sunfish sailboat on the ocean

• Sailing the Sunfish: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

The Sunfish sailboat, a name synonymous with accessibility, simplicity, and joy in the sailing world, has been cutting through waters around the globe with its distinctive lateen sail and flat, board-like hull. Born in the mid-20th century, its inception was driven by a desire to democratize sailing – an ambition that turned into a global phenomenon. The Sunfish’s straightforward design, characterized by its lightweight and easy-to-rig setup, revolutionized how sailboats were made and perceived. This evolution made sailing not just an elite sport but a leisure activity accessible to families and individuals alike.

The design and specifications of the Sunfish have always been about maximizing ease of use without compromising on performance. Its hull is designed for stability, while the lateen sail, a simple yet efficient sail setup, allows for easy control and adaptability to various wind conditions. This combination of design features ensures that the Sunfish sailboat is not only affordable but also a highly versatile craft, appealing to a broad spectrum of sailors from novices to seasoned enthusiasts.

Versatility, Community, and the Sailing Experience

The appeal of the Sunfish sailboat extends far beyond its technical specifications. Its versatility shines whether it's used for a leisurely sail on a local lake or competing in one of many Sunfish racing events held worldwide. This adaptability makes it an ideal choice for sailors of all levels, offering a gentle learning curve for beginners while still providing enough challenge for experienced sailors to enjoy.

The sense of community among Sunfish sailors is palpable. Across the globe, clubs and groups convene around their shared passion for Sunfish sailing, hosting regattas, and races that bring people together. This camaraderie fosters a welcoming environment, making it easy for newcomers to learn and for veterans to share their knowledge and stories. The community aspect of Sunfish sailing is a significant draw, reinforcing the idea that sailing is not just about the time spent on the water but also about the connections made along the way.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

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Mastering Sunfish Sailing: Techniques, Maintenance, and More

Sailing a Sunfish requires an understanding of wind and water, skills that are developed through practice and experience. For those new to the sport, mastering the Sunfish sailboat comes with a sense of achievement, as sailors learn to rig their boats, adjust their sails to the wind, and navigate through waters with confidence. These skills are not only practical but also enrich the sailing experience, making each outing a unique adventure.

Maintaining a Sunfish sailboat is straightforward, ensuring that it remains in top condition for years. Regular maintenance tasks such as inspecting the hull for damage, checking the rigging, and ensuring the sail is in good condition can significantly extend the lifespan of the boat. Additionally, understanding how to prepare the Sunfish for off-season storage is crucial, as proper care during this period can prevent damage and wear, ensuring that the boat is ready for the next sailing season.

Choosing and Customizing Your Sunfish Sailboat

For those looking to buy a new Sunfish sailboat, the market offers a variety of options. Prices vary based on new or used conditions, but affordability remains a key feature of the Sunfish, making it accessible to a wide range of budgets. Moreover, the Sunfish sailboat is highly customizable, allowing sailors to modify their boats to suit personal preferences and needs. Whether it’s upgrading the sail for better performance or adding comfort features for longer sails, the possibilities for personalization are vast, making each Sunfish uniquely tailored to its owner.

In conclusion, the Sunfish sailboat embodies the spirit of sailing – a blend of freedom, adventure, and community. Its simple design, affordability, and versatility have made it a beloved choice among sailors worldwide. Whether you’re embarking on your first sailing journey or looking to add a new chapter to your sailing adventures, the Sunfish offers a perfect platform to explore the waters. With each sail set and horizon chased, the Sunfish sailboat continues to be a symbol of joy and accessibility in the sailing community.

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• Sailboat Guide

Sunfish is a 13 ′ 10 ″ / 4.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Alexander Bryan/Cortland Heyniger/Carl Meinart and built by AMF Corp., Alcort, Pearson Yachts, and LaserPerformance starting in 1952.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Although the earliest models were built of wood and offered as kits, the fiberglass version, first introduced in 1960, became the most popular recreational sailboat in history. As a result, there were many imitators.

Sunfish Builder Chronology 1952 - 1969 Alcort, Inc. (founded 1945) 1969 - 1986 AMF 1986 - 1988 Loveless & DeGarmo, dba, Alcort Sailboats Inc. 1988 - 1991 Pearson Yacht Co. 1991 - 1997 Sunfish/Laser, Inc. 1997 - 2007 Vanguard 2007 - Laser Performance Change in class rules permitted a new, slightly deeper daggerboard in the mid-1990’s.

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Sunfish Sailing Boat: Techniques, Maintenance, Racing, Community

Published by oceanwave on august 5, 2023.

The Sunfish sailing boat , is a compact, lightweight, and adaptable vessel created for sailing for leisure. Its simplicity and usability make it a popular option for both novice and seasoned sailors.

Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger, who created Alcort, Inc., originally unveiled the Sunfish sailboat in the early 1950s. The popular “Lateen” sail employed by the Moors and other ancient cultures served as inspiration for its design. The Sunfish has had tremendous growth in popularity over time and continues to be a recognised icon of recreational sailing.

Design and Structure

The Sunfish has a straightforward, fibreglass hull with a flat bottom that offers stability and manoeuvrability. Its single-person design makes sailing alone on it comfortable. Tandem sailing is a popular use for several Sunfish variations that have been altered to suit two individuals.

The daggerboard, a retractable centerboard, on the Sunfish enhances overall stability by assisting in preventing lateral movement while sailing upwind. Effective boat steering is made possible by the rudder, which is at the stern.

The comparatively tall and slender Sunfish mast makes for an effective and exciting sailing experience.

The sail is a lateen rig with a characteristic triangle shape, composed of sturdy materials like Dacron. Using a halyard and a sheet line, the sail may be readily raised or dropped.

Simple rigging is used on sunfish sailing vessels. The mainsheet regulates the sail’s pitch, and the tiller steers the boat by moving the rudder. The outhaul and cunningham modify the shape and tension of the sail while the halyard lifts and lowers it to improve performance.

Sunfish Sailing Techniques

Rigging the sunfish.

A Sunfish must have its sail, daggerboard, and rudder tightly fastened before it may sail. For safe and pleasurable sailing, proper rigging is crucial.

Basic Sailing Maneuvers

• Tacking: This maneuver involves rotating the boat’s bow through the wind, which allows the sail to seamlessly change sides.
• Jibing: Jibing refers to rotating the stern of the boat through the wind and switching the sail to the opposing side.
• Points of Sail: For effective sailing and navigating a variety of wind conditions, it is essential to comprehend the various points of sail (upwind, close-hauled, reaching, and downwind).

Advanced Sailing Techniques

• Racing Strategies: For competitive sailors, learning racing strategies, such as starting procedures, mark edging, and tactical decision-making, can greatly enhance performance.
• Windward Sailing: To sail upwind (windward) and make headway against the wind, accurate sail trimming and boat positioning are necessary.
• Downwind Sailing: To sail effectively downwind, you must maximize your sail angle and take advantage of wind shifts to increase your speed and momentum.

Popular Sunfish Sailing Destinations

Coastal regions, lakes, and reservoirs all around the world are frequently enjoyed by sunfish sailors. The Great Lakes, American coastal regions, and picturesque areas in Europe and beyond are among the most well-liked travel destinations.

With winds typically ranging from 5 to 15 knots, the Sunfish is perfectly suited for light to moderate conditions. For beginners, calm waters and protected harbors are ideal, but for experienced sailors, more difficult open-water conditions may be desired.

Sailing any boat, especially the Sunfish, requires utmost caution. In addition to being mindful of the weather, sailors should always wear the proper personal flotation devices (PFDs). It’s important to observe all boating laws and keep within approved sailing areas.

Maintenance and Care

Storage and cleaning.

A Sunfish sailing boat must be properly maintained in order to last for a long time and operate at its best. Use fresh water to thoroughly rinse the boat after each sailing session to get rid of any salt or debris. To clean the hull and deck, use mild soap and a gentle brush instead of abrasive cleaners that could harm the fibreglass. Dry the boat completely after cleaning it before storing it.

For storage, choose a covered space or spend money on a boat cover to shield the Sunfish from the elements. The boat’s health and longevity will be preserved and increased by keeping it out of the rain, sunlight, and extremely hot or cold weather.

Fixing Small Damages

Check the Sunfish frequently for any indications of wear or small damage. To stop future damage, cracks, chips, or scratches on the hull should be fixed right away. Using repair kits that are available from boat dealers or specialty stores, boat owners can frequently handle minor repairs.

Consider contacting a specialised yacht repair agency for assistance with larger damages or structural problems. In addition to keeping the Sunfish in excellent condition, proper maintenance will guarantee the sailor’s safety.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Make sure to give the Sunfish a complete inspection before each sailing season. Look for any wear or fraying in the rigging, including the mast, sail, and lines. To ensure smooth functioning, lubricate moving components like the rudder and daggerboard systems.

Check the hull for any potential leaks and confirm that all hardware and fittings are firmly attached. Replace damaged lines or hardware as necessary. Check the sail’s integrity as well, keeping an eye out for any tears or wear that could impair performance.

Racing and Competitions

A thrilling feature of Sunfish sailing is Sunfish class racing, when sailors compete in regulated competitions and regattas. The International Sunfish Class Association (ISCA) has established particular guidelines and requirements for the Sunfish class. Typically, races have short tracks, and competitors try to complete as quickly as they can.

The chance to compete in many local, national, and worldwide regattas is available to Sunfish sailors. The Sunfish World Championship, North American Championship, and various regional championships held in various nations are a few of the important competitions.

Specialised training and practise are essential for everyone interested in racing. Experienced racers and coaches frequently organise training camps and clinics to aid participants in honing their abilities and strategies. Mastering race-specific manoeuvres, comprehending wind patterns, and refining racing strategy are all part of competitive preparation.

Sunfish Sailing Community

The Sunfish sailing community is a thriving and encouraging global network of sailors. The governing body, in charge of enforcing class regulations and planning significant events, is the International Sunfish Class Association (ISCA). Local Sunfish class organizations offer further assistance and possibilities for sailors to interact in various places.

Sunfish sailing boat aficionados have venues to share experiences, ask questions, and swap advice through online forums and social media groups. Additionally, there are several of websites and blogs that provide helpful resources including regatta dates, maintenance advice, and sailing skills.

The advantages of joining the Sunfish sailing community are numerous. It offers a wonderful chance to connect with like-minded people, pick the brains of seasoned sailors, and share the thrill of sailing. Participating in community activities also promotes a sense of camaraderie and provides both novices and seasoned sailors with invaluable support.

Sunfish sailing boats are an enticing option for sailors of all ages and experience levels because they provide the ideal balance of simplicity, excitement, and versatility. Sunfish sailing continues to be popular because to its simplicity in maintenance, ease of rigging, and accessibility to a variety of sailing locations.

The Sunfish offers a simple and pleasurable entry point for people who are thinking about taking up sailing. Its user-friendly layout and the Sunfish community’s assistance guarantee a pleasurable and unforgettable trip on the water. Therefore, giving Sunfish sailing a try can spark a passion for the sport that lasts a lifetime, whether the goal is a peaceful day on the lake or serious racing.

To discover more about various liveaboard sailboats , yachts, and catamaran, check out this Sailboat Data page. You may discover comprehensive details on different sailboat models and their performance here, making it easy for you to pick the best boat for your requirements with Ocean Wave Sail !

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Published on April 16th, 2018 | by Editor

Sunfish: The True Love Boat

Published on April 16th, 2018 by Editor -->

Sports Illustrated magazine has been serving sporting enthusiasts since 1954, and had this gem in its vault from their magazine issue dated September 20, 1982 :

And they go on to become legends in their own time—famous and rich, paragons of the capitalist establishment—the Eli Whitneys, the Thomas Edisons, the Henry Fords of their day, freckle-faced examples of the best that the American Dream could ever hope to produce. And not only that, their product is designed to do nothing but make people happy!

That, in slightly different form, is the story of Alcort Inc. and its two founders, Alexander Bryan and Cortlandt (Bud) Heyniger (the Al and the Cort of the firm name), both now 69 years old. They got together after World War II in the loft of a lumberyard in Waterbury, Conn. and eventually invented and mass-produced the Sunfish, which is the most popular sit-down-and-ride-in-it sailboat on the planet.

Almost twice as many Sunfish have been sold as its closest competitor.

Sometime last spring—or maybe it was early summer—the 200,000th Sunfish was sold. No one knows when it came off the production line, and no one knows where it was shipped; in fact, no one is sure of anything about the 200,000th Sunfish except that it was produced this year.

The reason for all this uncertainty is that, believe it or not, no one knows when Alex and Cort began making them—1951? 1952? 1954? (The best bet is 1952.) Like good red-blooded B-movie heroes, the Alcort boys were more interested in the raw-meat stuff of production results than they were in the dull, dusty chore of keeping accurate books or records.

The second-most-popular sailboat is the Laser (a 14-foot, high-performance racer) with sales of just over 100,000, followed by the Hobie Cat 16 (the zippy catamaran designed by Hobie Alter) with 75,000. The Windsurfer, the stand-on-it sailboard which swept across American waters in the late 1960s and early 1970s and spread to Europe with similar impact more recently, now outnumbers all manner of wind-propelled craft, with roughly 250,000 in use.

But the sailboard isn’t a true sailboat.

For years, brassbound racing salts and lots of weekend sailors, perhaps suffering from delusions of their own grandeur, have looked on the Sunfish as little more than a beach toy. There is plenty of evidence to refute this, of course. World class racers such as Dennis Conner, of America’s Cup fame, and Gary Hoyt, who developed the Freedom class and won the first Sunfish Worlds in 1972, learned to sail at the slim wooden tiller of the Sunfish.

This year the class had its 13th World Championship, at San Mateo, Calif., on the choppy waters of San Francisco Bay. There were 71 competitors from no fewer than 21 countries. The Sunfish class is officially recognized by the U.S. Yacht Racing Union (now US Sailing), and the international union (ie, World Sailing) is expected to accept the class soon. Sunfish racing is by no means confined to the U.S.

Racing sail numbers have been issued to 55,000 Sunfish owners, and there are registered fleets all over the world. Oddly enough, the largest fleet is in Saudi Arabia, where an armada of 300 flits about the Persian Gulf, skippered by every type of individual, from expatriate American oil worker to oil-rich Arab aristocrat.

Obviously, the appeal of the Sunfish—which costs only $1,259 and can be sailed by a reasonably smart 6-year-old—cuts through a lot of social, economic and ethnic strata. This fall The Sunfish Book will be published by Sail Books. The author is a Hartford p.r. man and sailor named Will White, 52, who was the North American Sunfish champion in 1966 and 1968.

According to White, “The Sunfish is pure sailing—the sail in the wind, the board in the water, and you in the hull in between—one hand on the tiller, the other on the sheet and the wind in your hair. Pure sailboat racing, too. For the racing sailor, it is the essence of yacht racing.

“It was the first truly one-design boat, rigidly controlled by the manufacturer, with even the sails limited to one loft and very little that could be done in the way of adding expensive go-fasts. No need for a new set of sails every year. No need to keep buying or changing expensive hardware to keep up with the latest sailing theory. Even if you attach the best of everything allowed by the class rules, you’ll have a hard time spending more than $100.”

Whether for racing or recreation, the Sunfish has come to be one of our more familiar images—almost as recognizable a symbol of carefree vacations and sunshine fun as Santa Claus is a symbol of Christmas. It’s said you can’t watch a TV screen anywhere in the U.S. for 24 hours without seeing at least one Sunfish go by.

The saucy little boat has appeared on enough Sunday-supplement covers to rank right up there with puppies and Princess Di. It has come to be the prescribed jolly beach backdrop for print ads and TV commercials from Air France to S&H Green Stamps, from Buicks to Wamsutta sheets, from the National Geographic Society to tourism in the state of Utah.

When Bryan was asked to explain this phenomenon, he said, “I think there’s something friendly about the appearance of these boats. Something unpretentious. Nobody is ever jealous of a Sunfish, and I think that probably works to make other people’s products not look snobbish.”

Whatever the reason, the Sunfish is everywhere, and one never knows where it might pop up. In 1968, the tiny island of Montserrat in the British West Indies issued a 5¢ stamp honoring the Sunfish, and two years later the Bahamas came out with a 12¢ Sunfish.

In 1959, FORTUNE picked the 100 best-designed products of all time—including such classics as the Model T Ford, the Kodak Brownie, the Rolls-Royce Phantom II and the Ben Franklin iron stove. The Sunfish was a very new product then, and it didn’t make the grade in that august company, but when FORTUNE came up with a new list, in 1977, of the 25 best-designed contemporary products, the Sunfish was right there along with the Trimline Touch-Tone telephone, the Porsche 911 S Targa and Adidas running shoes.

But all of this high-tech accolade and worldwide marketing clout isn’t really the Sunfish story, not at all. No, its origins lay in the minds of “two nice guys sitting in the middle of a pile of shavings,” as a Hartford adman described them after his first sight of the Alcort partners in the 1950s. Bryan and Heyniger were boyhood pals who began collaborating as builders with a collection of “huts,” the Waterbury version of the classic tree-house or clubhouse.

The Alcort boys were into super-huts—one was three stories high and had running water—as well as even more complex projects. “We built a glider once, but it wouldn’t fly, not even with our lightest friend,” Heyniger recalls. They never had any formal training in woodworking—”We sort of taught each other,” says Bryan—but they were obviously smitten with the craft at an early age. As Heyniger said recently, “The best Christmas present I ever got as a boy was 10 pounds of nails.”

Bryan and Heyniger went to different prep schools (Lawrenceville and Hotchkiss) and different colleges (Yale and Dartmouth) but they both wound up in the late 1930s caught in the backwater of the same Depression. Bryan ended up at the Scovill Manufacturing plant in Waterbury as an apprentice machinist, and Heyniger went to work on the production line at the Waterbury Buckle Company for 35¢ an hour.

In the autumn of 1941 they built a single-seater iceboat, then six more like it. The winter of 1941-42 provided, in Cort’s memory, “the best iceboating in history.” They had a ball on the lakes around Waterbury, but then World War II intervened. Bryan flew with the Army Air Corps Reserve in South America, and Heyniger joined the Navy and served in both the European and the Pacific theaters.

Four years later they went home to Waterbury. While they were gone, Bryan and Heyniger had learned that the barn in which they stored their beloved iceboats had burned to the ground. Fortunately, the barn and its contents were insured and the boys had some money coming, roughly $5,000. While they were at war, Bryan had written Heyniger to tell him of the insurance money and to suggest that they go into business together. “Let’s build something,” he said.

For their iceboat business they picked a perfect spot in the winter of 1946—the ice-cold loft over a lumberyard. The place was heated by two oil stoves but got so cold at night that sometimes glue would become as brittle as glass. But the rent was only $75 a month. The first thing they did was choose a name for their company.

“We thought Alcort sounded a lot better than Cortal,” says Bryan, “and also we knew that it would come first in the Yellow Pages.” And that was about as sophisticated as merchandising got around Alcort back then. The boys were much more interested in the excitement of big-time, full-capacity production, so, says Bryan, “We went downstairs to the lumberyard and bought planks for a workbench, and then to the hardware store across the street for some tools.”

Their first order wasn’t for an iceboat: It was for a dozen wooden drawer pulls, at 10¢ each, for Heyniger’s girlfriend. But they did get into the boat business that winter, building seven iceboats of plywood and Sitka spruce. They also began to make rowboats. They sold some, but for all of 1946 they grossed only $4,700.

In early 1947 they hired their first employee, a gangly local kid named Carl Meinelt. Boats didn’t bring in enough revenue, so they branched out, making other things, such as portable ironing boards, baby swings that hung in doorways and a child’s game called the Klickity-Klack Marble Track.

The big breakthrough order that ultimately set them to making sailboat history wasn’t very impressive at first glance. A man from the local Red Cross came by and asked if they could make a small surfboard for lifesaving use. He had a plan, and Alcort came up with an estimate of what it would cost—around $75. The Red Cross man said the price was too high, and left. Meinelt says with a wink, “I think he really wanted us to do it as a contribution to the Red Cross.”

As it turned out, it was the Red Cross that made the contribution to Alcort. “He made the mistake of leaving the plans behind,” says Heyniger, “so we decided to make a surfboard anyway. Then Alex put a triangular Old Town canoe sail on it, and we stuck on some aluminum bars. It was only 22 inches wide, and we couldn’t make it do anything. We needed more beam, so we made another one 32 inches wide. I could never get it to work at all. Carl was more agile, but it was still like trying to sail a log.”

Finally, after fiddling around with several models, they installed a rudder and a dagger board and widened the beam to a manageable 36 inches and the length to just short of 14 feet. They kept the equilateral triangle sail. And the boat worked just fine.

They first called it the Sailboard, but that seemed fairly uninteresting, so they picked Sailfish—possibly because, as Heyniger recalls, “The thing sailed under the water about as much as it did on top—which was like a sailfish.” Something like that.

When White asked Heyniger how much the company had charged for the first Sailfish, Cort just wasn’t sure. “We didn’t keep records,” he said. “We’d get so cluttered up with stuff that we threw a bunch away. But I think the first Sailfish cost $128.50. The first Sunfish, I think, was $200—no, $195. To keep it under $200.”

Despite the change in the name, the Sailfish was in fact a’ sailboard. A person sat on a flat surface, legs stretched out in front, with the sheet in one hand and the tiller in the other, and had a very wet ride.

The early models were made of plywood and the buyer had a choice between a readymade boat or a cheaper do-it-yourself kit. This made for some wildly varied finished products. Heyniger recalls, “The brochure suggested that a kit could be assembled in a few dozen hours, but a real perfectionist could spend a whole winter at it, while some people slapped them together in no time and they’d have leak problems for the rest of their life. We found some people were installing screws with a hammer instead of a screwdriver.”

Alcort started selling Sailfish in 1947 and moved about 100 the first year. “We knew practically every customer by his first name,” Heyniger says. But they were beginning to think a little bigger and they contacted an ad man, who wangled a very small patch of space for their very small boat on the floor of New York City’s Grand Central Palace, where the 1948 New York National Boat Show was being held.

Fortuitously, the Sailfish—that cute little wood chip with its perky lateen sail—wound up sitting right next to a 57-foot Wheeler yacht, the largest boat in the show. The glorious contrast between the two made the Sailfish the talk of the town.

That was excellent, if accidental, p.r., but the big coup—the thing that “really put the ointment in the fan,” as Heyniger says—occurred in August 1949, when LIFE magazine ran a double-page photograph of a Sailfish skimming along on a lake near Madison, Conn. In those days the clout of LIFE was so enormous that Alcort’s phones nearly fell off their hooks with calls from excited customers.

And was that all-important LIFE story the result of smart, sophisticated pressagentry on the part of Alcort’s marketing geniuses? Certainly not. It was just as refreshingly unpreconceived as everything else about the outfit.

Some friend of Bryan’s or Heyniger’s (no one recalls whose) brought a weekend date to Connecticut and introduced her to the Sailfish, which she loved. Lo and behold, she turned out to be a LIFE editorial researcher who returned to Manhattan and suggested a picture spread on the Sailfish—and nothing was ever quite the same again in Alcort’s lumberyard loft.

When the story ran, Heyniger was vacationing in the South and Bryan sent him this telegram: LIFE’S OUT. WE’RE IN. ALL’S FORGIVEN, COME HOME.

It was beautifully clean-cut innocent stuff—nice guys finishing first and all that. Bryan recalls, “It was a wonderful experience. Everyone was rooting for us. But, you know, we can’t take real credit for the Sailfish. We literally stumbled into it and we were lucky every minute of every day.”

Possibly so, but they were turning Sailfish out by the dozen—efficiently and swiftly. Whereas business had been so miserable that at one point the partners had gone without their own salaries—50¢ an hour each—in order to keep their books balanced, now the company revenues began to climb. Both had been bachelors when they started Alcort, but as times improved, so also did their matrimonial prospects.

Bryan married Aileen Shields, a good sailor herself and the daughter of the famed Cornelius Shields, the first man to win the Mallory Cup, the symbol of the national sailing championship. Heyniger married Jean Van Valkenburg, the woman who had ordered the dozen wooden drawer pulls.

Both wives dutifully skippered Sailfish from time to time, and both found them ungodly uncomfortable, particularly Aileen Bryan when she was pregnant with one of her five children, because it was awkward to sit on the board with her legs stuck straight out. Both suggested that it would be really terrific if they had somewhere to put their feet.

The partners conferred with their star employee, Meinelt. “He was a man who could do anything.” Bryan says. “Bud and I got a lot of credit for what happened, but Carl deserved a lot of it himself.” One day in—1951? 1952?—Meinelt hunched over the floor of the shop and drew the basic lines for a new boat design in the sawdust. He added a foot more beam than the Sailfish had, and he included a comfy footwell in the deck to allow a pregnant sailor to sit in a more natural position while handling the tiller.

Heyniger says of Meinelt’s design as it appeared on the floor: “It looked pretty good. It wasn’t until about three years later that we even bothered to get prints made.” And Bryan says, “People worry and argue over designs like this. They change it and fiddle with it. We just took it right from our heads to the model. And the design we ended up with depended more on the amount of bend there was in a piece of wood than on either esthetics or engineering factors.”

Meinelt says, “It all seemed to work out about right. We pretty much drew what felt right and then built it. Of course, the dimensions were also figured so we could cut the hull and the deck inside the measurements of the plywood sheets we were buying then. No one liked to waste anything in those days.”

Well, there it was—the most popular sailboat in the world. The length was 13’7½” and the beam 47½”; the hull weighed roughly 130 pounds. In short, one of the best-designed manufactured products of the entire 20th century was created out of nothing more than a passion for economical woodworking and a freehand sense of what a fun little sailboat should feel like.

The name? Was that the result of deep thinking and heavy consultation among marketing experts? Certainly not. Heyniger says, “I don’t know, the boat seemed sort of fat, sort of round like a sunfish. I guess it was just a case of naming a no-‘count boat after a no-‘count fish.”

And the world-famous Sunfish symbol that has appeared on all 200,000 sails? Heyniger grins and says, “I drew a circle with a nickel and added the fins and the tail and the eye. Nothing we did was ever really accomplished with too much forethought, you know.”

The Alcort boys had, it seems, a magic touch. Certainly the Sunfish appeared in quantity at a propitious time—in the late ’50s, when prosperity beamed on nearly everyone and just when the explosion in leisure-time activity was about to boom.

Says Heyniger, “We were in the right place at the right time—through no real credit to ourselves. There was no real competition in mass-producing small sailboats. By the time the Sunfish came along, we had the bugs ironed out of the production line with the Sailfish. We had the advantage of being able to produce all the boats we could sell. And people practically begging to buy them. It was exactly like we’d built a better mousetrap—they were beating a path to our door.”

But even under those heavenly business conditions, Alcort needed sound, professional management. Neither Al nor Cort considered himself—or the other—to be a high-powered executive type. So in 1956 they hired an M.B.A. from Michigan named Bruce Connelly. He was a classic sales go-getter, an excellent organizer and a smart marketing man. It was Connelly who put together the dealer organization—a remarkably loyal and productive crowd that today numbers some 700 dealers in the 50 states and almost every country worldwide.

As Alcort moved out of the ’50s with both Sunfish and Sailfish sales rising and Connelly holding a steady course in the front office, there was one other big change on the Alcort production line. Until 1959, all of the company’s boats were wooden, including the spars, which were made of spruce poles, and the dagger boards and rudders, which were made of mahogany. Then along came fiber glass.

Bryan says, “We had been aware of fiber glass for quite a while. Lots of people had tried to use it to make boats and had failed. The material itself wasn’t consistent and the surfaces would be uneven. We were dubious, but the truth is our company didn’t amount to very much until we started molding our boats in fiber glass. Then they were faster and lighter and much prettier—and we were a much different company.”

Along with replacing the wooden hull with fiber glass, Alcort utilized other up-to-date, if less lovable materials such as aluminum for the formerly spruce masts and Dacron for the formerly 100% cotton sails. The rudder and dagger board remained mahogany, but the tiller was changed to ash (though stained the color of mahogany) because that wood happens to be sturdier.

And the company grew and grew. In 1964 it moved to its fifth and present plant, built on a seven-acre plot deep in the bleak factoryscape that is Waterbury’s industrial complex. The plant is cheerily topped with a couple of Sunfish on the roof, but, seemingly for miles in every direction there are dozens of shutdown or limping factories, melancholy symbols of the economy.

At Alcort things are O.K., if not terrific. There are 150 employees, 40 of whom work on the production line, efficient in effect but Rube Goldbergian to look at: Fiber glass boat molds hang from lines like fish as they move along ceiling trolley tracks from process to process until, ultimately, a gleaming, finished boat appears.

When things are going at top speed, a Sunfish can be completed—from first spray coating of the stripes across the deck to the final sealing of the cardboard box it will be shipped in—in just over six hours. Sadly, the original 12-foot Sailfish, granddaddy of the whole current $12 million-a-year operation, was dropped from the line back in 1966.

A 14-foot Super Sailfish managed to stay alive and marketable between then and 1980, but it’s also now extinct. However, the Sunfish sail on. The average production has been close to 10,000 a year for almost 20 years. The highest figure was 15,000-plus in 1974, the low just over 7,000 during the recession of the mid-1970s. What with this year’s economic woes, the total probably won’t rise above 7,000 either.

Still, through thick and thin, the firm goes on, and most of its employees have been around for a long time. Meinelt is still there; he’s now quality manager. Among the missing, however, are Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger. They sold the whole Alcort shebang to American Machine and Foundry Co. in 1969. At the time, AMF was busily acquiring sporting goods and recreational firms by the handful. Alcort fit their plans perfectly.

And, as it turned out, AMF fit Bryan’s and Heyniger’s plans even better. “Selling to them was the best thing that ever happened to me,” says Heyniger. Bryan agrees: “We had gone from scratch—absolutely nothing—to being a business that was quite valuable. Neither Bud nor I were managers. We’d been wonderfully fortunate, but we knew we had all our eggs in one basket.

“We were worried that we were vulnerable to having all sorts of big companies move in and take our business away from us. We were so small. So rather than get deeper involved in protecting ourselves, we sold to AMF. We’d had other offers, but theirs was just right. I felt real comfortable with their executives.

“Also, I’m a golfer and I was intrigued with the fact that they had Ben Hogan advising them on golf clubs. We had no regrets. We’d made so much more money than we ever dreamed we’d earn.”

Alex and Cort thought they might continue to work with the AMF people, but both rather quickly dropped out of active participation in Alcort—Bryan within two years, Heyniger in three years. As the latter says with a shrug, “You can’t work for someone else when you’ve spent your whole life working for yourself.”

Since the founders’ retirement, AMF Alcort has produced or marketed a number of sailboats other than the Sunfish—from a 26-footer for $22,000-plus, the Paceship, in the mid-’70s (now discontinued) to a sailboard called the Windflite for $895 (a good seller today). The Force 5, a sleek and classy Laser-like boat, sells well at $1,995. The Minifish is a smaller, shallower Sunfish for $895 and is only mildly successful, as is the Puffer, a 12½-foot day-sailer for $1,995; a 15-foot model is in the works. The Sunbird, a day-sailer with a rather tubby look, hasn’t done well at $3,995 and may be phased out. A couple of new catamarans—the Trac 18 ($6,500) and the Trac 14 ($2,695)—seem ready to catch on.

With a volume of about 12,000 boats a year, AMF Alcort is the world’s leading producer of sailboats in terms of sheer numbers. Yet, as Jim Ronshagen, vice-president for sales and marketing, points out, “Yes, we’re the biggest producer—by far. But the sailboat business is very fragmented. There are probably 4,000 so-called manufacturers in the U.S., but 1,400 of them make one or two boats a year. About 200 of them—the big ones—build between 10 and 25 a year. But the cheapest boats in those yards will be $20,000 and they go up to a million dollars, or more. We sell to our dealers for under $1,000. We have to build a lot of Sunfish to get the same revenue those guys get on one boat.”

Over the years, there have been many assaults made on the Sunfish market—imitations, cheaper imitations. And none has made a noticeable dent. Why? Ronshagen answers with the predictable, self-serving—yet inescapably true—pitch of a Sunfish salesman: “It’s a great product, and it has been from the start. Sailing has always been considered a rich man’s sport, but the Sunfish removes that stigma from it.

The boat is inexpensive, easy to transport, easy to learn. The wind is free. Maintenance is almost nonexistent. Unlike golf, skiing, tennis and other sailing, there aren’t constant, expensive technological changes. You can race in it, loll in it, let children use it without anxiety. It’s just a great product. It’s good for everything.”

Well, just about everything. Enthusiasts have been known to enjoy offshore cruising in, and overnight camping from, Sunfish, and have used them on river trips. Every May a fleet of about 100 of the little boats participates in a three-day race down the Connecticut River from Hartford to Essex. Lots of big yachts carry a Sunfish for frolicking while at anchor.

There is a story, oft-told at AMF Alcort, about a large yawl that sank like a stone in a wild ocean a few years ago. Everyone was certain he would die in the murderous seas when, after a few minutes, what should come bursting to the surface but a Sunfish that had been lashed to the deck. It had been ripped loose by the power of its own buoyancy and risen to the top to save all hands.

Though it can serve as an emergency lifeboat or even as a child’s beach toy, the Sunfish also offers good times to the hellbent racing sailor. At its upper levels, Sunfish racing is as fierce and precise a game as any yachting competition. Yet the environment of Sunfish racing is indubitably different from most other competitions in that the class is totally controlled by the manufacturer.

This means that Alcort dictates all the rules and all the limits on equipment changes and go-fast tricks. These strictures govern almost everything—sail size and material, fittings, the size and shape of the dagger board, rudder, tiller, etc.

White writes, “The Sunfish has remained as one-design a boat as it is possible to make…. It is still quite possible to take a boat right out of the box and win races against boats that have been completely equipped with all of the gadgetry permitted.”

Despite the strictness of the rules, racing techniques and tricks in a Sunfish can be innovative indeed. The tuning of the boat involves dozens of tiny changes that include everything from shaping the leading edge of the rudder to choosing the kind of anti-chafing material to cover the deck—a necessity in order to protect one’s legs during long periods of hiking out. Methods for reducing dagger-board resistance are discussed endlessly. So are the myriad ways of rigging sails.

A favorite—indeed, essential—technique is to fix the sail so low on the mast that the boom sweeps within an inch or so of the deck. Racers also argue long and hard over whether a heavier boat will do better or whether a “stiffer” boat is superior.

At the World Championships in San Mateo last month that argument was moot. As always, AMF Alcort shipped all 100 competing boats to the Coyote Point Yacht Club where they were issued, brand new and at random, in their cartons, to the racers. Thus, no one had the advantage of sailing his own personal tricked-up boat in the championships.

Obviously, with such emphasis on one-design craft, the skill and sailing smarts of the individual racer are far more important than the technological expertise—and expenditure of money—that dominates many other classes. However, in recent years, a strenuous new athletic aspect has been added to Sunfish racing. The sport has always required strength, stamina and agility, but now there is also the need to master something called “kinetic sailing.”

This, in short, is the technique of applying occasional violent body movements—twists, jerks, contortions and something called “ooches”—to kick the little boat along a little faster. The use of pumping, sculling and ooching (which means just what it sounds like—lurching the body forward to boost momentum on the crest of a wave) is essential. These acrobatic techniques came to the Sunfish only after they had been widely adopted in such swift small-boat racers as the Finn and the Laser.

During the 1976 World Championships in Venezuela, two superb American racers, Paul Fendler and Michael Catalano, of Rye, N.Y. and Jacksonville, respectively, introduced these gymnastic techniques to the previously genteel Sunfish class. Fendler won and Catalano was second—having applied the new techniques with such violent exuberance that he developed a hernia of his chest muscles.

Some purists worry that kinetic sailing will change the nature of the sport. Well, there was plenty of kinetic sailing at the 13th annual world championships in San Francisco Bay in mid-August. As always, the breezes were fresh and capricious and the competition was a thing of beauty. The 71 boats, each sporting a perky orange, yellow, red and white sail, resembled identically attired Rockettes, but once they had started, differences in their skippers’ handling of them became obvious.

The Worlds consisted of a series of six races with the scoring determined by points awarded in the best five races of each competitor. The winner was a sun-bleached blond from nearby Marin County, John Kostecki, only 18, who finished first three times and third three times, defeating runner-up Derrick Fries, 29, of Pontiac, Mich., who had won the worlds in 1975 and 1978.

Kostecki, who plays basketball and lifts weights, used plenty of kinetic action. “You have to be strong and agile,” he said. “It took a lot of concentration, quick decisions and the right body English.” He also brought an impressive amount of local racing experience to the competition. “I practiced right here for months, this year and last,” he said.

Still, until he won, Kostecki had been regarded as an also-ran. “Well, maybe they didn’t rate me up there, but I did,” he said. “The boat I was assigned was a real kick, too. The sails were so clean and the rudder was so smooth, I felt good about her right away.”

So the Sunfish sails on—a full 30 years (or 29 or 31) since it was first sketched on a sawdust-covered shop floor at the request of a pregnant woman seeking comfort. Is that any way to design the world’s most popular sailboat? Apparently yes.

Today, Cort Heyniger looks for all the world like the epitome of the village whittler. He spends most of his time now helping out at a blacksmith shop in his hometown of Woodbury, Conn., and he does whittle—miniature furniture for his wife. He’s a happy, peaceful man. “We were very lucky guys,” he says. “We probably never knew how lucky we were when it was happening.”

Alex Bryan spends his winters in Middlebury, his summers on Martha’s Vineyard, playing golf whenever he can—”except at night.” To Bryan, the phenomenon of the Sunfish still seems a little unreal, as if it had happened to someone else.

“Bud and I never had any real goals in business when we started,” he says. “We just wanted to be on our own. We were just looking for something to do, something fun. I always thought it was too bad we had to go into fiber glass. Everything changed then.

“It changed from the nice smells of sawdust and shavings and wood to something really stinky and smelly around the shop. Sure, the fiber glass took us to where we got to be a big operation, big and rich. But, somehow, it also took the fun out of it. I really missed the fun when it was gone.”

Of course, the fun wasn’t ever really gone—at least not for the satisfied owners of 200,000 Sunfish.

Tags: Alcort , Alexander Bryan , Cortlandt (Bud) Heyniger , Sunfish

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Beginner’s Guide: Learn How to Sail a Sunfish Sailboat Effortlessly

Alex Morgan

The Sunfish sailboat is a popular choice for recreational sailing enthusiasts. Its simplicity and maneuverability make it an ideal vessel for beginners and experienced sailors alike. Before setting sail, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various parts of the Sunfish sailboat. These include the hull, mast, boom, daggerboard, rudder, and sail. Understanding how these components interact and function will greatly enhance your sailing experience.

Once you are comfortable with the basics, it is time to prepare for your sailing adventure. This involves checking the weather conditions, ensuring you have the necessary safety equipment, and properly rigging the sailboat. Launching the sailboat into the water is the next step, and once afloat, you are ready to start navigating the waters.

To effectively sail a Sunfish, it is essential to learn and practice basic sailing techniques. This includes steering the boat, tacking (changing direction by turning the bow through the wind), jibing (changing direction with the wind behind), and adjusting the sail trim to optimize speed and control.

For those looking to enhance their sailing skills, advanced techniques such as hiking (leaning out to counterbalance the wind force), capsize and recovery procedures, and more can be explored.

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable sailing experience requires being mindful of safety precautions, such as wearing a life jacket, staying aware of your surroundings, and maintaining proper boat maintenance. Following these tips will help you make the most out of your Sunfish sailboat adventures.

Key takeaway:

• Sailing a Sunfish sailboat maximizes enjoyment: Sunfish sailboats are designed for a thrilling sailing experience, allowing sailors to have fun on the water.
• Being prepared is crucial for safe sailing: Checking the weather, having proper safety equipment, and correctly rigging and launching the sailboat are essential steps to ensure a safe sailing experience.
• Mastering basic and advanced sailing techniques improves performance: Learning how to steer, tack, jibe, and adjust sail trim will enhance control and maneuverability. Advanced techniques like hiking and capsize recovery will further enhance sailing skills.

Parts of a Sunfish Sailboat

When it comes to sailing a Sunfish sailboat , knowing the different parts is crucial. In this section, we’ll dive into the various components that make up a Sunfish sailboat. From the hull to the mast , boom , daggerboard , rudder , and sail , we’ll explore each sub-section and uncover the importance of these elements in maneuvering and harnessing the wind’s power. So, gear up and get ready to gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential parts that allow you to navigate the waters with grace and skill.

The hull of a Sunfish sailboat is essential for stability and buoyancy. It is made of lightweight fiberglass, allowing the boat to glide smoothly through the water. The sleek shape of the hull reduces drag and increases speed.

The hull includes the deck , cockpit , and hull bottom . The deck is the upper part of the hull for sitting or standing. The cockpit is sunken where the sailor controls the boat. The hull bottom is the curved section that contacts the water.

The hull is carefully designed for optimal performance. It is responsive and maneuverable, allowing sailors to navigate different sailing conditions easily. The hull of a Sunfish sailboat is self-bailing, efficiently draining any water that enters the cockpit .

Fun fact: The Sunfish sailboat is a popular recreational sailboat worldwide since its design in 1952. Its simple design and ease of use make it a favorite among sailors of all ages and skill levels.

The mast is an essential component of a Sunfish sailboat. It acts as the support for the sail, and it is crucial to understand some facts about the mast.

It is constructed using either aluminum or fiberglass , providing it with the necessary strength and durability. To ensure stability and proper positioning, the mast is securely attached to the sailboat’s hull using a mast step. Standing tall at around 17 feet, the mast extends vertically from the deck. One notable feature of the mast is the boom , which is affixed to hold the sail’s lower edge, allowing for better control. During sailing, the mast plays a vital role in capturing the wind and propelling the boat forward. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain the mast to keep it in excellent condition. A key aspect of this maintenance is proper rigging, which ensures a secure attachment and alignment.

In a sailing race, a Sunfish sailboat encountered strong winds that resulted in the mast breaking in half. The sailor swiftly responded by releasing the sail and retrieving the broken pieces from the water. With the assistance of fellow sailors, a replacement mast was quickly obtained, enabling the sailor to regain strength and finish the race. This incident underlines the significance of a sturdy mast and showcases the resilience of sailors when faced with unforeseen circumstances.

The boom is an integral part of a Sunfish sailboat. It is a horizontal pole that extends from the mast and holds the lower edge of the sail. The boom effectively controls the shape of the sail and the speed of the boat.

One crucial function of the boom is to attach the mainsheet , which is utilized to command the sail. By adjusting the tension of the mainsheet, the sailor has the ability to regulate the angle and position of the boom , thereby governing the power and direction of the sail.

The boom is conveniently adjustable, enabling the sailor to modify the shape of the sail based on the wind conditions. By raising or lowering the boom , the sail can be tightened or loosened, optimizing its performance.

It is important to handle the boom with caution in order to prevent accidents. Always remain aware of the position of the boom while sailing and avoid getting hit. Properly securing the boom when the sailboat is not in use is crucial to prevent swinging and potential damage.

Daggerboard

The daggerboard, a fin-like structure located in the center of the hull, plays a crucial role in controlling the direction and stability of a Sunfish sailboat. Its primary function is to provide lateral resistance that counteracts the force of the wind on the sail, preventing drifting and maintaining the boat’s course.

Typically made of durable and lightweight materials such as fiberglass or wood , the daggerboard ensures strength while remaining easy to handle. It can also be adjusted in height, depending on the sailing conditions. Lowering it maximizes resistance in lighter winds, while partially raising it reduces resistance in heavier winds and increases speed.

To position the daggerboard, it is inserted into a slot in the center of the hull and extends beneath the boat into the water. A rope or line attached to a handle at the top allows for easy adjustment of its position. Regularly inspecting the daggerboard for damage or wear is essential, as it directly affects the boat’s performance. Always secure the daggerboard before sailing to prevent accidents or loss of control.

Proper understanding and effective use of the daggerboard will greatly enhance your sailing experience, allowing for smooth navigation in various weather conditions.

The rudder is a vital component of a Sunfish sailboat , situated at the stern. It is a vertical flat plate connected to the hull with a pivot point. The sailor manages the rudder with a tiller , a lengthy handle used to alter the boat’s direction.

The rudder provides stability and balance, counteracting the force of the wind on the sails. It assists in maintaining the boat’s course and prevents veering off track. When sailing straight, the rudder should be aligned with the boat’s keel .

Throughout maneuvers, the sailor adjusts the rudder to steer in the desired direction. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure proper functioning. Adequate control and coordination of the rudder are essential for safe and effective navigation.

Understanding rudder operation and practicing proper rudder control are critical for Sunfish sailboat sailors.

The sail is crucial for a Sunfish sailboat. It harnesses the wind’s power to propel the boat. The sail is made of durable and lightweight fabric, designed to withstand the forces of the wind. It attaches to the mast and boom, which provide structure and stability.

To control the sail, sailors use ropes known as the halyard, mainsheet, and boomvang. By adjusting these ropes, sailors can control the sail’s angle and tension, maximizing speed and maneuverability.

Proper sail trim is essential for efficient sailing. A smoothly shaped sail, without wrinkles or creases, captures the maximum amount of wind for power and speed.

Sailors should regularly inspect their sail for wear or damage. Tears or holes can significantly impact performance and should be promptly repaired. Storing the sail in a dry and protected area when not in use will prolong its lifespan.

Sail history: Sails have been used for propulsion for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Phoenicians. Sail designs have evolved with advancements in materials and technology. Today, sailboats come in various sizes and types, each with a unique sail configuration. From the Sunfish sailboat to larger racing yachts, the sail remains integral, allowing humans to harness the wind’s power and embark on incredible voyages across the seas.

Preparing for Sailing

Before embarking on a thrilling adventure of sailing a Sunfish Sailboat, it is crucial to properly prepare. In this section, we will dive into the essential steps of preparing for a successful sail. From checking the weather conditions to ensuring the presence of necessary safety equipment, we will cover all the pre-sailing essentials. We’ll explore the process of rigging the sailboat and launching it into the open waters. Get ready to set sail with confidence and enjoy a seamless experience on your Sunfish Sailboat !

Checking the Weather

Before sailing on a Sunfish sailboat, it is crucial to check the weather. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Instead of using modal verbs, make factual assertions when checking the weather.

Start by reviewing the local weather forecast, including wind speed and direction, and potential storms or adverse conditions. Look for numerical details like the percentage chance of rain or wind speed in knots.

Also, observe the current weather conditions on the sailing day. Pay attention to the sky, clouds, and wind patterns. Clear sky and steady breeze are generally ideal, while dark clouds or strong gusts may indicate unfavorable conditions.

Understanding the weather will help you make an informed decision on whether it is safe to go sailing. If there are signs of thunderstorms, high winds, or dangerous weather conditions, it is best to postpone the sail.

True story: I once neglected to check the weather before sailing on my Sunfish sailboat. The sky unexpectedly turned dark, and the wind rapidly picked up. Within minutes, a thunderstorm approached, and I found myself in a precarious situation. The wind became too strong, and I struggled to control the boat. Thankfully, I managed to reach the shore safely, but it was a valuable lesson on the importance of checking the weather before sailing. Now, I always check the forecast and evaluate current conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is essential for sailing a Sunfish sailboat to protect the crew. To ensure a safe sailing experience, it is crucial to have the following safety equipment on board:

Life jackets: Each person on board needs a properly fitted and Coast Guard-approved life jacket. These life jackets keep individuals afloat and buoyant in the water.

Personal flotation devices (PFDs): In addition to life jackets, it is recommended to have readily available PFDs. These PFDs provide additional flotation and can serve as a backup in emergencies.

Whistle or air horn: A whistle or air horn is a valuable signaling device for emergencies or when assistance is required.

Throwable flotation device: It is important to have a throwable flotation device, such as a cushion or ring buoy, for assistance if someone falls overboard.

First aid kit: Accidents can occur on the water, so it is essential to keep a well-stocked and easily accessible first aid kit. This kit should include bandages, disinfectant, antiseptic cream, and necessary medication.

Bailer or bilge pump: Utilize a bailer or bilge pump to remove excess water from the boat and maintain buoyancy.

Anchor and line: In emergencies or to prevent drifting, have an anchor and line to secure the sailboat.

Navigation lights: If sailing at night or in low-light conditions, it is necessary to use navigation lights for visibility and to comply with marine regulations.

Emergency distress signals: Carry a distress signal kit with flares or other approved signaling devices to attract attention in a distress situation.

Always remember, having the proper safety equipment and knowing how to use it can significantly impact the safety of your sailing experience.

Rigging the Sailboat

Rigging the Sunfish sailboat involves the following steps:

– Attach the mast to the mast step on the boat’s deck.

– Connect the boom to the mast and secure it with a boom vang.

– Slide the daggerboard into the daggerboard trunk and secure it.

– Attach the rudder to the rudder gudgeons at the back of the boat.

– Raise the sail by attaching the halyard to the head of the sail and hoisting it up the mast.

– Attach the tack of the sail to the tack hook on the bow of the boat.

– Secure the clew of the sail to the boom using the mainsheet.

– Adjust the sail trim by tightening or loosening the mainsheet and the boom vang.

Before setting sail, make sure to check all fittings and ropes for proper tension and make any necessary adjustments. It is important to pay attention to the details and ensure everything is properly secured for a safe and enjoyable sailing experience. Regularly inspect and maintain your rigging equipment to prevent any issues while on the water.

Launching the Sailboat

Launching the sailboat is an important step. Here is a guide to help you successfully launch your Sunfish sailboat.

1. Prepare your sailboat by checking for all required equipment.

2. Attach the rudder to the stern of the boat securely.

3. Attach the daggerboard to the centerboard trunk fully.

4. Rig the sail by attaching the halyard to the head of the sail and hoisting it up the mast.

5. Attach the boom to the gooseneck on the mast and secure it with the boom vang.

6. Ensure all lines and fittings are properly secured and adjusted.

7. Push the sailboat into the water, ensuring the rudder and daggerboard are down.

8. Launch the sailboat by pushing off from the shore or using a launching ramp.

9. Once in the water, hop into the boat and position yourself in the cockpit.

10. Raise the daggerboard and rudder to desired positions for sailing.

11. Safely board the sailboat and prepare for sailing by positioning yourself comfortably.

Launching the sailboat can be an exciting experience. I remember the first time I launched my Sunfish sailboat on a calm summer day. As soon as the boat hit the water, I could feel the gentle rocking motion beneath me. With the wind in my sails and the sun on my face, I experienced a sense of freedom and adventure. Launching the sailboat was the start of an amazing day on the water, filled with the thrill of sailing and the beauty of nature surrounding me. It was a memorable experience that ignited my passion for sailing. So, get out there, launch your sailboat, and embark on your unforgettable sailing journey!

Basic Sailing Techniques

When it comes to sailing a Sunfish sailboat, mastering the basic sailing techniques is key . In this section, we will dive into the essential skills you need to navigate the waters with confidence . From steering to tacking , jibing , and adjusting sail trim , we’ll explore each sub-section to equip you with the knowledge and expertise to handle your Sunfish sailboat like a pro . So grab your life jacket and let’s set sail into the world of basic sailing techniques!

Steering a Sunfish sailboat involves understanding the techniques and principles.

Control the steering by using the tiller connected to the rudder at the stern of the boat.

To turn left, push the tiller to the right. To turn right, push the tiller to the left.

Small adjustments to the tiller create subtle changes in direction, while larger movements lead to sharper turns.

Consider the wind direction and force , as they will affect the boat’s steering. Adjustments may be necessary in different wind conditions.

Suggestions to improve steering skills:

Practice regularly in different wind conditions to become more familiar with how the boat responds to your steering.

Experiment with different tiller angles to find the most effective control for your sailing style .

Learn from experienced sailors and apply their techniques in your own sailing.

Develop balance and body positioning to maintain stability while steering the boat.

Continuously assess and adjust your steering to maintain a straight course or navigate turns smoothly.

Tacking is a sailing technique used to change direction when sailing against the wind. It involves turning the sailboat’s bow through the wind, allowing the sail to fill on the opposite side. To execute a successful tack , follow these steps:

1. Steer the sailboat upwind with the wind coming from either side.

2. Release the main sheet to slacken the sail as you initiate the turn.

3. As the bow starts to turn, quickly move to the opposite side of the sailboat.

4. Once on the opposite side, pull in the main sheet to trim the sail to its new position.

5. Steer the sailboat through the wind, maintaining control and avoiding excessive tilting or capsizing.

6. Once the sail starts to fill on the opposite side, the tack is complete, and you can resume your desired course.

Tacking allows for efficient upwind sailing by effectively utilizing the power of the wind. It is crucial for navigating tight or narrow sailing areas. Practice and develop your tacking skills to become a proficient sailor.

is a crucial sailing technique to change direction when sailing downwind. It involves turning the boat’s stern through the wind, switching the sail to the opposite side. To jibe successfully, follow these steps:

1. Prepare for the jibe by releasing the mainsheet slightly to ease sail tension.

2. Gradually steer the boat downwind as it approaches the downwind course.

3. Once on a downwind course, quickly steer the boat further downwind while pulling in the mainsheet to bring the sail across the boat.

4. Be ready for the boom to swing across rapidly as the sail crosses over. Keep your head down and weight centered for balance.

5. Adjust the mainsheet tension to trim the sail properly for the new downwind course.

Jibing can be thrilling but demands careful execution. Maintain control of the boat and be aware of surroundings to prevent collisions or capsizing.

Fact : Jibing can be challenging in strong winds, requiring precise timing and coordination to control sail and boat smoothly. Practice and experience are key to mastering this maneuver.

Adjusting Sail Trim

• Identify the wind direction by observing flag movement or ripples on the water.
• Adjust sail trim by tightening or loosening the mainsheet. Tighten it for upwind sailing and loosen it for downwind sailing.
• Check the sail’s shape for wrinkles or flapping, and make necessary adjustments.
• Pay attention to the sail’s angle in relation to the wind ( angle of attack ) as it affects the boat’s speed and direction. Adjust trim to achieve the desired angle.
• Maintain proper balance between the boat’s hull and sail by adjusting sail trim if needed.
• Continuously reassess and fine-tune sail trim as conditions change to optimize performance.

Advanced Sailing Techniques

Mastering the art of sailing a Sunfish sailboat requires more than just basic skills. In the exciting realm of advanced sailing techniques , we will uncover the secrets behind two crucial sub-sections: hiking and capsize recovery . Get ready to discover how leveraging the power of hiking , along with the essential knowledge of capsize recovery , can catapult your Sunfish sailing prowess to new heights. So, grab your life jacket and prepare to dive into the thrilling world of advanced sailing techniques !

Hiking on a Sunfish sailboat

is a technique that allows the sailor to balance the boat and increase speed. It involves leaning out over the side of the boat to counterbalance the force of the wind in the sail. Hiking is important in strong winds and prevents the boat from tipping over.

To hike effectively, the sailor should position themselves on the windward side of the boat with their feet facing towards the centerline. By extending their body weight out over the side and holding onto the hiking strap or hiking stick, the sailor can maintain stability and control.

Hiking increases boat speed and improves the sailor’s ability to steer and maintain control. By shifting weight and adjusting body position, the sailor can react to changes in wind and wave conditions.

Note that hiking requires strength and endurance. Sailors should build up their hiking muscles through practice and conditioning. Wearing appropriate hiking gear, such as hiking boots and a hiking harness, provides added support and comfort during long sailing sessions.

Capsize and Recovery

Stay calm if your Sunfish sailboat capsizes. Hold onto the boat and wear a life jacket for safety.

During the capsize and recovery process, prioritize safety for yourself and others. Assess the situation and act accordingly.

Attempt to right the boat by pushing down on the centerboard with your weight while pulling on the daggerboard handle or the hiking strap attached to the top of the mast.

If the boat does not immediately right itself, move to the side pointing towards the sky to help it turn back upright.

If you can’t right the boat on your own, wave your arms or shout for help to attract the attention of other sailors or authorities nearby.

Once the boat is upright, ensure all equipment is secure and functioning properly before proceeding.

Practice capsize and recovery drills in controlled environments to improve skills and confidence in managing such situations. Happy sailing!

Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Sailing

When sailing, it is important to prioritize safety and enjoy the experience. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

– Prepare by checking the weather, tides, and wind speed. It is crucial to be well-informed about these factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing trip.

– Wear a well-fitting life jacket for safety. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, a life jacket can be a lifesaver.

– Familiarize yourself with the sailboat’s controls and rigging. Knowing how to operate the sailboat properly is essential for a smooth and safe sailing experience.

– Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, including other boats and changing weather conditions. Being observant is necessary to avoid any potential dangers or collisions.

– Communicate effectively with your crew using clear commands and signals. Good communication is vital for coordinating actions and ensuring everyone’s safety.

– Follow navigational rules and be respectful of other boaters and wildlife. Respecting the rules and the environment is crucial for the safety and enjoyment of everyone on the water.

– Watch out for potential hazards in the water, like rocks or shallow areas. Being vigilant and avoiding such hazards can prevent accidents or damage to the sailboat.

– Adjust your speed according to the conditions and avoid unnecessary risks. Adapting to the situation and avoiding reckless behavior is important for a safe sailing experience.

– Maintain stability and balance by distributing weight properly on the boat. Proper weight distribution is essential for the stability and maneuverability of the sailboat.

– Take breaks and stay hydrated during longer trips. It is important to rest and stay hydrated to ensure your well-being and concentration while sailing.

– Lastly, enjoy the experience while always prioritizing safety. Sailing can be a thrilling and enjoyable experience, but safety should always be the top priority.

Some Facts About How To Sail A Sunfish Sailboat:

• ✅ The Sunfish is a small, one-person single sail boat that is popular for sailing at summer camps.
• ✅ It was developed by Alcort, Inc. and first appeared around 1952.
• ✅ The Sunfish has a wide beam for stability, increased freeboard, and a foot-well for a comfortable sailing position.
• ✅ It started as a wood hull design and later progressed to fiberglass construction.
• ✅ The Sunfish is easy to learn to sail due to its simple two line rigging and crab claw sail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i set up a sunfish sailboat.

To set up a Sunfish sailboat, first, make sure to attach the sail to the mast using the halyard. Then, insert the mast into the mast step on the deck of the boat. Next, attach the boom to the mast and secure it with the gooseneck. Insert the center board into the trunk and attach the rudder. Your Sunfish sailboat is now ready to sail!

What is the purpose of a stopper knot on a Sunfish sailboat?

A stopper knot is used on the halyard of a Sunfish sailboat to prevent it from pulling out while on the water. This knot is tied in the tail of the halyard at the clove hitch on the gaff or top boom. The stopper knot ensures that the sail remains secure, allowing for a smoother and safer sailing experience.

Where can I learn to sail a Sunfish sailboat?

You can learn to sail a Sunfish sailboat through various methods. You can watch YouTube videos that provide step-by-step instructions on sailing techniques and rigging. Another option is to take a sailing class offered by local recreation departments, especially during the summer. US Sailing’s website is also a helpful resource to find sailing classes in your area.

What are some tips for balancing the forces on a Sunfish sailboat?

Balancing the forces on a Sunfish sailboat is crucial for maximum speed and control. To achieve this, you can adjust the sail’s center of effort by moving it in relation to the hull. Lowering the sail on the mast helps reduce heeling and allows for better control by hiking out. Adjusting the gooseneck on the boom moves the sail forward and reduces weather helm, improving control. Other controls such as the vang, outhaul, and cunningham can further tweak the sail’s center of effort and de-power the sail.

What makes a Sunfish sailboat suitable for both kids and adults?

A Sunfish sailboat is suitable for both kids and adults due to its relatively light weight and easy maneuverability. It has a wide beam, increased freeboard, and a foot-well, providing a comfortable sailing position. These features, along with the simple two-line rigging and crab claw sail, make the Sunfish easy to learn to sail. Its versatility allows children and adults of various skill levels to enjoy sailing and have fun on the water.

Where can I find vacation homes for an Ocean Isle Beach summer beach vacation?

Ocean Isle Beach offers a great selection of vacation homes, from larger homes to condos, at affordable prices and with impressive customer service. You can make bookings for 2021 Ocean Isle Beach vacations by calling 800-727-9222. The website of the provided source, https://www.williamsonrealty.com, is a resource to explore various vacation home options and accommodations.

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Become the Confident Skipper of Your Own Sailboat

Just what is a sunfish sailboat an overview for beginners.

• Post author: Anns
• Post published: October 10, 2022
• Post category: Uncategorized
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Introduction

Sunfish sailboats are a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors. They’re affordable, easy to learn, and fun for all ages. But it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you buy one. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything from how Sunfish boats work to accessories you might want to add when purchasing your new toy!

Sunfish sailboats are fun, affordable, and simple to learn.

Sunfish sailboats are fun, affordable and simple to learn.

A Sunfish sailboat is a great way to get started in sailing. They’re easy to store and transport, so you can take them with you on vacation or keep them at home for weekend sailing. The design is also very forgiving if you make mistakes while learning how to sail–you don’t have to worry about breaking anything when making mistakes! The tough fiberglass hulls and riveted aluminum frames make repairs pretty easy too!

A Sunfish has three components: hull, sail, and daggerboard.

A Sunfish has three components: hull, sail and daggerboard.

The hull is the body of the boat. The sail is what catches the wind to push it along. The daggerboard is a small board that keeps the boat from rolling over when sailing in rough waters or high winds.

The Hull is a one-piece design, made of molded plastic for durability.

The hull, or body of a Sunfish sailboat, is a one-piece design made from molded plastic for durability. The hull is also called the “body” in some circles.

The hull of your Sunfish sailboat will be constructed of fiberglass and resin—a material that makes it strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of many years on the water.

The Sail is made of Dacron with kevlar stitching.

The sail is made of Dacron, a synthetic fiber. The stitching is made of kevlar. The kevlar is a synthetic fiber as well. There are several types of stitches that can be used to hold the sail together, but all will do the job equally well.

The Daggerboard fills with water as it is lowered, keeping the boat from rolling over. To raise it, simply pull it out by using the loop at its top.

Oops! Click Regenerate Content below to try generating this section again.

It can be good to have additional accessories on your Sunfish sailboat. These include tiller extensions and replacement mast or hull parts in case of damage.

If you plan to sail in wide open water, a tiller extension is useful as it will give you more control over the boat. The mast and rudder are also adjustable for different conditions. If you are sailing in shallow water, a daggerboard extension is useful as this increases stability so that your boat doesn’t tip over easily (especially if there are other boats nearby).

You can also attach extra sails for when you want more speed or wind resistance.

Owning a Sunfish sailboat can be a rewarding experience!

Owning a Sunfish sailboat can be a rewarding experience! They are easy to learn, affordable and fun. The design is versatile, which makes them last forever.

The Sunfish is an open cockpit boat with a single sail mounted on a mast at the top of the boat and two or three seats inside the hull. It may have an outrigger for stability or it may not. Either way, it’s designed for one person to use and that person does not need any experience with sailing whatsoever in order to get started using their Sunfish on the water.

If you’re thinking about learning how to sail, a Sunfish is the perfect boat for you. It’s affordable, fun and easy to learn. There are so many benefits that come with owning one. For example: it can be great exercise as well as an opportunity to spend time with family or friends out on the water! If these reasons sound good then maybe now is the time for us all

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How to Sail a Sunfish Sailboat

There are a lot of fun things to do in and around Ocean Isle Beach, but for generations, kids and adults have loved sailing the beloved Sunfish. If you aren’t sure what a Sunfish is, it is a small, one-person single sail boat. These boats are used at summer camps for training and have introduced thousands to the joy of sailing. This week we have some tips and resources to help you get on the water in one of these wonderful little boats.

What’s a Sunfish?

The Sunfish is a personal-size, beach-launched sailing dinghy. It features a very flat, boardlike hull carrying a crab claw (“Oceanic lateen”) sail mounted to an un-stayed mast. The Sunfish was developed by Alcort, Inc. and first appeared around 1952.

The Sunfish has a wide beam for stability, increased freeboard, and a foot-well for a more comfortable sailing position. Sunfish began as a wood hull design and progressed to fiberglass construction. Having a crab claw sail with its simple two line rigging makes a Sunfish simple to learn to sail and set up. Upgrades can be added to enhance sail control for competitive sailing, but ultimately the Sunfish is the ideal boat to learn to sail. Many people learn to sail a Sunfish in a day by trial and error. However, lessons are always recommended.

Due to the broad appeal of the Sunfish, in 1995 it was commended by The American Sailboat Hall of Fame for being “the most popular fiberglass boat ever designed, with a quarter million sold worldwide” (at that point in time).

Whether you are looking to learn to sail or just kick back on the beach with a great book and watch the waves roll in, we have a home for you. Ocean Isle Beach features a great selection of vacation homes. You can choose from larger homes to condos all at great prices and backed by our impressive customer service.

How to set up a Sunfish

One of the best features of a Sunfish is just how easy it is to set up. Even a novice can set up a Sunfish in less than 10 minutes. There are only a few steps to follow. Since the Sunfish has an unsupported mast and sail, it requires no special knowledge to rig. Don’t worry about learning a bunch of fancy sailor’s knots. All of the rigging to the Sunfish requires knots that anyone can learn in a few minutes.

Another great feature about setting up the Sunfish is that it has a removable center board and can be launched from the beach, dock, or anywhere you have access to water. Because the Sunfish is relatively light, it’s easy to move around. This makes it the perfect choice for kids and adults alike.

Are you ready to set up a Sunfish you purchased? If you are, check out the video above to get an idea of just how easy it is to enjoy this little boat.

Learn to sail

There aren’t too many things you can’t learn to do from watching a YouTube video. Sailing a Sunfish is no exception! In fact, many people have just launched their boat on a light wind day and sailed successfully in a few hours. To be honest, that is how I learned. The simplicity of a Sunfish becomes apparent the second you hit the water. However, we do recommend taking a class to learn the basics. Many of the local recreation departments host sailing classes during the summer. If you would like to find a class in your area (so you’ll be ready to sail when you get here) check out US Sailing’s website .

Whether you are looking to enjoy a day on the water or just kick back by the pool with your favorite book, Ocean Isle Beach has something for everyone. Now is the perfect time to book your next summer beach vacation. We have a wonderful selection of homes to choose from all at reasonable prices. Of course, we have great team of dedicated professionals here to assist you with all your vacation needs. Give us a call today at 800-727-9222 to begin planning your 2021 Ocean Isle Beach vacation.

Sail on over to Ocean Isle Beach for Your Summer vacation

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Unraveling the Mysteries of the Ocean Sunfish

Marine biologist Tierney Thys and researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium are learning more about one of the largest jellyfish eaters in the sea

Megan Gambino

Senior Editor

Part of the appeal of the ocean sunfish, or Mola mola , is its unusual shape. The heaviest bony fish in the world, it can grow more than 10 feet long and pack on a whopping 5,000 pounds, and yet its flat body, which is taller than it is long, has no real tail to speak of. (“Mola” means “millstone” in Latin and refers to the fish’s disc-like physique.) To motor along, the fish uses powerful dorsal and anal fins.

The mola is something of a star at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the only facility in North America to currently exhibit the bizarre-looking fish. “You just don’t see anything like that,” says John O’Sullivan, curator of field operations at the aquarium. When the nearly four-foot-long sunfish swims slowly across the two-story window of the Open Sea gallery, its large eyes pivoting as it travels, it is as if the whole building shifts with the weight of people gathering in awe,  he says.

For being so visually arresting (it is on the bucket list of many scuba divers), the mola is a bit of a mystery; very little is known about its biology and behavior. Tierney Thys, for one, is trying to change this.

“I always feel that nature reveals some of her greatest secrets in her extreme forms,” says Thys at her home perched like a tree house in the hills of Carmel, California. With reports suggesting that jellyfish may be on the rise, the marine biologist is even more compelled to understand the lives of molas, which are voracious jelly eaters.

If the sparkle in her eye when she talks about her many encounters with wild molas doesn’t give away her passion for the species, her impressive collection of tchotchkes does. Thys shows me playing cards, postage stamps and chopsticks decorated with molas, stuffed animals, even crackers (like Pepperidge Farm’s “Goldfish,” only shaped like sunfish), laughing at the range of mola products she has found in her travels around the world studying the fish.

Thys’s introduction to the mola came in the early 1990s when she came across a photo of one while doing graduate work in fish biomechanics at Duke University. A tuna, she explains, is sleek, like a torpedo; its form gives away its function: to travel great distances with speed. “But you look at a mola,” she says, “and you think, what is going on with you?”

Molas emerged between 45 million and 35 million years ago, after the dinosaurs disappeared and at a time when whales still had legs. A group of puffer fishes—“built like little tanks,” says Thys—left coral reefs for the open ocean. Over time, their clunky bodies became progressively more “abridged,” but never as streamlined as some other deep-sea fishes. “You can only divorce yourself from your bloodlines so much,” says Thys. “If your grandmother had a big bottom and your mother had a big bottom, you are most likely going to have a big bottom. There is not much you can do!”

From her advisor, she learned that the Monterey Bay Aquarium was on the cusp of being able to display molas. The aquarists had a few fish in quarantine tanks, and Thys was able to spend some time at the aquarium studying their swimming mechanics and anatomy.

In 1998, Thys moved to the Monterey Peninsula, where she worked as a science editor and later director of research at Sea Studios Foundation, a documentary film company with an environmental focus. She served as the science editor for the foundation’s award-winning series “The Shape of Life,” about evolution in the animal world, which aired on PBS; the mola had a cameo. Meanwhile, Thys rekindled her relationship with the aquarium.

At the aquarium, O’Sullivan tested tags on captive molas, and in 2000, he and Thys began tagging wild molas in southern California. Chuck Farwell, curator of pelagic fishes at the aquarium, had established a relationship with Kamogawa Sea World in Japan, and he and Thys began tagging there as well. The Japanese have been the leaders in exhibiting molas. Historically, the culture holds the mola, known as manbou , in high regard. In the 17th and 18th centuries, people gave the fish to shoguns in the form of tax payments. Today the mola is Kamogawa’s official town mascot.

Thys has since tagged and tracked molas in Taiwan, South Africa, Bali and the Galapagos Islands, and in doing so, she has become one of the world’s leading experts on the fish. She runs a website, Oceansunfish.org, which serves as an information hub on the species, and she asks citizen scientists to report any sightings. “Nearly every day I have people reporting,” says Thys. Molas have been seen north of the Arctic Circle and as far south as Chile and Australia. “I just got a report from Mozambique,” she says. “I would love to go to Mozambique.”

Since ocean sunfish are neither known to be endangered nor are they commercially important (outside of Asia, particularly Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, where they are eaten), research funding can be hard to come by. Thys scrapes together small grants and squeezes tagging expeditions into her busy schedule as a mother of two, National Geographic Explorer and science media filmmaker and consultant on several marine education projects. “I moonlight on the sunfish,” she says.

The methods for tagging vary by location. In California, Thys and her Monterey Bay Aquarium colleagues often use a spotter plane. From the air, the pilot spies the white outlines of molas and radios their location to a team in a boat below. The ocean sunfish owes its name to its tendency to bask in the sunlight near the surface. In some cases, gulls on the water’s surface also indicate the presence of molas, since Western gulls and California gulls clean the fish of the dozens of species of parasites that live on them. In Bali, where molas don’t spend much time on the surface, Thys and her team tag the fish underwater with modified spear guns. But in other places, it is just a matter of scanning the surface from the bow of a Zodiac boat. “They are just goofy,” says Thys. “They stick their fin out of the water and wave, ‘Hello, I am over here.’ ”

Once a mola is spotted, the group speeds up to it and traps it in a hand net. Snorkelers wearing wetsuits and gloves to protect against the fish’s spiny skin (Thys compares it to “36 grit sandpaper”) jump into the water and corral the fish alongside the boat, while someone inserts the tag at the base of the fish’s dorsal fin.

This past September, Thys had what she considers one of the most amazing sunfish encounters of her career. At a place called Punta Vicente Roca, on Isabela Island in the Galapagos, she and her team came upon a group of about 25 molas, each about five feet long, while diving at depths of up to 90 feet. “I didn’t even know where to look,” says Thys, showing me video footage she took with a small, waterproof camera mounted like a headlamp on a strap around her head. Adult sunfish are loners and do not school, so it is rare to see more than a couple at time. But this spot was a cleaning station. The molas were suspended in a trance-like state, their heads pointed upward while juvenile hogfish pulled off their parasites. “It was awesome,” she adds.

Thys likens molas to “big, slobbery Labradors.” (In addition to parasites, the fish are covered in mucus.) O’Sullivan calls the slow-moving, awkward fish “the Eeyore of the fish world.” Needless to say, molas are harmless and generally unperturbed by humans. Wild encounters, like this one, make Thys wish she could follow the fish to see where they go and what they are up to. That is where satellite tags come into play.

Most of the time, Thys uses pop-up archival transmitting (PAT) tags that release from the fish at a pre-programmed time, drift to the surface and transmit data about the fish’s movements—its locations and depths, as well as water temperatures—by satellite. In the Galapagos, however, she tagged five sunfish with acoustic tags; on two of them, she also placed Fastloc GPS tags. An array of underwater listening stations detects the unique signal of each acoustic tag, while GPS tags reveal sunfish locations in real time. One of the GPS tags, programmed for nine months, released after less than two, but it revealed some interesting details. The fish had traveled nearly 1,700 miles from the archipelago, for reasons unknown, and had made a record dive down to 3,600 feet. Another Fastloc tag is due to pop off this month; its real-time reporting capabilities failed but it could still relay some data.

“We are starting to unravel a bunch of the mysteries,” says Thys. Pockets of mola researchers around the world have found that molas are powerful swimmers that buck ocean currents—dispelling a myth that they are lethargic drifters. Scientists are looking into what factors drive molas’ migrations, though one seems to be temperature. The fish prefer water ranging from 55 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Molas also dive up to 40 times a day. They descend to depths, on average, of 310 to 560 feet, most likely to forage in a food-rich zone called the deep scattering layer. Presumably to recover from temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit at that level, they then sunbathe at the surface.

But every discovery, in turn, leads to more questions. Molas are found in temperate and tropic waters worldwide, but how big is the total population? The fish make up a large percentage of the unintended catch in fisheries in California, South Africa and the Mediterranean. How is that bycatch impacting overall numbers? Female molas can carry an estimated 300 million eggs, making them the most fecund fish in the sea. Where do they spawn, and at what age?

Molas eat gelatinous zooplankton, such as moon jellies, as well as squid, crustaceans and small fish, including hake, and their eating habits may change as they grow. But how much do they have to eat to keep their portly figure?

In its lifetime, a mola grows from a larva one-tenth of an inch long to an adult more than 60 million times its starting weight. That is comparable to a human baby ultimately weighing the equivalent of six Titanics. But what is the fish’s average lifespan? By extension, at what rate do they grow in the wild?

Michael Howard, head of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s mola husbandry team, would certainly like to know the answer to that last one.

At the aquarium, Howard takes me to the top lip of the million-gallon Open Sea tank, where I have a front row seat to a mola feeding. The event is carefully orchestrated, as is just about everything related to an exhibition where hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tunas, huge schools of sardines and other animals are meant to peacefully coexist. The turtles are stationed in one area while a staff member, crouched on a gangplank over the tank, dunks a pole with a ball on the end of it into the water. The mola is trained to come to the target, expecting a meal.   The fish rises, a murky shadow at first. Then, once the mola’s botoxed-looking lips break the surface, the feeder drops some squid, shrimp and a gelatin product into its gaping mouth.

The aquarium has exhibited molas fairly consistently for 16 years, but in many ways, the husbandry staff is still shooting from the hip—especially when it comes to managing the fish’s growth in captivity.

In the late 1990s, a 57-pound mola ballooned to 880 pounds in just 14 months. The fish had to be airlifted out of the aquarium by helicopter and released back into the bay. “It worked great, and it was a rush. It took seven months to plan. We had 24 people on staff and FAA approval to cordon off the building that day we released it,” says O’Sullivan. “It is a great story. But wouldn’t it be better if we just got the animal up to half that weight, had a much more relaxed deaccession, replaced it with another animal a fraction of its size and started the whole process over?”

Howard, who has led the program since 2007, has been working toward this end. He and his team conduct ongoing captive growth studies; they record the mass of each type of food fed to the mola at its twice-daily feedings and follow up with routine health exams every two or three months, making any necessary adjustments in the fish’s diet. Each day, they aim to feed the mola a ration of food equal to 1 to 3 percent of its body weight. A few years ago, aquarists captured some moon jellies from the bay and had them analyzed. With the results, they worked with a company to produce a comparable gelatin product comprised of 90 percent water. “That really helps us get the daily volume up while keeping calories low,” says Howard. Depending on their stage in life, molas require only three to ten calories per kilogram of animal mass. To put that into perspective, adult humans need 25 to 35 calories per kilogram. Tunas at the aquarium get 30 calories per kilogram, and otters get 140 calories per kilogram. On the new diet, the aquarium’s last mola gained an average of .28 kilograms per day, whereas the airlifted mola nearly quadrupled that rate.

“As long as a mola’s behavior is healthy, we can consider working and caring for the fish until it approaches about six feet in length,” says Howard. That usually equates to a two-and-a-half-year stay. When it comes time for the fish to be released, which is always the end goal, says Howard, the team can then feasibly hoist the mola out of the tank on a stretcher, place it in a holding tank, first on a truck and then on a research vessel, and let it go a few miles offshore.

For Howard, the mola has been the trickiest species he has encountered in his 15 years of aquarium experience. “But who doesn’t enjoy a good challenge?” he says. 

The peculiar fish prompts a slew of questions from aquarium visitors—about the species and the ocean in general. “If that happens,” says O’Sullivan, “then we are being successful in our mission.”

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Megan Gambino is a senior web editor for Smithsonian magazine.

14 Fascinating Facts About Ocean Sunfish

By shaunacy ferro | may 21, 2015.

The  Mola mola —which looks like a prehistoric shark that lost a tail in an epic battle—might be the world's weirdest fish. Here are just a few reasons it's the most fascinating marine creature around.

1. They love to sunbathe.

Sunfish spend up to half the day basking in the sun near the surface of the water, which helps warm their bodies up after deep water dives to hunt.

2. They can weigh more than a car.

The average ocean sunfish is 10 feet long and weighs 2200 pounds , but the biggest can grow up to 5000 pounds . The average pickup truck is only 4000 . This makes them the world's largest bony fish.  

3. They lay more eggs than any other animal. 

Image Credit: Pline via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Sunfish can lay up to 300,000,000 eggs at one time, more than any other vertebrate .

4. They have super weird teeth.

Mola mola  teeth are fused together in two plates that look like a parrot’s beak . 

5. They are related to the bass. 

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, and black bass are all members of the sunfish family . Bass generally eat the smaller members of the sunfish family, like bluegills . 

6. Eating them is bad luck, according to Polynesian legend. 

A 3500 pound sunfish caught off the coast of California in 1910. Image Credit: Library of Congress via  Wikimedia Commons  // Public Domain

According to marine biologist Tierney Thys’ site OceanSunfish.org , Polynesians called the sunfish “King of Mackerel.” It was considered bad luck to kill sunfish, lest their loss prevent mackerel from making their way to the islands. 

7. They’re named after a millstone.

The name Mola mola comes from the Latin word for “millstone.” It’s named for its gray, round body, and rough texture. 

8. In German, they are called "swimming heads."  

The German term for a sunfish is Schwimmender Kopf , meaning “swimming head,” a pretty apt description of their appearance. The Polish name for sunfish is samogłów , or “head alone.”

9. They are the namesake of the world’s most popular sailboat. 

The Sunfish , first developed in the late 1950s, was designed to be something like a surfboard with a sail on it. In 1995, it was inducted into the the American Sailboat Hall of Fame as the most popular fiberglass boat ever sold. 

10. They can dive up to 2600 feet. 

A sunfish spotted near the Galápagos. Image Credit: Edgard Dias Magalhães via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0  

Sunfish generally hang out at depths of 160 to 650 feet, but they can dive much deeper on occasion. In one study, scientists recorded a sunfish diving more than 2600 feet below the surface. 

11. They’re voracious predators. 

Scientists used to think that sunfish were relatively inactive, spending their days sunbathing and feeding on jellyfish. However, despite their doofy appearance, sunfish are active predators with discerning tastes who travel several miles per day. In a recent study, scientists observed sunfish feeding solely on the most energy-rich parts of jellyfish—the gonads and the arms (yum!)—while leaving the less nutritious bell behind. They also occasionally eat small fish and zooplankton. 

12. They were an acceptable form of tax payment in 17th century Japan …

During the 1600s and 1700s, Japanese shoguns accepted Mola mola as payment for taxes [ PDF ]. 

13. … And are currently the subject of a popular Japanese video game. 

Image Credit: Select Button Inc. via Google Play

A mobile game called Survive! Mola Mola! has more than 6 million downloads in Japan. It revolves around nurturing an ocean sunfish, like Tamagotchi for weird-shaped marine life. 

14. They may or may not be plankton. 

Despite its massive size, the sunfish has been classified for years as a type of  plankton , because it seemed to drift with the current rather than swim. (Plankton drift up and down the water column with the current, unable to swim against it.) However, more recent studies of Mola mola  have refuted the idea that sunfish are passive planktonic creatures. Tracking has shown that they can move independently of the current, and can swim at speeds similar to that of other large fish . 

Rare 7-foot 'sunbathing' fish washes ashore in unexpected place

A huge round fish washed ashore far from the warm waters of the southern hemisphere where it was believed to live.

The 7.3-foot long hoodwinker sunfish turned up on Gearhart Beach on Oregon’s northern coast on June 3, according to the Seaside Aquarium .

Hoodwinkers are sometimes called ‘sunbathing’ fish, due to their habit of floating along the ocean’s surface.

The species was first discovered in 2017 and has been spotted just a handful of times off the coast of Australia, New Zealand, and across the Pacific.

‘Initially this large, strange looking fish was creating quite a stir on social media and though it was stormy, folks were flocking to the beach to see this unusual fish,’ an aquarium representative wrote on Facebook .

While the strange fish piqued the curiosity of people around the world, it is a particularly significant discovery for New Zealand-based marine biologist Marianne Nyegaard.

Nyegaard – who published research on the hoodwinker sunfish, or Mola tecta , in 2017 – spotted something unique in the aquarium’s Facebook photo of the mammoth fish.

This led her to suspect the fish was not a common ocean sunfish, also known as Mola mola , but something more rare and mysterious.

Common ocean sunfish dive deep into cold water when they hunt. Because their bodies cannot regulate temperature, they heat themselves using the sun.

But certain features of hoodwinker sunfish set them apart. As ocean sunfish grow, their skin puckers and wrinkles. Hoodwinkers, on the other hand, remain completely smooth.

Until now, hoodwinker sunfish were believed to reside only in warm waters, but several of them have washed ashore recently between California and Alaska, where the ocean is much colder.

‘This fish, hiding in plain sight, has most likely been seen/washed ashore in the Pacific Northwest before but was mistaken for the more common, Mola mola ,’ the aquarium said.

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On Nyegaard’s request, the aquarium took tissue samples, measurements and photos of the creature, which confirmed her suspicion about its identity.

The hoodwinker sunfish will likely remain for several weeks on Gearhart Beach, where locals and marine biology enthusiasts have flocked to inspect it.

Indeed, the aquarium is all for it.

‘It is a remarkable fish and the aquarium encourages people to go see it for themselves,’ a statement said.

The rare fish washed up shortly after another peculiar aquatic animal was seen in Missouri.

In May, an angler reeled in a northern snakehead , which is an invasive, air-breathing fish with a head similar to that of a snake.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Maryland Fishing Report – July 17

Adam Krauss holds a large Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) caught in Dundee Creek.

Sly and the Family Stone sang about “Hot Fun in the Summertime” back in 1969, and it seems very appropriate at the moment. As the temperatures stay high, summer fishing and crabbing is in full swing – freshwater, tidal, and Atlantic fish are providing plenty of exciting action!

The striped bass season in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay is now closed and will reopen August 1. The purpose of this annual summer closure is to reduce striped bass catch-and-release mortalities. Water temperatures in the Bay are generally running in the 86-degree range and are rising due to the continued heat. Striped bass suffer in these warm water conditions and the added stress of catch and release can be too much for them to recuperate. 

The extremely warm water also fuels bacterial and fungal growth in Bay waters that are burdened with too many nutrients. The slime layer on fish is their protection from bacteria and fungi, and any disturbance of that layer can invite infections in warm water conditions. 

A common summer bacterial infection is called mycobacteriosis. These infections can manifest themselves as one or two red lesions or sometimes an entire fish covered with them. Anglers should release diseased fish when caught, and take precautions when handling fish to avoid infection. In many cases these fish can recuperate when water temperatures cool in the fall, at which time anglers may notice scrambled lines on a striped bass indicating an area that has healed. More information on Mycobacteriosis is found on the Department of Natural Resources website.

Forecast Summary: July 17 – July 23:

Continued scorching temperatures with low winds and a chance of T-storms on Wednesday and early next week dominate this week’s forecast. Main Bay surface water temperatures have risen to 87 degrees while Potomac and Susquehanna River temperatures are holding in the low 90s. Maryland’s part of the Bay continues to run fresher than average. Areas with suitable amounts of oxygen – 3 mg/l or higher – have moved towards typical summer conditions, but when combined with high water temperatures, current conditions are stressful for many Bay gamefish. On the Potomac River, avoid the low oxygen areas below 15 feet between the Wicomico River and St. George’s Island. On the main Bay, from Tolchester south to Bloody Point, avoid areas deeper than 20 feet, while from Bloody Point down to the state line, avoid areas deeper than 35 feet. As always, the best fishing areas could be further refined by intersecting them with underwater points, hard bottom, drop-offs, and large schools of baitfish. 

Expect average water clarity for the Maryland portion of the Bay. To see the latest water clarity conditions, check Eyes on the Bay satellite maps . There will be above average tidal currents all week as a result of the full moon on July 21. Expect average flows for the Maryland rivers and streams.

For detailed and up-to-date fishing conditions in your area, check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Click Before You Cast website.

Anglers who fish the Conowingo Dam pool have seen a shift in the power generation schedule lately. The power generation water releases have been occurring from the early evening into late night. The target for anglers fishing in the pool will now be flathead and blue catfish. The striped bass season in Maryland waters closed July 16 and will not reopen until August 1, in an effort to reduce striped bass catch-and-release mortalities. 

Willie Davis holds up a whopper of a blue catfish he caught in the upper Chester River. Photo by Lora Davis

Blue catfish will be a popular target for upper Bay anglers during this time, and these fish can be found in a wide variety of areas. They are more widely disturbed not due to warm water temperatures and will be prowling shallow waters, especially at night. Daytime anglers would do well to target channel edges, nearby shelves, and shallower flats near the channels. Cut menhaden is the easiest bait to obtain and a smell that blue catfish are used to pursuing. Channel catfish will also be part of the mix.  

A mix of white perch and spot can be found on many of the shoals, knolls, and bars in the upper Bay. The west side of the Bay Bridge to the waters in front of Sandy Point State Park is a good place to look. Structure in the form of old piling fields from ancient piers in the Patapsco River area, rock groins, and bridge piers in the upper Bay are great spots to check for white perch. Grass shrimp make a great bait as an alternative to expensive bloodworms, as does peeler crab and small minnows for white perch. 

Some of the best white perch fishing is reported to occur during the early morning and late evening. Casting small spinnerbaits or little soft plastic jigs near shoreline structure is a fun way to catch the larger white perch on light tackle.

The NOAA Buoy stationed near the Gooses recently registered a water temperature of 86 degrees, and the salinity has risen to 10 ppt. Sea nettles have been moving into the middle Bay for a couple of weeks now and as salinity values rise, there will be more. Our colleagues at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences provide a view of sea nettle movement and where they prefer to reside. 

Now that the striped bass season is closed through July 31, anglers looking for panfish can direct their efforts to fishing for white perch and spot. The white perch can be found in every tidal river and creek, often near old docks and submerged structure. In more open waters, oyster reefs are a good location to look. Grass shrimp, peeler crab, small minnows, and pieces of bloodworm on a bottom rig work well. Large white perch can also be found during the early morning and late evening along promising shoreline structure. Casting small spinnerbaits and jigs are light-tackle favorites. If targeting spot, pieces of bloodworm or artificial bloodworm baits work best. Spot are being found near Tolly’s Point, Black Walnut Point, and in front of Chesapeake Beach. 

A mix of channel and blue catfish can be found in most of the tidal rivers within the region, with the Choptank River offering some of the best opportunities for blue catfish. The catfish can be found in a wide variety of water depths and some of the best fishing has been occurring from the Dover Bridge area to Denton. Cut menhaden is a very popular bait, because it is easy to obtain from bait and tackle shops and it produces a good scent trail. Brined chicken livers tend to be tough enough to stay on a hook and offer a good alternative to fresh cut bait.

Anglers in the lower Bay are now shifting to species other than striped bass, as the Maryland fishery is now closed through July 31. The Potomac River waters under the authority of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission is closed until August 21. 

During the early morning and late evening, anglers are finding speckled trout and puppy drum in the shallower waters of the lower Potomac near Point Lookout, the Hoopers Island area, Tangier Sound, and Pocomoke Sound. Casting a variety of topwater lures over grass beds and paddletails and soft plastic jigs in deeper waters near promising looking shoreline structure areas.

Christina Ziegler caught and released this black drum near Hoopers Island. Photo by Dave Ziegler.

Flounder are being caught near Point Lookout, Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound in hard-bottom shoal waters near channels. Drifting and working Gulp baits in white and pink with a strip of squid has been a popular tactic. 

Large red drum are being caught and released in the Tangier Sound area and near the Target Ship. Many schools are being spotted by depth finders or by slicks. Jigging with large soft plastics has been the most popular way to fish for them. Dropping soft crab baits to spotted fish is also a good tactic. Black drum are also being found along the eastern side of the Bay.

Large sheepshead are being caught near the Target Ship on peeler crab baits. Bluefish are being found out in the main channels and caught by trolling a mix of Drone spoons and surgical tube lures behind inline weights and planers. Black sea bass can be found near reef sites and although many are undersized, with a few exceeding the minimum length of 13 inches. 

Fishing for cobia is improving with better catches each week. Anglers are having the best success by anchoring up and chumming near the Middle Grounds, Smith Point, the Target Ship, and Mud Leads. Many are drifting cut menhaden baits or live eels to the back of the chum slick. Cownose rays are keeping anglers drifting baits in their chum slicks busy and they will always be attracted to chum slicks and a few anglers have reported medium-sized bull sharks in the region. 

Recreational crabbers are reporting a noticeable slump in blue crab catches, as the bounty of heavy extra-large crabs tends to be a bit sparse this week. Recreational crabbers looking at slightly smaller but legal-sized crabs need to take notice that the minimum size for blue crabs has bumped up to 5.25 inches through December 15. 

The best crabs are being caught in deeper waters of 12 feet or more. Catches of legal crabs are reported to be best in the lower Eastern Shore waters and fair in the middle and upper Bay. Crabbers using trotlines or collapsible traps report that large numbers of small crabs are covering baits. The presence of large numbers of sublegal crabs holds a promise for the future.

As the heat wave continues, many vacationers are finding relief on and in the cool waters of Deep Creek Lake. Anglers are finding the best times to be out fishing are in the early morning before boat traffic becomes too heavy. Rocky points are usually a good location to fish for smallmouth bass but also a pathway for personal watercraft and other powerboats, so be careful. Quiet coves can often provide less boat traffic as does the upper end of the reservoir. Floating docks are always a good target for flipping wacky rigged worms near and under the docks to smallmouth and largemouth bass holding there in the shade. Deep grass edges are good places to drift minnows for a variety of fish, and trout can be found deep along the dam face. 

Hot temperatures and low flows in streams and rivers in the western and central regions are placing stress on trout in many areas. In the water they are holding their own but when exposed to catch-and-release stress, they can suffer. Catch-and-release trout anglers are urged to limit fight time and release the fish without removing them from the water. The Department of Natural Resources website has posted some  guidelines put together by our trout biologists . 

The upper Potomac River flows remain low this week and water temperatures are warming. The best fishing for smallmouth bass occurs during the morning and evening hours for anglers who are carefully wading into the river. Casting drop shot rigged soft plastic shads, minnows, and tubes near large boulders in the main current of the river, current breaks, and submerged ledges works to catch smallmouth bass.

Largemouth bass provide plenty of summer fishing action in ponds, reservoirs, and tidal waters across Maryland. The largemouth bass are in an activity mode of mostly feeding at night and seeking cool shade during the heat of the day. The shallower waters with grass and structure hold baitfish and crayfish, and during the low light periods that is where largemouth bass prowl for food. Casting buzzbaits, chatterbaits, frogs, and lipless crankbaits is a great way to work these shallow grassy waters. 

During the heat of the day, largemouth bass will seek cool shade wherever they can find it. Shade from overhanging shoreline brush, fallen treetops, sunken wood, old docks and floating grass matts are all good places to look. Although these largemouth bass tend to be lounging the day away, a properly worked wacky rigged worm dropped in front of them will often entice to strike what looks like an easy meal. 

Anglers fishing in the thick grassy areas of the tidal rivers are finding surprisingly large Chesapeake Channa, known also as the northern snakehead. The tidal rivers on the western shore of the upper Bay have been producing large fish for anglers. The tidal rivers and creeks of the lower Eastern Shore and of course the tributaries of the tidal Potomac are all excellent places to fish for Chesapeake Channa. Frogs, buzzbaits and chatterbaits are all good lures to use when fishing grass. 

During the summer let us not forget bluegill and other sunfish species that provide so much fun fishing for adults and our younger anglers. The fun ranges from fishing rubber-legged poppers and ants with light weight fly rods to sitting on the bank of a community pond and watching a bobber rigged with a worm. 

Surf anglers are reporting good fishing for a mix of kingfish and spot in the surf. Morning hours tend to produce the best catches. A few bluefish are being caught on finger mullet and anglers casting Gulp soft plastic jigs tipped with a piece of squid can catch a flounder in the troughs between sand bars.

At the inlet there is plenty of action with bluefish, which are being caught by casting jigs or Got-Cha lures, or by drifting cut bait during the morning and evening. Sheepshead and tautog are being caught near the jetty rocks and Route 50 bridge piers. The sheepshead are being caught on peeler crab and sand flea baits and the tautog on crab or sand fleas. 

Black sea bass, photo by Monty Hawkins

The back bay channels are providing good flounder fishing for those drifting with traditional minnow/squid baits or white or pink Gulp soft plastic baits on a jig head. Bluefish are part of the mix in the back bay areas as are striped bass during the early morning and late evening hours. 

Fishing for black sea bass continues to be good at the offshore wreck and reef sites. Anglers are using traditional squid or clam baits, and many are also jigging with butterfly jigs with good success. The Department has published a new public notice which includes a drawing  on how to properly measure a black sea bass . The tassel-like filament on the caudal fin is not included when measuring total length. The minimum size is 13 inches (again, excluding the tail filament)  and the bag limit is 15 sea bass per person per day.

The boats and anglers heading out to the canyons are bringing a mix of yellowfin, bluefin, and bigeye tuna to the docks this week along with dolphin and flags indicating white marlin releases. Deep drop fishing is supplying anglers with good catches of blueline and golden tilefish. 

“ The chief difference between big-game fishing and weightlifting is that weightlifters never clutter up their library walls with stuffed barbells.” – Ed Zern 1947.

Maryland Fishing Report is written and compiled by Keith Lockwood, fisheries biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources . 

Click Before You Cast is written by Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment Director Tom Parham.

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