J/Boats is pleased to announce its newest dealer, J/Boats Midwest. Andy Camarda will take the reigns from the former Midwest dealer, Rich Stearns, and will continue to serve Chicago and the surrounding area. We would like to extend a big thanks to Rich of Stearns Boating for his 2 decades of work. Even as Rich enjoys […]
Finding the right set up to get the most out of your boat By Andy Camarda, edited by Carl Eaton To anybody unfamiliar with the sport of sailing, it would seem preposterous that the margin between competitors is measured in minutes and seconds at the end of a 333-mile race. It is even more unbelievable […]
This year’s Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac proved to be one of the fastest on the books for just about every team that participated. As always, Lake Michigan threw everything she had to offer at the fleet, from brief yet extreme squall lines to areas becalmed for hours on end. We would like to congratulate everyone who participated in this record-setting race, and we thank Chicago Yacht Club for allowing us to sponsor such a prestigious and historical event.
One team in particular made the 115th Race to Mackinac one that will not be soon forgotten. Maverick, an Andrews 80 owned by Bill Kinney and Sandy Curtis smashed Pyewacket’s race record by over an hour, setting the new record at a blistering 22 hours, 22 minutes, and 23 seconds, But they didn’t stop there. The team continued on to Port Huron and took a full 10 hours out of the previous “Super Mac” record. This amazing achievement was credited to a 19-member crew largely comprised of Corinthian sailors hailing from Ohio.
At Evolution Sails, we are proud to not only be the sailmaker for Maverick, but to have our team participate alongside their crew to achieve this spectacular result. Evolution Sails founder Rodney Keenan was onboard and played a large role in designing and delivering a re-invented sail package that propelled them to their record result. Andy Camarda, the local Evolution representative from Chicago, caught up with Rodney between regattas to get the inside scoop on Maverick’s race.
Luff Curve and Mast Bend The alignment of the luff curve of your sails with mast bend or headstay sag significantly influences sail shape and performance. This relationship dictates how the sails fly and interact with changing conditions. In modern sail design, understanding how sails respond to changes in mast bend and headstay tension is […]
As a sailor, your sails are your most important asset. They are what propel your boat forward, so it’s crucial to invest in high-quality sails that will last for years and provide you with the best possible sailing experience. One of the best ways to ensure you have the highest quality sails is by using […]
Sailing is a popular and exciting activity that attracts many enthusiasts around the world. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or just starting, one of the most critical aspects of sailing is the care and maintenance of your sails. Sails are essential components of your boat that need proper care to ensure they remain in […]
Andy Camarda grew up in Chicago, IL, surrounded by the Great Lakes and the city’s rich sailing culture. He started sailing at a young age, honing his skills and developing a deep passion for the sport. He began his sailing journey at the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, where he was introduced to the excitement and […]
Code Zeros, initially exploiting a rule loophole, have transformed into a distinct class of sails, revolutionizing the world of boat racing. This category encompasses a wide array of shapes and sizes, each holding the key to unlocking a range of performance benefits. Let’s explore the world of Code Zeros, examine how tweaking their dimensions can […]
180sails.com was built to revolutionize the way you buy sails. We took an entirely differnt approach to designing, building, and quoting sails. Now you can build and quote sails instantly with expert recommendations on materials based on the way you sail! Gone are the days of having to submit information and wait for an email […]
Location, Location, Location… Our sails are optimized for wherever your adventures on the water may take you. If you plan to stay close to shore, your sails will have light-weight seams, efficient reinforcements, and minimal corner attachments all in the name of saving weight for easier hoisting and effortless handling. For those headed offshore, sails […]
Hi, my name is Andy Camarda, and I am the founder of 180sails.com.
I started sailing before I could walk 30 years ago, and have been working for major sailmaking brands in the industry for over 8 years.
I have been a part of a team that has won every major event in Chicago including the Chicago to Mackinac, the Verve, and the NOOD.
