Doug Hake upper right and Kris Hake lower right / Todd Gash upper left and Coop lower left. Here is the Breeze team coached by Richard Allen at the 2026 Corsair Nationals in San Francisco Bay, California.
Adventure in the fast lane, this is our story.
— Doug and Kris Hake
Much to the amazement of our sailing friends, our new Vietnam built Corsair 880 “Breeze” was placed in the water in early 2026, 4 months after it had been ordered from Richard Allen, founder of 180 Marine.
Richard, his wife Leslie, and his team at 180 Marine, made our experience as much of
a breeze as possible for such a fast and responsive boat being sold to novice sailors. Throughout the process, Richard used each decision and sailing adventure
to help us learn.
Our sailing journey started with classes in 2023 followed by several charters in BVI, Greece, and 21 days in the South Pacific. The idea of trailering a fast cruiser to remote locations piqued our interest in Corsairs. After the South Pacific trip we signed up with Richard for a 4 day trimaran class and race from Long Beach to Catalina Island. With a crew of 5, handling the bigger headsails was manageable, and let us sail at wind speed. Overnight with 5 aboard, illustrated that camping would be doable.
My wife and I were hooked after that weekend, and started the process of evaluating purchase options, used and new. Richard guided us through the process, merging our ideas with his own wealth of knowledge of what is possible and practical. We decided on a new cruising Corsair 880 standard. Unique on our boat is the Torqeedo electric motor with solar charging at anchor or sailing.
Just before delivery, we took a 3-day refresher clinic with 2 other groups of sailors. Richard matched instructor intensity appropriately for each trainee group. The intense group was preparing for the 2026 Race to Alaska. Our group was
excited to sail at 10-12 knots.
Shortly after the clinic: Breeze arrived by container ship in Los Angeles Harbor then
by truck to the boat yard. Richard’s team assembled the 3 hulls, cross beams, mast, boom, jib and other parts. Then helped us sail Breeze to its new slip and gave us an
in-depth docking clinic. Breeze is completely solar powered with an Torqeedo electric motor which 180 Marine configured and installed!
Since our first tentative steps double-handing Breeze in increasingly challenging conditions, we’ve sailed from Long Beach to Dana Point and out to Catalina Island. At first, when the wind rose above 15 knots, the 2 of us sailed with jib alone. Remarkably, the small self-tacking jib has the power and balance to maneuver the 880 effectively, reach at 8+ knots, and get upwind. Since then, we’ve learned to appreciate the improved balance and power of the main at all states of reef. Sailing at 13-16 knots
has been an adventure.
“Richard has continued to encourage us to push the envelope and increase our sailing skills. Thank you, Richard!”
In July 2026, we loaded Breeze onto a trailer (with help) and drove from Long Angeles to San Francisco Bay to participate in the 3 Day Corsair Nationals race. Richard helped us obtain the PHRF rating and extra crew members for the race. We raced with 25 other Corsair and Farrier trimarans. During the races, Richard coached us through excellent starts and gybes. Racing has helped Kris and I incorporate the screecher and spinnaker into our double-handed sailing.
Richard racing away from Alcatraz in the Corsair Nationals.
Since Nationals, Kris and I have been in the Breeze in the San Francisco Bay, learning something new each sail. Thank you to Richard, Leslie, Scott, Ryan, Debbie, and the rest of the 180 Marine Team for all the adventures!
