Howard “Howie” Hamlin is considered by some to be one of the best high performance dinghy and skiff sailors. He is the only U.S. skipper to win the 18-foot skiff worlds (J.J Giltinan trophy) twice. He’s also the only US skipper to have won the 505 worlds and the International 14 worlds. Howard also has set several offshore records as a helmsman on Playstation including the Trans-Med and around England records.

Howard’s success is not just behind the tiller. He has been instrumental in supporting youth sailing, having created the Hamlin Series for 29ers on the West Coast and serving as an active mentor to youth sailors for several decades. In addition he was one of the founders of the successful “Team Tuesday” practice approach in the 505 class, which has been replicated throughout the class worldwide.
Hamlin has been an active member of Newport Harbor Yacht Club since 1979 as well as an active member of Alamitos Bay Yacht Club for more than three decades.

Accomplishments and Honors

• In 2019, competed in his 40th World Championship
• 2015 3rd 18-foot Skiff Worlds
• 2015, 2014, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1996, 1992, 1990 1st 505 North American Championships
• 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2002, 1998, 1996, 1980 2nd 505 World Championships
• 2007, 2006, 2005, 2000 Won 18-foot Skiff European Championship
• 2006 Won International 14 World Championship
• 2006 International 14 North American Champion
• 2003, 2002 Won 18-foot Skiff World Championships (only American to win 18-foot Skiff Worlds)
• 2003, 2000, 1997, 1984 3rd, 505 World Championships
• 1999 Won 505 World Championship
• 2002 Record Trans Med record, Playstation
• 2002 Record Around England record Playstation