The Dutch Shoe Marathon has always been the anticipated race of the summer. It invites hundreds of juniors and adults to more than just a regatta. It celebrates tradition, it fosters generational sailing, and it promotes the future of the sport we all love. This year, San Diego Yacht Club and Coronado Yacht Club were able to co-host the event with even more pride while looking back over 50 years of the Dutch Shoe Marathon.
The 50th anniversary of the race makes it even more special to win. Tyler Sinks in the Senior Fleet was the overall winner of the regatta. "I thought my window for winning the Dutch Shoe had closed twenty-five years ago," Sinks joked. Sinks grew up in SDYC's Junior Sailing program and continues to be a role model for our juniors.
Join us on the Sail Wash Lawn on Tuesday, July 18 at 6 pm (during Family Night!) to listen in on a Dutch Shoe panel featuring Director Alli Bell, Sailing Coach Steve Hunt, and Sabot Expert Danny North. These three speakers will be discussing the “Secret to the Shoe!” highlighting the race, the course, and racing sabots – plus, the very possible story or two of their own time on the water for Dutch Shoe’s past. Also hear a quick note from past Dutch Shoe champion Ronan Servais, and event chairs Julie & David Servais.
Junior sailors, families, Dutch Shoe competitors, and Dutch Shoe enthusiasts are urged to join us for this fun, informative event. Bring along your questions and get expert insight. See you there!
Cheers to 50 years! For five decades, San Diego Yacht Club and Coronado Yacht Club have co-hosted the summer’s staple Sabot race, the Dutch Shoe Marathon. This year, on Friday, July 21, over 150 junior and senior Sabot sailors will sail from La Playa (SDYC) to Glorietta Bay (CYC) in celebration of this special anniversary. If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time. Don’t miss out on history in the making.
The Dutch Shoe Marathon Celebrates 50 Years!It’s not every day that any regatta turns 50, which just goes to say that there must be something extraordinary about this event. If you ask around some San Diego Yacht Club natives, you might hear the phrase “rite of passage.” You might catch a story or two about generations sharing in the tradition, or about parents making on-the-water memories with their little ones. To honor the anniversary, the regatta is sporting a new theme this year – the 70s! Look out for tie-dye tees and groovy Dutch Shoe prizes.
Fun For Sailors Of All Ages
The Dutch Shoe Marathon is almost a 5-mile race, a long-distance race in the world of 8-foot dinghies. The race starts in between San Diego and Southwestern Yacht Clubs and finishes at the Coronado Yacht Club. Every year almost 200 jr and sr. sailors come to race this fun race. For most of the Jr. sailors ,this will be a challenging and difficult race to complete. We asked rockstar coach Jon Rogers and last year's winner Ronan Servais for some tips.
Also learn more about opportunities to win a North Sails Pace SUP, and how to get 15% off sabot sails from North Sails.
The Dutch Shoe Marathon (DSM) marks a special moment in a junior sailor's life. A right of passage, it's known for. The day where you sail for hours, the longest distance yet, against friends and peers, with family or for most - totally solo. Winning the Dutch Shoe Marathon gives the champion more than just bragging rights. It gives them the practice, experience, and confidence that they will carry with them on the water for years to come. This year, the 49th DSM Champion title goes to C Fleet's Ronan Servais!
San Diego, CA (July 23, 2021) There’s nothing quite like the sight of the Dutch Shoe Marathon. Two hundred boats parading in sequence down the San Diego Bay sporting every color of the rainbow. Loud cheering and fists in the air as the Sabots pass under the iconic Coronado Bridge, embarking on their last leg of the longest trek all summer long. That’s what makes the Dutch Shoe Marathon so special: joy, pride, and a little bit of relief.
“Long,” is the way most of the junior sailors describe the Dutch Shoe Marathon. Whether you're from one of the host clubs, San Diego Yacht Club or Coronado Yacht Club, or whether your from Mission Bay, Southwestern, or any of the other local Southern California clubs, it seems like all of the junior sailors could agree on the same thing - this race is long. (Oh, and bring snacks!)
San Diego Yacht Club and Coronado Yacht Club are happy to announce the return of summer’s most traditional Sabot race, the Dutch Shoe Marathon. Each summer, junior sailors and adult sailors alike look forward to the long trek from SDYC, down San Diego Bay and under the iconic Coronado Bridge to Glorietta Bay. Nearly 150 sailors parade the waters, painting a colorful scene for spectators. This year, the 48th running of the event will be sailed on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Thank you to our 2021 Dutch Shoe Marathon sponsors who are contributing prizes towards a raffle to be held at Coronado Yacht Club during the awards presentation. Prizes will be raffled off by Sail # to all those who raced in this year's Dutch Shoe. Must be present at the awards party to win.
NORTH SAILS DOWNWIND MARINE / SAILING SUPPLY EMERALD CITY SURF SHOP WAREHOUSE SOLUTIONS, INC
There aren’t many dinghy regattas that bring in hundreds of boats, have a mix of juniors and seniors, and sail the entire length of a bay over several hours. But that, in a nutshell, is the Dutch Shoe Marathon. Friday saw the 47th running of what, by the numbers, is one of SoCal’s biggest regattas. Starting at Shelter Island, finishing in Coronado, and mixing it up with whatever commercial and Navy traffic might be transiting San Diego Bay, the Dutch Shoe has four divisions: A, B, and C Fleets, as well as the seniors.
Nearly 200 sailors, both junior and senior, competed in the annual Dutch Shoe Marathon (DSM) today. This iconic regatta begins at the San Diego Yacht Club and finishes at the Coronado Yacht Club, a trek that for most junior sailors is their longest distance race yet. This year marks the 47th annual running of this Southern California right-of-passage.
Mission Bay Yacht Club’s Paige Tillson, 11, (C Fleet) came in first with a solid lead throughout the entirety of the race. Behind Tillson in second place was Siena Nichols (C Fleet) of Balboa Yacht Club, who pulled into the position in the second half of the race. Battling hand in hand with Nichols was Caleb Everett (C Fleet) of Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. The three were able to hold their position in the front of the fleet right from the start.
We can't wait to see you on Friday, and want to extend a big thank you to our club partners for the 2019 Dutch Shoe Marathon. All partners will be at the club pre-start, learn more and have fun!
Amavara Sunscreen will be providing samples and more information about their reef-safe brand. Product is also available for purchase in the ship store.
Long time partner North Sails will have some fun giveaways and always supports our sabots!
Vineyard Vines will have a SPECIAL GUEST and LOTS of giveaways. Vineyard Vines will be returning to SDYC on July 27 for a special trunk show! Please see flyer for details.
The Dutch Shoe Marathon, summer’s iconic San Diego Yacht Club and Coronado Yacht Club tradition, calls locals and tourists to watch or partake in a day of Sabot sailing on July 19, 2019. Over 150 of both junior and senior sailors from Southern California yacht clubs race from SDYC to Coronado Yacht Club, a distance longer than many juniors will sail throughout the summer.
Junior Sailing Head Coach Molly Pleskus comments on the regatta. “The Dutch Shoe Marathon is a race for everyone. The high level, young and old racers looking to cross the line first, adults wanting to get back in a sabot for a bay cruise, and kids stocked up on candy for fun Friday sail. The Dutch shoe brings out new sailors and old for a fun and rewarding sailing tradition!”
On Friday, July 20, over 150 sailors, both junior and senior from several Southern California clubs, celebrated the 46th annual Dutch Shoe Marathon with a long, fun race from San Diego Yacht Club to Coronado Yacht Club in sabots.
The DSM started with an ideal 0.5 knot current and steady breeze around 8 knots from the south, creating an even course for late starting fleets. As the sabots sailed out of Shelter Island, the clouds broke and the wind shifted to the west, making for a fairly quick race. Sailors of all experience levels participated in the Dutch Shoe Marathon after a summer of preparation. Coaches advised them to stay hydrated, stay relaxed and stay focused during their trek down Coronado Roads and through Glorietta Bay. As per tradition, juniors filled their boats with the best snacks, candy, sandwiches and Gatorade.
The Dutch Shoe Marathon, summer’s iconic San Diego Yacht Club and Coronado Yacht Club tradition, calls locals and tourists to watch a day of Sabot sailing on July 20, 2018 and celebrate its 46th year. Over 150 of both junior and senior sailors from Southern California yacht clubs race from SDYC to Coronado Yacht Club, a distance longer than many juniors will sail throughout the summer.
Junior Sailing Head Coach Beka Schiff expresses her excitement on the regatta. “The Dutch Shoe is a race like no other. The vibe of the entire event is so positive and sailing the event, no matter what place you come in, is extremely rewarding. One of the coolest things I have seen is some of the best sailors in the world coming back to sail the event against some of the top current sabot sailors. The Dutch Shoe is 100% competitive for some, and others take the fun approach, sailing with their kids in their boats, or even against their kids!”
SAN DIEGO (July 21, 2017) Over 150 junior and senior sailors took San Diego Bay on July 21, 2017 for the 45th Annual Dutch Shoe Marathon. A summer time favorite, these competitors completed the annual dinghy distance race from San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) to Coronado Yacht Club all in a sabot sailboat.
The sky was perfectly sunny and temperatures were in the high 70s with lighter winds mostly around 6 knots when the fleets began, starting in La Playa at noon. From there, they traveled down San Diego Bay, traveling over 7 miles on the race course, ultimately finishing in Glorietta Bay. Most participants were between the ages of 8 and 15 with many adult sailors also participating in the senior division.
Marleigh Henehan from Mission Bay Yacht Club was leading most of the race in her yellow striped sabot. At 14 years old, this was only Marleigh’s second Dutch Shoe Marathon. “I raced it two years ago and I capsized during that race. Since then, I’ve moved up two fleets. The first time I did it I was in C1 and now I’m in C3. I’ve been going to sailing camp in Mission Bay every afternoon to practice.”
Marleigh triumphantly crossed the finish line first, sailing into the horns and cheers of the spectator boats. After crossing she pumped her first in the air and exclaimed, “Girls Rule!”
Sabot sailing is an essential activity for Junior Sailors at San Diego Yacht Club, especially during the summer season. In observance of this tradition, on July 21, 2017, San Diego Yacht Club will host the 45th Dutch Shoe Marathon, a distance dinghy race for both Junior and Senior Sailors from SDYC to Coronado Yacht Club completed in a sabot sailboat.
On Friday, July 22, 2016, the San Diego Yacht Club hosted the 44th Dutch Shoe Marathon, a Sabot race for sailors of all ages, from San Diego Yacht Club to Coronado Yacht Club. This year the Dutch Shoe Marathon partnered with Race for Rady as a fundraiser for The Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego.
We are all very lucky in the Junior Sailing community! This year we are going to show our appreciation for all that we have by giving back. This years Dutch Shoe Marathon will host the RACE FOR RADY, a benefit for the Peckham Center at Rady Children’s Hospital - San Diego. Sign up for the Dutch Shoe Marathon, then create your own Race for Rady fundraising page. Ask friends and neighbors to sponsor you in the race.
If we all work together we can sail in the Dutch Shoe Marathon, and do a great thing for our community! Sign up today!
On July 17, Kelly Holthus led a parade of small white sails across the channel for the 43rd installation of SDYC’s iconic Dutch Shoe Marathon. Nearly 150 sabots competed in the seven-mile race from Point Loma to Coronado. The Dutch Shoe Marathon is open to sabot sailors of all ages, but for many Junior Sailing participants, it’s the first time that they sail across the channel or outside of the La Playa practice area.
San Diego Yacht Club will be broadcasting this year's Dutch Shoe live online with the help of Hildreth Media Group, and on-air host Dan Bell. We plan on including sailor interviews, on-water video, and more! Families of sailors will be able to experience this classic San Diego summertime event in a whole new way. www.sdyc.org/dutchshoe/live
On Friday July 17, 2015, SDYC will host the 43rd annual Dutch Shoe Marathon. The tradition of starting at San Diego Yacht Club and racing all the way to Coronado Yacht Club has been a long standing summer event that many sailors and families look forward to every year. Over 150 sailors ages 7 - 77 will compete in this event.
The 42nd annual Dutch Shoe Marathon, which covers the 7.2 nautical miles between SDYC and Coronado Yacht Club, was tackled by 152 junior and senior sailors in near perfect conditions on a sunny July 18th. The favorable current and breeze, in addition to the lack of participation in this year’s race by Navy and commercial traffic, made for one of the fastest and cleanest Dutch Shoe’s in recent memory. This, along with the decision to add a Leukemia Cup component to the race to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, made 2014 a race to remember.
Dutch Shoe 2013, like it’s larger ocean racing counterpart Transpac 2013, went down as one of the most drama-free in recent memory. Due to some incredible US Navy “inter-fleet communications” by Junior Director John Fretwell and Sailing Director Jeff Johnson during the week, there were absolutely no near misses with Naval traffic, nor thankfully commercial traffic either! Anyone who has raced or watched a DS knows this is no small feat.
The annual Dutch Shoe Marathon - an epic Naples Sabot yacht race from La Playa Cove to Coronado Yacht Club is an incredible race/experience for everyone involved. Sailors, spectators and even those shoreside who are not quite sure what they are watching, are taken in by the sight of 180 - 200 sabots, helmed mostly by 8 - 13 year old sailors, sailing down San Diego Bay on a sunny July afternoon.
What would a summer be like without the Dutch Shoe! 172 sailors of all ages assembled at SDYC for the annual race down the bay. Helen McCarthy made it a memorable one by completing the “Trifecta” as Junior Director Fretwell likes to call it: 1st Overall, 1st Girl, and 1st in C Fleet! In A Fleet Andy Reiter placed 3rd, Georgie Ryan took 5th, and Zach Malcolm finished 7th. In B Fleet Rebecca McElvain took 3rd (9th Overall!) and Jack Reiter placed 6th. In C Fleet Sajan Alagiri finished 2nd (3rd Overall!), Jack Egan placed 3rd (4th Overall!), and Matt Dorgan took 7th. For the Seniors, Chuck Sinks finished 1st, Stacy Szabo took 2nd, Danny North placed 3rd and Eric Heim finished 4th. Thank you to John and Lisa Reiter and all the volunteers for another great race!
