Wing on Wing Sailing: Escanaba Yacht Club Race July 1st 2026

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It was a hot day, but being out on the water made it feel much cooler and more refreshing. A light breeze created perfect conditions for sailing in nothing more than a T-shirt (Some like performance long sleeve shirts for the sun.). Wing on wing sailing is the topic as the boats rounded the # 8 bouy. 

The race went very well overall. At times, the wind became light and unpredictable, while at other points it settled into a steady breeze that kept the sails drawing nicely. One section of the course, between the 8 buoy and the lighthouse, required wing on wing—sailing directly downwind. In this point of sail, the mainsail is positioned on one side of the boat while the jib or spinnaker is set on the opposite side, creating a "T" shape. Even the slightest wind shift can cause the boom—the pole thing at the bottom of the mainsail—to swing unexpectedly, making it one of the more challenging maneuvers, even for experienced sailors.

The weather could not have been much better. Although rain had been forecast, it never materialized, and the afternoon turned out to be beautiful. After returning to the harbor, the crews secured their boats and put away their gear before gathering together to enjoy a simple meal and good conversation, providing a fitting end to a great time on the water.

(Illustrative Only)
Main sail goes on one side,
the jib or spinnaker goes
on the other side
because the wind
is directly behind
the vessel. 

Todd pushes
 against the boom
to maximize
wind capture. 

Sailing Poem on Boom

Wing-to-wing
the wind has died,

Pushing on the
boom to maintain
the ride.

We tack and I
move to the other side.
🫢😬
(I didn't say I
was a good 
poet. 🙃)

The lifestyle is
pretty good around 
here with 
lots of outdoor
recreation. 
 

Other Sailing Information:

I heard through the grapevine that the Gladstone Yacht Club did an outstanding job hosting members of the Escanaba Yacht Club during the Saturday 27th, 2026 Gladstone Race & Rendezvous (I had a charity golf outing and couldn't attend.). From everything I've heard, everyone was welcoming, excited, and made the event a success (It would be nice to have more boats from other areas so it may be helpful to put events on regional calendars.).

It would be wonderful to see even more collaboration between the two yacht clubs and the sailing school to raise awareness of local sailing. (Thinking broadly there may be an opportunity to highlight the value of the local nautical industry all together. 🤔We have ship building, sailing, nautical equipment, a number of marinas, commercial shipping, schools, etc..) . Working together could further strengthen local tourism, support economic development, and enhance the overall quality of life in our community. Sometimes promoting clubs leads to longer tail events for others. 

One of our greatest assets is the incredible natural environment we call home. The beauty of our waterfront and access to Lake Michigan (and nature) are experiences that many people never have the opportunity to enjoy. By continuing to build partnerships and promote sailing and waterfront activities, we can make our community even more attractive to visitors and residents alike.

Stoll Race brought sailboats from Esky, Gladstone, Marquette (They have a pretty good running article series so stay tuned and join the paper)

History:

Photography is a hobby
so if you are interested
in any of my pictures
send me a message to the right.
Some are gallery worthy
while others are up 
to the beholder. :)
This one is debatable whether
it should be in the gallery
but I kept it for
now just in case
it gets any interest.
I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. 50% for charity
and 50% for me.
Send me a message to the right
or my email.
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page 

UPTravel Maritime

The Upper Peninsula’s Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Heroic Stories, Boat Tours and Dive Sites

Wing-on-Wing Sailing: A Practical Guide to Efficient Downwind Sailing

• Wing-on-wing sailing positions the mainsail and headsail on opposite sides of the boat, allowing sailors to maximize sail area and improve efficiency when sailing directly downwind.
• Using a whisker pole helps hold the headsail in place, reduces sail collapse, and improves performance, particularly in light or variable wind conditions.
• Proper sail trim and careful steering are essential for maintaining boat speed and preventing the sails from collapsing as wind direction changes.
• Safety is a primary consideration, as accidental jibes can be dangerous; using a boom preventer and remaining attentive to wind shifts helps reduce the risk.

North Sails. (n.d.). Wing on wing (Part 2). https://www.northsails.com/en-us/blogs/north-sails-blog/wing-on-wing-2