> US SAILING Media > Sailor of the Week > 2012 > Sailor of the Week - February, 2012 > Caleb Tarleton
Caleb Tarleton
Sailor of the Week: February 16-22Caleb Tarleton knows a thing or two about multihull sailing, and he wants to share his passion with all sailors. Caleb got started in multihull sailing in 1973, when he began racing Hobie Cats. His love for multihull racing was passed on to his son and grandson, who are both active Hobie Cat sailors.
“My son Tom crewed on a Hobie 16 at age 12, then took over as skipper when he was 16. He also skippered our Hobie 18 in local and national regattas. I cannot emphasize how important it is for the helm to be handed over to the son or daughter, just as soon as possible. We now have our third generation Hobie sailor, Dan, who is now 16,” explained Caleb.
Caleb is a board member and proud volunteer at Sail Sand Point, a community boating center in Seattle, Wash. Sail Sand Point was recently designated as a sanctioned by US Sailing as a Community Sailing Center for their exemplary training and educational programs, which are consistent with the curriculum standards of the US Sailing Training Department.
The multihull program began in 2002 and 2003 when a national tour organized by US Sailing made a stop in Seattle to introduce people to sailing with Hobie Waves and Windsurfers. Sail Sand Point later adopted this program and continued to introduce hundreds of people to this exciting type of sailing.
“Building and maintaining our multihull program with seven Hobie Waves and six Hobie Cat 16s and integrating them into our classes and fleet of over 70 boats has been my passion,” said Caleb. “The Waves are one of our most popular sailboats in the Open Sailing program.”
Caleb also mentioned that the local Hobie Cat fleet conducts Hobie 101, a class for multihull sailors to help them get started. They also assist in maintaining the Waves and Hobie 16s.
Caleb looks forward to a full slate of races this year. Last year, he finished the season by competing in the Area Qualifier for the US Sailing Multihull Championship.
“All multihull racers should enter their local qualifier,” stated Caleb. “It is a chance to race with the best sailors in your area, and to race with other classes of multihulls.”
“I would encourage everyone to be active in US Sailing and take part in the meetings,” mentions Caleb. “My past eight years on the Multihull Council, and current participation on the Recreation Committee reinforces this position.”