Another successful Training Clinic with 180 Marine!

Did you know that 180 Marine is the only Corsair Dealer in the US providing customized training clinics on a regular basis? Our clinics are affordable, inspirational and our reviews are great! Our multihull trainers have extensive trimaran experience, having sailed and raced high-performance trimarans in some of the most demanding conditions around the world.

Read below for events planned in the near future…
About Us >>

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced monohull sailor, our clinics are designed to address your specific needs and skill level.

In our clinics, we use a personal, intensive format, which allows you to gain significant knowledge and practical experience in a much shorter timeframe than learning it all by trial and error over years of ownership.

A multihull training clinic is an invaluable investment for anyone looking to safely, confidently, and efficiently sail a catamaran or trimaran, unlocking these vessels' unique benefits. Upwind trim…the fine points of downwind trim…even mast raising and lowering techniques featuring some of the largest trailerable trimaran masts.

In this June clinic, our owners wanted to focus on docking in all situations, tight slips, and mooring ideas. Every clinic emphasizes optimal sail trim, decision-making and sail choices in a big breeze, and how to keep your crew safe and everyone sane.

This engaging 2-day clinic was filled with a great deal of fun, relaxation, and highly personalized, customized training tailored to each participant’s needs.

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Upcoming training and event clinics:

July 25-26 / Santa Barbara, CA / Santa Barbara to King Harbor

Contact 180 Marine to join us in one of two ways: just join the race event with your trimaran, OR contact us for crew positions or to charter a trimaran at this event. Training will be available too, customized for your experience and crew.

August 15-16 / Catalina Race Series

Contact 180 Marine to join us in one of two ways: just join the race event with your trimaran, OR contact us for crew positions or to charter a trimaran at this event. Training will be available too, customized for your experience and crew.

September 13-14 / Catalina Race Series

Contact 180 Marine to join us in one of two ways: just join the race event with your trimaran, OR contact us for crew positions or to charter a trimaran at this event. Training will be available too, customized for your experience and crew.

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“What a freakin’ blast you guys. Last weekend was chock-full of nuts and nuggets of insights about the 880 and sailing in fresh breezes on trimarans in general. Thank you so much for organizing this event.
”

— Brian/Alaska

Hi, I’m Richard Allen, the Founder of 180 Marine. 

I’m currently taking reservations for our upcoming events. I’m looking for individuals who are serious about maximizing their training experience to ensure a successful event. I’d like to organize groups of sailors with similar goals. 

Let’s chat and get to know one another. Meeting via Zoom is a great way to accomplish that.

EMAIL ME and SUGGEST A TIME

Brian's Corsair 880 arrival in Long Beach, CA - Part 2

Getting her ready to race!
Ah, yes, the Corsair 880! The 180 Marine commissioning team spent two weeks getting the vessel ready just in time. They hustled with an April 24th deadline looming for a sea trial one day prior to the 77th Newport to Ensenada Regatta. Brian joined the team to help install the last of the systems…what a thrill to have a brand new boat ready (just in time) for such a prestigious race!

A little bit about the race.
The Newport to Ensenada Race is one of the oldest annual sailing competitions, held every April between Newport Beach, California, and Ensenada, Mexico. It is one of the largest international yacht races in the world, with over 600 entrants, and it continues to attract participants from around the globe. 

The course to Ensenada covers a distance of approximately 135 nautical miles and is open to a wide range of sailboats, from small cruisers to larger racing yachts. A second course to San Diego covers 90 miles. There are trophies for multi-hulls, double-handed, cruising class, all female crews as well as PHRF and ORR classes. This spring classic offers participants a challenging and exciting overnight offshore sailing experience.

Newport to San Diego, Brian’s next big adventure.
Brian arrived early in the week to get some hands-on familiarity with the 880. That's the spirit! It's always great when the owner is hands-on. Getting the navigation system and solar panels installed is crucial for a smooth and safe race, not to mention all the other details that need attention. Every day, there was a buzz of activity getting everything shipshape. What else was on the list for Brian and the team to tackle?

With the bottom painted and the graphics applied, the question on many minds was the meaning behind "Años Tuyos." Translating to "Years of yours," the phrase invites personal interpretation. For Brian, it evokes thoughts of the years spent waiting for meaningful connections – with children, family and friends – as well as the years those individuals share with him. Given that this Corsair 880 marks the first boat for both Brian and his partner Maria, these shared years on the water promise to be particularly special as they embark on new explorations together.

The meticulous work of commissioning this Corsair 880 fell to Scott Klodowski, the lead in 180 Marine operations, and his assistant Kerr Gelvin. Unlike pre-built vessels, these trimarans arrive as kits, demanding careful preparation while adding specialized gear and rigging.

The urgency to meet the April 25, 2025, deadline for the Newport to Ensenada Race was palpable. The two days leading up to the race were dedicated to crucial sea trials, ensuring all systems were operational. The crew, including Brian’s sailing sister Nicole, had a steep learning curve as they mastered the boat's intricacies. Adding valuable experience were Tim Bremer, another 880 owner who traveled from Fresno to race, and Ivan Skobtsov, a trimaran sailor with extensive blue-water and racing experience.

This crew is ready to rock and roll!!

Brian's Newport to San Diego Race Results - Part 3

FIRST place never felt so good in the multihull class!

Brian Shumaker / Skipper

Nicole Shumaker / Trimmer

Ivan Skobtsov / Tactician

Tim Bremer / Co Skipper

Scott Klodowski / Master Builder

Brian’s 180 Marine Training Adventure Long Beach, CA - Part 1

STARTING POINT: Brian, a lifelong adventurer from Anchorage, Alaska, had always dreamed of trading frigid northern waters for the sunny, breeze-filled coast of Southern California. In April 2024, that dream took a big leap forward when he joined one of 180 Marine’s renowned training events in Long Beach, California.

Over the course of three training days, Brian trained alongside a dozen eager sailors, undeterred by the blustery mix of wind and rain that greeted them. Everyone was ready to get out on the water and soak up all they could about sailing trimarans.

DAY ONE TRAINING kicked off with Brian aboard a Corsair 880 Sport (a 28ft. Trimaran), sailing with trainer Scott Klodowski (World-Class Multihull Instructor) and three fellow crew members. Despite the challenging weather, the team worked through the elements and built immediate camaraderie.

DAY 2 TRAINING brought another rotation—this time, Brian joined Richard Allen (Expert Multihull Instructor) and a new group of sailors on another Corsair 880. The learning continued, and so did the fun.

BY DAY THREE TRAINING, the weather broke open—sunshine and a perfect 15-knot breeze welcomed the group. Brian trained with Bill Edwards, (Expert Multihull Instructor) finishing his experience on a high note. The ideal conditions, combined with top-tier coaching, gave him the confidence to seriously consider owning a Corsair 880 of his own.

He walked away from the weekend buzzing with excitement and gratitude:

““What a freakin’ blast you guys. Last weekend was chock-full of nuts and nuggets of insights about the 880 and sailing in fresh breezes on trimarans in general. Thank you so much for organizing this event.””

— Brian/Alaska

Brian left Long Beach energized, inspired, and hooked on the 880 lifestyle—ready to set course for even more sailing adventures.
WHAT NEXT?

The 77th Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race / April 25-27, 2025

What you need to know…

Newport Beach, CA (December 1, 2024) - The Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race registration is open for the April 25 – 27, 2025 annual classic. Once again, race organizer Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) will offer two race courses to either Ensenada, Mexico, or San Diego—view registration and Notice of Races for the Ensenada and San Diego races.

This year we have three Corsair 880s entered so far on the Newport to San Diego course! Please contact us for help acquiring a Corsair 880 in time for this great event! YES, we have pre-owned 880s available in time for this fleet competition…

The Newport to Ensenada Race is one of the oldest annual sailing competitions, held every April between Newport Beach, California, and Ensenada, Mexico. It has been one of the largest international yacht races in the world, with over 600 entrants, and still attracts participants from all around the globe. 

The course to Ensenada covers a distance of approximately 135 nautical miles and is open to a wide range of sailboats, from small cruisers to larger racing yachts. The course to San Diego covers 90 miles. There are trophies for multi-hulls, double-handed, cruising class, all female crews as well as PHRF and ORR classes. This spring classic offers participants a challenging and exciting overnight offshore sailing experience.

To help owners and crews get ready for the race, NOSA is offering a series of N2E Race Seminars at local yacht clubs from San Diego to Los Angeles. These informative gatherings cover the unique aspects of competing in the race, expert tips on racing at night and a review of safety gear to make the racing competitive for crews of all experience ranges. All seminars will begin at 7pm and last 90 minutes.
Please register at ahead of time.

• January 23rd Seal Beach Yacht Club

• January 30th Silver Gate Yacht Club

• February 13th Dana Point Yacht Club

• February 27th Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club

• March TBD Del Rey YC
  
  The race has a rich history dating back to 1948 and has become a celebrated event in the west coast sailing community. The largest fleet was in the mid ’80 with over 600 yachts. This year the organizers are expecting around 200 competitors between the two race courses. It combines the thrill of competition with the beautiful coastal scenery of Southern California and Mexico.
  
  Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a spectator, the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race is an event worth experiencing. It showcases the skill and dedication of sailors while providing an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and adventure of offshore racing.

  For more information or to register go to Regatta Network

Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach / April 11-13, 2025

Off the water excitement - 50 years at full speed!

NTT INDYCAR SERIES

Turbocharged cars and stars like six-time series champion Scott Dixon, Long Beach winners Alexander Rossi, Josef Newgarden and Colton Herta, Pato O’Ward and defending series champ Alex Palou charge through the city streets hitting 185 mph on Shoreline Drive!

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

Two classes of the most advanced, exotic sports cars on the planet- the hybrid-engine GTP prototypes and GT Daytona (GTD) sports cars - battle on Saturday afternoon in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race, a 100-minute shootout featuring suspenseful passes, driver changes and battles for position in almost every corner!

Super Drift Challenge

An annual fan favorite, the Super Drift Challenge features the finest drivers from the Formula Drift series. Drivers qualify and compete on Friday and Saturday nights!

SPEED/UTV Stadium SUPER Trucks

Robby Gordon’s SPEED/UTV Stadium SUPER Trucks series features powerful, high-flying trucks racing on Saturday and Sunday with wild ramp-jumping and thrilling side-by-side action!

GT America Powered by AWS

GT2, GT3 and GT4 racecars will take to the track in two fierce, 40-minute races featuring top sports car drivers on Saturday and Sunday! Acura, Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Maserati, McLaren, Porsche and Toyota are represented on the GT America grid.

Historic Formula Exhibition

A tribute to the heritage of open-wheel racing in Long Beach, legendary cars from three iconic series that raced here – Formula 5000, Formula 1, and INDYCAR – will compete together for the first time on Saturday and Sunday of race weekend. Among the cars scheduled to participate in the event:

From Formula 5000: the #48 All-American Racers Gurney Eagle, which was the event’s first pole winner and first-ever to turn a wheel on the racetrack in 1975, piloted at the time by Vern Schuppan.

From Formula 1, the 1977 race-winning #5 John Player Lotus 77 which was famously driven by Mario Andretti.

The Indy car entries will be headed by the 2005 Long Beach-winning car of Sebastien Bourdais, the #1 Ford Lola 05/00. Bourdais’ 2005 win was the first of three consecutive Long Beach wins the Frenchman would author for Newman/Haas Racing.

Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix 2025 / March 15-16

The 2025 Season is SailGP’s most expansive yet, with new teams and new events taking place across five continents.

Unfolding over a 12-month period, the 2025 Season will start and finish in the United Arab Emirates, with the season opener taking place in Dubai. The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas will mark the league’s third visit to the iconic Emirati city, taking place on November 23/24.

The most exciting racing on water comes to Los Angeles to thrill thousands of fans along the waterfront. Twelve national teams, including the United States SailGP team led by driver Taylor Canfield, will race F50 hydrofoiling catamarans, capable of highway speeds exceeding 60 mph!

Fans will be just a breath away from the challenging Outer Harbor racecourse at the Port of Los Angeles, with ticket packages available for grandstand seating at Berth 46, along with on-water viewing zones for privately-owned vessels.

Tickets are extremely limited for this can’t-miss, unforgettable racing experience in Los Angeles.

The Championship is decided at the end of the season following a year-long competition where the best of the best rack up points to reach the Grand Final - a showdown where the top three teams go head to head to win the SailGP season trophy and USD $2 million dollars.

One part of what makes SailGP unique is that all our teams compete in identical F50 catamarans.

SailGP101 - An introduction to the most exciting race on the water!

The stories we share

An 11-day cruise on our Corsair 760 in the San Juans.

By Jim Hutchison

Despite that fact that it rained most days, we were very comfortable.  We’ve learned a lot of tricks that make the boat seem bigger than it is.  It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it worked well for us well beyond an extended weekend.  Happy to share what we’ve learned. Here are eleven key lessons to enjoying the 760:

1. The most valuable player in torrential downpours is the boom tent. The only time we spend in the cabin was while sleeping.

2. Being outside, nicely protected from the weather, means you also see more wildlife (two pods of Orcas, seals, otters and lots of birds) than if you were spending time in the boat.

3. We spent half of the nights tied to a mooring ball.  We’ve figured out a good bridle system so that the boat doesn’t sail back and forth in the wind, but also prevents the mooring ball from hitting the hull when there isn’t any wind or the current pushes the boat toward the ball.

4. We made our own dehydrated meals and prepared these in the cockpit with a small one-burner stove.  No dishes to do and super fast. It meant more time for sailing, exploring and hiking.

5. The SailPro 6 HP has been good except that the friction band that keeps the engine from freely rotating broke…I fixed in the field…and might be underpowered for folks who deal with a lot of currents. 3-4 knot currents are common here.  Even with good route planning, you sometimes wish for more power.

6. Packrafts (Kokopelli) make outstanding tenders.  We have two.  They weigh about 15# each, the two easily fit into one of the amas, and each can be inflated in five minutes or less.  Great for getting to shore, but also exploring the shoreline and communing with nature.

7. The screecher has been awesome.  The wind in the San Juan Islands can be very light.  We were able to sail at 5 knots in nearly no wind when everyone else was motoring.

8. We definitely need to invest in a downwind sail.

Anyway, still lots to learn, but we’ve been out between 20-30 days this year and have been having a blast!

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Trimaran USED Listings >>

Learn more about the Corsair 760 >>

2024 Buzzards Bay Multihull Regatta

July 26-28, 2024
Hosted by Beverly Yacht Club

Three-day regatta hosted by Beverly Yacht Club, Marion, Massachusetts.  Open to all multihulls with a NEMA rating.  Distance race Friday July 26, buoy racing Saturday-Sunday July 27-28.  Parties Friday and Saturday evenings.  The event will count toward the new Triple Crown, a series consisting of the Black Dog Dash, BBMR, and Newport Unlimited.  Registration and NOR is on Yachtscoring.

https://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=16792.
(Or log in to www.yachtscoring.com and search for "Buzzards.")

For more information on the Corsair 880, contact 180 Marine.
180 Marine is the leading authorized dealer for Corsair trimarans

info@180marine.com

Racing in Southern California

2024 Catalina Island Series
Long Beach Yacht Club

2024 One-Design Corsair 880 Racing Fleet Announcement,
Long Beach, California. It’s about time!

All Corsair 880 owners and crew in the immediate area
(5 boats now, 2 more on the way)
Sail numbers 9, 22, 26, 27, 39 …and soon #3 and #56

Series Dates:

May 18-19: Spring Long Point

June 14-16: Isthmus Cove

July 13-14: Emerald Bay

Sept 14-15: Fall Long Point

September 25 Trophy Night!

OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD>>

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2024 One-Design Corsair 880 Racing

Other Events to consider…

1. Dana Point Yacht Club - Around Catalina Island Race May 25-26

2. California offshore race week - Coastal races down the California coast in May/June (not the whole series)
- Social 300 - Santa Barbara to San Diego May 30 - June 1

3. 40th Anniversary Newport Regatta - July 13-14

4. King Harbor Yacht Club - Queen Mary Regatta
Around the Point series 2 from Redondo Beach to Long Beach 10 12 pm - 3 pm. SHORT race

5. Ulman Sails Long Beach Race Week - 6/21 6/22 6/23. A GOOD ONE!

Join Us Now.

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ORCA Racing

ORCA - Ocean Racing Catamaran Association promotes multihull racing in the Southern California area.  ORCA helps establish local ratings for various multihull designs and works with local race organizers to encourage multihull participation.

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If you have questions about the ORCA rating system contact Richard Allen - richard@180marine.com

April 2024 Corsair trimaran training event, hosted by 180 Marine

Join 180 Marine in Long Beach, California, on APRIL 13 and 14 for two days of hands-on on-the-water training covering the “essentials” of trimaran sailing, from docking, safety procedures, sail management, sail trim, boat handling and more. You’ll learn the fundamentals and what matters most to sail safely and efficiently.

While we can’t possibly cover everything in detail in just two days, we will cover the most essential aspects of the following:

• Folding and unfolding the 880 trimaran

• Docking tips and tricks

• Rigging essentials

• Risk management, emergency maneuvers

• Boat handling

• Sail trim and sail handling

• Upwind sailing techniques

• Downwind sailing techniques

• Spinnaker handling…..

For this event, we will have 3 Corsair 880s. These trimarans are owned by local skippers in the Corsair community. We limit this to 14 people: a skipper and 3-4 crew on the 880s. We’re planning on morning dock talks, and afternoon on the water racing. You’ll have plenty of time and space to ask your questions in the type of venue. It’ll be a great way to meet like-minded sailors, too!

This year, our trainers will be:

Richard Allen / Founder 180 Marine / Trimaran Racer
Richard has raced and sailed Corsair trimarans for 28 years. He knows these boats inside and out. Richard is a natural teacher and loves to share his extensive knowledge.

Scott Klowdowski / Trimaran Racer
As a valued team leader at 180 Marine, Scott is multitalented and highly knowledgeable on trimarans. He has sailed, raced, and rigged high-performance race boats up to a Gunboat 62, a Nigel Irens 63, Nacra 5.8, a Corsair 880 and 37, and a Reynolds 33.

Bill Edwards / Trimaran Racer / World Cruiser
Over this past year, Bill has been sailing around the Pacific on his Seawind 1160. Bill has owned and raced many (many) Corsair trimarans.

Is a Corsair right for you?

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180 Marine is hosting the next demo event in Long Beach, California, on March 23-24, 2024.

Corsair 880 trimaran / Corsair 760 trimaran

We invite you to come experience a Corsair 760 side-by-side with a Corsair 880. Each delivers loads of fun for everyone. We realize it’s important to actually see a Corsair trimaran to determine if a trimaran is right for you. These boats are safe, sail flat, roomy, and go fast when you want them to.

Come to our meet and greet… like-minded sailors with questions like yours. Two of our most recent owners have graciously agreed to share their boats for this small event. Big thanks to both of them!

Our instructors for the weekend are Richard Allen, Founder of 180 Marine. Richard has been racing, crewing, and training on Corsairs for 25 years. He is passionate about these boats. Scott Klodowski is the second instructor and operations director at 180 Marine. Scott has extensive experience racing multihulls. As a local in the Long Beach area, Scott is out on the water almost every day, testing and tuning these amazing multihulls.

Participants are very limited, sign up today!

760 Corsair: Three per session.

880 Corsair: Four per session.

is a corsair right for you?

* Offer expires 3/25/24 — Terms and conditions to change without notice.

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What's up in San Francisco?

San Francisco Bay Area Multihull Association

There is always something fun going on in San Francisco!

BAMA is the primary organization supporting multihull racing, cruising, and safety in Northern California.  As well as organizing multihull racing and cruising events, BAMA is the official source of Multihull PHRF Rating Certificates in Northern California. To race in Northern California regattas open to multihulls, you need a rating certificate issued by BAMA.

Learn more about SFBAMA >>

BAMA sponsors SF Bay multihull-specific regattas and series for its members, including the Whales Chase Multihull Regatta, the BAMA Cup, and the Fast Cat Cup. The club also hosts events open to all, including safety seminars, club socials, and organized cruising outings.

Below is Rafi, a BAMA member, sailing his new Corsair 880 in San Francisco Bay. Rafi worked closely with 180 Marine in Long Beach, California, to fully customize his Corsair 880 with many upgrades. Rafi plans to race in the SBMR Regatta/Corsair National on another 880 skippered by Michael Acker. Michael’s 880 (M&M) was also customized for better performance by 180 Marine. 2024 SBMR Regatta / Corsair Regionals

If you’re interested in a performance upgrade package from 180 Marine, please get in touch with us. We offer several different packages that will increase your trimaran's speed, performance, and efficiency. info@180marine.com

Tri Jolie, Corsair 880, Rafi Yahalom, Skipper

Rafi Yahalom / Skipper Tri Jolie

Rafi Yahalom and Michael Sundermeyer taking delivery of their new Corsair 880 from 180 Marine in Long Beach, California

M&M preparing to race in the SBMR Regatta/Corsair Regionals 2024/ kipper, Michael Acker

The latest-edition of our 2025 Corsair 970 Sport performs in the most challenging conditions!

The sporty, foldable, trailerable Corsair 970 trimaran will routinely knock off double-digit boat speeds. Planing upwind with a reef? What else do you notice?

SPEED AND DISTANCE
All Corsair trimarans are built to withstand the most demanding conditions and the Corsair 970 is capable in two vital directions: speed and carrying capacity. Wherever you're planning to sail, you’ll get there in half the time of the monohull you might consider for your next trip.

Quickly sail over to Catalina Island, from Newport, California! (spend the day or the weekend)

The 970 is known as the “Swiss army knife” of trimarans – equally adept at cruising, racing, and passage-making. 

The power-to-weight ratio stands unequaled in a 32-foot trimaran. 

COMFORTABLE ON THE WATER
The 970 has a remarkably low heel and feels light and easy to manage on the helm. So, while you keep a boat that retains serious offshore credentials, you achieve performance figures to turn the dial red.

She is remarkably versatile – trailerable around the country, and seaworthy and safe offshore. 

Longer amas and bows that are more plumb and hull forms with less rocker add 20 percent more buoyancy to this boat while retaining similar beam dimensions. The result is a more stable platform. The keel and rudder for the original 31 had been optimized for boat speeds between 3 and 10 knots. Incorporating the lessons from those 300 boats, today’s 970 features much thinner, higher-aspect-ratio foils optimized for speeds in the teens and higher. (A note to those who haven’t sailed Corsairs before: Those boat speeds are real. Try it!)

COMFORT ON AND OFF THE WATER
Living spaces, both inside and out, are improved in the 970. Boat of the Year judge Mark Schrader was a dealer for Corsair years ago and raced the boats many miles. “They’ve added two very comfortable park benches in the cockpit,” he said of the 970. On the 31, he stated, “There wasn’t any place for more than four people to sit, stand or do anything without hugging each other.” The 31 was offered with either an aft cabin or an aft cockpit arrangement; the 970 deftly manages to make space for both while also adding headroom in the cabin. Using careful building techniques, including vacuum bagging, Corsair has added more furniture in the cabin yet kept the weight the same.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
180 Marine offers innovative upgrade packages to meet any sailing goals.

GREEN HIGHLIGHTS
180 Marine offers innovative upgrade packages to meet any sailing goals.

“On sunny days I can make a lot of ice!”

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Richard Allen / Founder 180 Marine

If you’re interested in knowing more about the new Corsair 970 please contact us.

Thank you all!

Our 2023 Corsair owners have been fantastic, thank you!

We’re so grateful to our owners this year…180 Marine imported and supported 12 Corsair 880s in 2023, and much more...

Long Beach, California is where most of these hot rockets were commissioned, along with our training and events hosted by 180 Marine. We're planning another training and demonstration event in Long Beach on April 12th and 13th, 2024. Be sure to contact our team if you would like to join our owners and crew at the next event.

The Race to Alaska

If you’re considering participating in next year's R2AK, here’s a good article from SAIL. This article highlights the Corsair 760 and its crew. Zam Bevan, one of the crew members, brought his deep experience with Corsair trimarans to the race. Zam was the Production Manager at Corsair Marine International for many years and has raced these trimarans worldwide. He is currently the Project Manager at Triac Composites. His expert advice was invaluable in this race. Read on!

The Race to Alaska is cold, wet, and slightly crazy. It took a weird mix of Vegemite, skill, luck, and Buddha for one team to make it. Article by SAIL / Norris Comer

Riddle me this, sailor: What do you get when there’s a gale warning out of the west and a 13-year-ebb tide rushing out of the east? If you answered “a bad time” or “a washing machine,” you are correct. Such were the conditions on day 1 of the Race to Alaska (R2AK) that our half-Australian, half-American race team, Vegemite Vigilantes, faced on the start line. The new R2AK tattoos were still bloody on the arms of my fellow crewmates Scott Wallingford, Andrew (Andy) de Bruin, and Trevor (Zam) Bevan. As per R2AK tradition, the fresh ink was from a pop-up tattoo parlor that offers race participants free R2AK tats. My teammates’ ink sent a strong message: We’re getting to Alaska, hell or high water. Around 30% of racers do not make the finish line in a typical year, but we were not going to be among them.

The R2AK is a 750-mile engineless adventure race from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska. Sail- and human-power provide the propulsion, with platforms ranging from ultra-fast racing trimarans to stand up paddleboards. We, seeking a respectable podium finish, were aboard Scott’s new Corsair 760 trimaran, Toast. The Corsair 760 evolved from the popular Corsair Dash 750. With longer, more buoyant, wave-piercing amas, the design incoporates the company’s proprietary folding system to make it trailerable. Accommodations would be modest for our crew of four with limited standing headroom and supplies taking up most of the V-berth.

An entrant in the R2AK plunges through a wild sea state. Conditions in this race range from storms to dead calms with added complexity of intense currents. Photo by Jim Meyers/VertizonPhoto

The Corsair 760 had plenty of speed under sail as well as a custom twin pedal drive that could push her along at about 2.5 knots. Photo by Norris Comer

Vegemite Vigilantes Zam and Andy are all smiles before the start. Photo by Norris Comer

The Brilliance of Paul Bieker

An inspirational read I’d like to share with you from Sailing World

Who is Bieker?
Bieker has been innovating high-performance sailboat designs for decades while staying true to the Pacific Northwest roots. It is an inspirational story of relentless drills on design and engineering problems. Bieker is a naval architect who is still setting racecourse records.

Paul Bieker adjusts the jib lead on his Shilshole 27, a pocket cruiser-cum-racer that he designed and purchased from a client last year. Stephen Matera

Rain needles Ketchikan’s harbor as Paul Bieker assesses the damage to one of his beloved designs. Dark Star, Jonathan and Libby McKee’s Riptide 44, just won the 2022 Race to Alaska, but McKee and crew found a log at 18 knots. I’d texted Bieker the photos, and he’d just arrived with a plan and his son, Leo. Minutes later, they begin sanding, layering on epoxy, mating, adding more epoxy, then resanding, skipping lunch and disregarding the on-off precipitation. Nothing about the scene suggests the presence of a two-time America’s Cup-winning naval architect. “It’s not beautiful,” Bieker says that evening, “but it’ll keep water from hydraulically separating the layers of carbon if we’re going fast.” Fourteen hours later, we depart for Seattle by way of Vancouver Island’s west coast.

In the world of high-performance sailing, few names are more synonymous with speed than Bieker’s, yet few Cup-winning designers have kept a lower, more grounded profile. This is by choice, and it suits; flannel shirts, wool sweaters and foredeck-battered fleece often define Bieker’s attire. Look past the Pacific Northwest camouflage, however, and one discovers that Bieker’s mind relentlessly drills on design and engineering problems. Coloring him the smartest guy in the room—while accurate—is lazy writing; his mind doesn’t stop seeking until he wrestles down his solution. Other naval architects may have seen more boats launched than Bieker, now 60, but few have created boats that are still setting racecourse records decades ex post facto.

It started with a car accident.

Bieker was born in Portland, Oregon, in October 1962. He’s the oldest of three kids born to a father who had a penchant for fast cars. This ended in (circa) 1968 when Fred Bieker rolled the family’s Mustang with his family aboard. Bieker’s mother suggested that her husband pursue a safer hobby. 

He chose sailing.

2023 Corsair 880 offshore flotilla extravaganza!

The 2023 Corsair 880 offshore flotilla extravaganza on October 20/21/22 was a blast! Long Beach, California was the perfect venue, with warm winds and blue skies. BIG THANKS to our excellent trimaran coaches, Richard Allen, Scott Klodowski, and Steve Hansen!

A flotilla is a group of boats sailing together from destination to destination, sharing the joy of being on the water and the excitement of what’s ashore. In this flotilla, we had 3 Corsair 880s with incredible owners and crew coming together for three days of intense sailing fun, training, and sharing knowledge with each other.

THE BOAT

The Corsair 880/SPORT is an award-winning sailing trimaran that won 2021 Boat of the Year from Cruising World. This revolutionary 29-foot trimaran offers all the possibilities of much larger boats in an easy-to-trailer lightweight package. So, if a Seawind catamaran is just too much money or too much boat for you, consider a Corsair trimaran! Stay tuned for our next event in Southern California. It's a great time to view the fleet in action if you are in the area...

The Corsair 880 SPORT sailing at 17 knots! She will always take care of you!

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Think of this as a mini boat show! But better.

Sailing out of Long Beach, California on a new Corsair 880

A few of our Corsair 880 Fans

Is electric power right for you now?

2023 Corsair 880 Sport with Torqeedo electric motor

For some, yes!
180 Marine is equipping a trio of Corsair 880s with Torqeedo electric motors. The first installation was just completed, with two more launching soon. 

You can’t beat…

Quiet and sublime smoothness…

Smaller and lighter than combustion engines…

NO fuel or oil to leak or stink

Powerful lithium batteries provide long-range motoring

Durable design and excellent corrosion protection for fresh and salt water.

Torqeedo offers a new, industry-leading warranty on electric outboards.

A Torqeedo electric motor installation on the latest Corsair 880 Sport

Installing Torqeedo Electric motors on Corsair 880s is a smart choice for environmentally conscious boaters. The lack of exhaust gases and carbon emissions, along with their quiet efficiency, makes them a sustainable option for marine propulsion.

The new electric motors include optimized helical gears to provide quiet, lightweight power unrivaled in this market.

This durable and extremely robust design is perfect for sailboats, motorboats and commercial applications up to 12 tons.

Available with remote throttle (R) or tiller (T) control, in 3 kW, 6 kW, 10 kW and 12 kW versions - with various shaft lengths to accommodate a wide range of applications.

It's great to hear that charging electric boats is relatively convenient with the availability of shore power at most marinas. Having the option for overnight charging or fast charging for some electric motor batteries can certainly alleviate concerns about range and ensure a more reliable experience on the water. If you have any specific questions or need more information about electric boat technology or related topics, feel free to ask!

The Torqeedo Cruise 6.0 R has many benefits:

• High-efficiency outboard with 6,000 W input power, equivalent to a 9.9 HP petrol outboard.

• Pair with Power 48-5000 for best performance and accurate range/runtime functionality.

• The R model includes a remote steering link arm we link directly to the tiller.

• Your choice of throttle: standard throttle or add a TorqLink throttle with amazing connectivity to smart phone apps.

• Rugged pylon with integral fin – extra protection when running aground

• Highest-grade seawater-proof aluminum for long service life, even in the harshest conditions.

• Comprehensive galvanic corrosion protection through careful matching of all materials and meticulous isolation of materials with different electrochemical properties - ships with anode set for fresh and saltwater

• It is also compatible with third-party batteries (24-volt), but careful matching to motor power requirements is needed - Power 48-5000 battery is highly recommended.

• For more technical data on the Torqeedo Cruse 6.0 R >>

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180 Marine is the leading Authorized Dealer for Corsair Marine International

180 Marine is an Authorized dealer for Torqeedo Electric Motors

180 Marine is an Authorized dealer for Smyth, Doyle, and Ullman Sails

We recommend Colligo Marine continuous line furling systems

180 Marine is an Authorized dealer for Melges Performance Sailboats

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Featured Torqeedo stories >>

Corsair 760 One-Design fleet building in SoCal

Corsair 760 / Dana Point, California

The Corsair 760 is perfectly suited for one-design racing, where all of the competing boats are identical or very similar. With identical boats it ensures that no one competitor has an edge based on their boat rigging or any other special preparation. Class rules for a one-design fleet vary from fleet to fleet, and some events are modified for local rules too.

These races are entirely based on crew skill and preparation, with minor help from the boat preparation so that everyone gets a fair shot. Everyone starts at the same time, and the winner is the first to go across the finish line.

The Corsair 760 is 24 feet in length and is fast. It’s an excellent boat for one-design racing events. If you want to be on the same playing field as other crews, then one-design fleets can be ideal for your sailing goals.

Corsair 760 / 2019 San Diego NOODS

The need for speed

There is a unique feeling when you see another sailboat just like yours on the race course. Head to head competition has always been a driving force behind racing, fueled by sailors with a competitive outlook.

One-design fleets using boats like the Corsair 760 allow your skill to shine, and smart preparation also has means a great deal when you’re determined to win the race.

Best for training

If you are an inexperienced sailor or you want your kids to learn how to sail then one-design boats are often the best option. Since these design classes have to be similar depending on the boat length, it is easier to learn detailed skills that translate to other boats and other crewing opportunities.

One-design boats often allow younger sailors to adapt quickly to the details without being overwhelmed or discouraged. It also helps if you start on a one-design boat and then move up to a more advanced boat with the skill set needed to sail well.

Corsair 760

Corsair 760R

Corsair 760 Sport

Corsair 760 Sport

2018 760 Sport - available to SoCal from San Francisco, available for sale now >>

2018 760 - now in covered storage, available for sale. We washed it and tucked it into a great storage facility in Oceanside, California, available for sale now >>

760 Dana Point - owned by Eric, available for charter with an experienced 180 Marine staff member, and Eric will race a lot in the future.

760 161 - available with custom options, 180 Marine may spec it an R version as it will ship soon.

760 188 - shipping soon; the owner is from Idaho, but we hope he will keep it in SoCal for part of the year.

And two more hoping to join some events from San Francisco. In the near future we will promote 760 events on San Francisco Bay.

Contact us at info@180marine.com for more information. We’d love to see you out on the race course!