Navigator’s Log #2
June 15, 2026
Project Running Tide – The Crew Behind the Crossing
As the days count down to the start of the 2026 Newport to Bermuda Race, preparations are reaching that familiar rhythm that only an offshore campaign can create. To those standing on the dock, it may look like organized chaos—sails moving in and out of the boat, electronics being checked, weather briefings, provisioning runs, and endless conversations around the cockpit.
But every person aboard Running Tide has a role, and every role matters.
The Newport Bermuda Race has been testing sailors since 1906. The "Thrash to the Onion Patch" rewards preparation long before the starting gun ever sounds. Success isn't built on June 19th. It's built in the days and weeks beforehand, by a crew working together toward a common goal.
This is the team that makes Running Tide go so lets take a look at what each member of the crew is doing.
Beau Van Metre – Skipper / Helm
The leader of the campaign. Beau carries the responsibility for every decision, every person aboard, and ultimately the outcome of the race. Before the start, he's balancing logistics, crew management, inspections, and making sure everyone is rowing in the same direction.
James Allsopp – Captain
The operational backbone of the boat. The captain turns the plan into action—coordinating preparations, confirming readiness, organizing the crew, and ensuring that when the dock lines come off, nothing has been overlooked.
Jocko Allpress – Helm
A steady hand on the wheel. In the days before the race, Jocko refines communication with the trimmers and tacticians, helping establish the rhythm that will carry us offshore. He also aids everyone in not taking themselves too seriously; it’s a hard job some days.
Jake Doyle – Helm
Another critical driver of the boat. The helmsmen work together developing consistency and understanding how Running Tide feels in changing conditions.
Mark Fischer – Trimmer / Helm
One of the links between steering and sail trim. Mark helps fine-tune sail combinations and works to maximize performance before we ever reach the starting line.
Rob Pennington – Trimmer
The horsepower behind speed. Rob's focus is sail shape, adjustments, and ensuring that every inch of cloth is delivering its full potential.
Gina Henderson – Jib Trim
The headsails win races. Gina's preparation includes understanding sail crossover points and making certain the boat accelerates efficiently through changing conditions.
Mike Komar – Main Trim
The mainsail is the engine room of the boat. Mike translates helm requests and tactical goals into boat speed, refining settings that will be called upon offshore. He also makes sure the “Box” that run all of the systems is working (at least for him).
Hannah Lovejoy – Kite Trim
Downwind speed can define a Bermuda Race. Hannah prepares for the moments when asymmetrics spinnakers come alive, making sure transitions are smooth and efficient.
Sean Harr – Bow / Mast
The point of the spear. Sean prepares the foredeck systems, rehearses sail changes, and ensures the organized chaos at the front of the boat stays controlled and safe. He also ensures that the sails are stored in a way that keeps them ready for the next change.
Steve Pennington – Mast
The bridge between the cockpit and foredeck. Steve coordinates hoists, reefs, and drops while helping maintain the flow that keeps the boat moving.
Chris Lash – Tactics
Weather, competitors, positioning, and timing. Chris helps transform information into opportunity, constantly asking not just what is happening, but what happens next.
Cole Allsopp – Tactics
A second set of analytical eyes. Cole challenges assumptions, reviews options, and contributes to the strategic discussions that shape our race.
Mike Jones "Jonesy" – Navigation
My role begins long before the first waypoint. Reviewing weather models, analyzing Gulf Stream data, refining routes, studying polars, preparing battle boards, and turning thousands of data points into actionable decisions. Once offshore, the navigator is always looking ahead—searching for the next advantage while helping the crew understand why we're going where we're going.
Bob Sharkey – Engineer
When systems fail offshore, races change quickly. Bob works tirelessly to make sure the machinery, pumps, charging systems, and countless unseen components are ready for whatever the Atlantic delivers.
Tom Marable – Engineer/Medical
Redundancy saves races. Tom helps inspect, repair, troubleshoot, and prepare the systems we depend upon when there is no dockside assistance 300 miles from land. He also reviews all of the medical supplies are aboard and coordinates with the other medical team members onboard.
Silvia Tower – Chef
One of the most important jobs aboard. Good food fuels clear thinking, strong bodies, and positive attitudes. Silvia's preparation ensures that when watches change at 0300 and spirits are low, the crew still has the energy to perform.
Together, these roles become something greater than their individual parts. Only together do we succeed!
By the time Running Tide crosses the starting line off Newport, every sail folded, every meal packed, every routing decision debated, and every inspection completed will represent hundreds of hours of effort from this crew.
I consider it an incredible honor to serve as Navigator aboard a boat with such a rich history and alongside a team of this caliber. The Atlantic has a way of reminding you that no one wins these races alone.
In a few short days, the preparation ends!
The dock lines come off, and Running Tide turns toward Bermuda once again.
I'll continue sharing these Navigator's Log entries as we move closer to the start and throughout the race itself.
— Mike "Jonesy" Jones
Navigator, S/V Running Tide
2026 Newport to Bermuda Race