Harken Blockheads

10/23/2026

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐥: 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞! 🎃

Last weekend, the annual Pumpkin Bowl Regatta held competitive racing for over 50 Optimists hosted by . Since 1999, this event has drawn sailors from across BC, Alberta and the Pacific Northwest, including Washington and Idaho.

But... it doesnt stop with Optis. This weekend, sailors will compete in the double handed and ILCA Series. and are excited to continue to support the Pumpkin Bowl Series!

Not a member of Harken Blockheads yet? Head to HarkenBlockheads.com, sign up for FREE, and get sent a starter kit!

📸: Matt Wagstaffe & Bill Witte

09/15/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄-𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐰 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲!

The E Scow runs deep in Harken history, serving as a testing ground for many of Harken’s early block designs just down the road from Harken HQ in Pewaukee, WI. This year, 15 boats registered as youth teams, with young sailors also competing throughout the rest of the fleet. Together, they’re carrying that legacy forward while helping shape its future - learning and having fun with every race!

Harken Blockheads was excited to once again award the following top youth teams each day of racing at this year’s National Championship:
Day 1: I-59 | Emery Otzen, Finn Rowe, Colin Rowe, Will Heurth
Day 2: W-46 | Toby Sullivan, Graham Ness, Jimmy Muller, Mason Hardy
Day 3: John Polek, Brian Zettlemeyer, Phoenix Bliss, Charlie Munn

📸

09/12/2026

Special awards from E Scow Nationals Day One, hosted by Vakaros & Harken Blockheads

The Vakaros Top Speed Award goes to Peter Hurley’s MA-11, Loco Mocoso. They miiiight have been going the wrong direction, but they punched their ticket at 14.6 knots. Shabang!

The Harken Blockheads Youth Team Award goes to Finn Rowe’s I-59, accepted by young Emery Otzen, who probably could fit in that cooler. She thanked her parents and her teachers for letting her skip school today. Class act.

And the Vakaros Best Start Award goes to young Adi LaCroix’s I-52, just 0.13 meters off the line at go 🔥

The Logistics Award goes to Matt Ripkey’s I-101, who was the first team off the dock and the first one back. Local team doing it right.

Worst OCS of the day was awarded & proudly accepted by the Mermaid Squad who was 9.84m over at go. More than a full boat length. Ouch 😅

A few extra ways to win the day at E Scow Nationals.

📸 Hannah Lee Noll

09/11/2026

Contest results are IN! Check out these sailing classrooms submitted by YOU.

For last month's contest, you submitted what your sailing classroom looks like. Outdoors, indoors, we all learn somewhere. That's what counts.

Looking for that next piece of knowledge on the race course? Explore our content library, made for you on 👉 HarkenBlockheads.com.

08/27/2026

LAST CHANCE to enter in our August contest!

Every sailor has a sailing classroom. Maybe yours is under a tree by the water, in a garage beneath the club, inside a shipping container, or on a remote island. No matter where you learn, we want to see it! So... grab your camera and 𝑯𝑼𝑹𝑹𝒀!

Heres how to enter:
1. Snap a photo of your learning space.
2. Submit your picture using the online form (link in bio) or email Harkenblockheads.com
3. Wait until the contest closes, winners will be contacted directly.

Contest closes on August 31st. We can't wait to see your submissions!

08/25/2026

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁?

Brendan bought his Naples Sabot out of the impound lot at local yacht club for $100. With some time, elbow grease, and help from his family, Brendan now has his own customized Naples Sabot!

This is what Harken Blockheads is all about: Learning how to use your toolbox to become a better sailor. Watch and listen along to learn about Brendan’s Story!

08/25/2026

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁?

Brendan bought his Naples Sabot out of the impound lot at local yacht club for $100. With some time, elbow grease, and help from his family, Brendan now has his own customized Naples Sabot!

This is what Harken Blockheads is all about: Learning how to use your toolbox to become a better sailor. Watch and listen along to learn about Brendan's Story!

Brendan Savois paid $100 for a beat-up Sabot found at the impound l...

07/28/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱!

Meet your classic black tee and gray tech hoodie, perfect for on or off the water.

Looking for a new go-to top or know a blockhead who'd rock these??
🛍️ Shop to snag yours at HarkenBlockheads.com before they're gone!

07/23/2026

No tears here!

Just highlights from our fun day on Monday on Okauchee Lake. Know someone in green fleet? Send them to HarkenBlockheads.com to learn tips and tricks on how to rig their boat better! 🛠️ ⛵️

07/21/2026

It all starts here.

A handful of us began our sailing journey in an Opti. The lifelong friendships, the summers on your home lake, getting dropped off at sailing camp, and the tummy aches when the breeze picks up (which magically disappears when the fun begins). There's no sport quite like it.

That first regatta is intimidating. What makes it easier? A community that makes sailing fun and an environment where nerves are totally okay.

The No Tears Regatta at Okauchee Yacht Club is built for exactly that — pre-green and green fleet Optis getting around the race course together, with coaches and parents right there in boats beside them. Whatever it takes to make that first race a little less scary.

Harken Blockheads was proud to support yesterday's No Tears Regatta. Two fleets, loads of learning, and a whole lot of FUN!!