Bay Master Mariners since the mid-1960s and have had six stewards over the years. My current steward, Sandee Swanson, is taking on a new role with the San Francisco Bay Master Mariners. I get her into all sorts of sailing and wooden-boat magical adventures!

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

Kaze Victorious at the 2025 Red Bra Regatta

South Beach Yacht Club’s 13th Annual Red Bra Regatta brought a bright September breeze, tight mark roundings, and a standout performance by the all-woman crew of Kaze. Racing on the South Bay on September 20, 2025, the Master Mariners members-skippered and -crewed 23-footer delivered a clean sweep in her division—three wins in three races.