Puerto Rico’s Mariner Sailboat Fleet Gains Popularity Along South Coast
The Resurgence of the Mariner Sailboat in Puerto Rico
An old design is enjoying new interest in Puerto Rico. The Mariner, a 19’ family version of the Rhodes 19 first built by U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist George O’Day in 1963, is a fleet that’s growing in numbers along the South Coast of the island, especially in Ponce, Salinas, and Guayama.
History and Popularity of the Mariner Design
“Three to four Mariners started racing in Puerto Rico 7 to 8 years ago,” says Miguel Casellas, who’s been racing his La Que Hay since 2022. The 1967-built boat is famous, having been featured in a recent Netflix movie, Muriel and Joyce Get a Boat. The Mariner design, known for its versatility and family-friendly features, has found a new community of enthusiasts who appreciate both its history and potential for customization.
Growth of the Mariner Fleet Along Puerto Rico’s South Coast
“During COVID, a fleet of 5 or 6 Mariners started racing again in Salinas,” says Casellas. “I started racing in 2022 and bought a boat from Ohio. At the time, I had retired from sailing/racing for 15 years. Robbie Ramos encouraged people to start buying Mariners and to keep them at his facilities in Salinas.” The fleet has since expanded, with 18 to 20 boats now competing in two classes: Class A and Class B.
Racing and Modern Upgrades
Owners have invested significant time and effort into modernizing their Mariners. “Most of our owners have ‘tricked’ their boats with Harken blocks, new sails from Quantum and North, spectra lines, etc.,” says Casellas. These upgrades, combined with the boat’s inherent stability and ease of handling, make the Mariner ideal for racing in flat, protected waters. However, they are not designed for ocean racing. The boats are trailer-able and easy to store, adding to their appeal.
Opportunities to Join the Mariner Fleet
Currently, there are 4 to 5 Mariners available for sale in Puerto Rico that have arrived from the U.S. Prices range between US $6,000 to $9,000, making them accessible for those interested in joining the fleet. “Friends from Mariner fleets in New Jersey and Florida have ‘second boats’ in Puerto Rico. We plan to bring more people from the States to sail with us. We sail hard and party harder!” says Casellas.
For more information, visit www.usmariner.org.
The post Puerto Rico’s Mariner Sailboat Fleet Gains Popularity Along South Coast appeared first on ALL AT SEA.