Dave Dellenbaugh – America’s Cup Tactician and Author of Speed & Smarts

Dellenbaugh is a member of the US Sailing Racing Rules Committee (and served as its chairman from 2005-2008), teaching seminars on strategy, tactics, boatspeed and rules. Additionally, he coaches for the US Sailing Team and writes Speed & Smarts, an instructional newsletter.

He serves as tactician and starting helmsman on Mighty Mary and was part of America3’s successful defense of the America’s Cup in 1992. Additionally, he has participated in three other America’s Cup campaigns and frequently lectures and instructs at sailing clinics around the country.

Early Life and Education

Dellenbaugh was raised on the water around Easton, Conn. and began competing in local regattas at an early age. He then attended night school at Boston State College to earn his master’s degree, leading him to a career as an instructor and writer – including co-creating the Learn The Racing Rules online course. Dave dellenbaugh is an enthusiastic competitor, participating in clinics, seminars and various types of sailing competition such as the Congressional Cup. It’s no surprise that he is considered a sailing expert. He is currently the tactician on board the all-female skiff Mighty Mary, which looks set for success at this year’s America’s Cup. For those seeking to perfect their sailboat skills, US Sailing offers Speed & Smarts as a member benefit of the day. This bi-monthly newsletter contains valuable information about tactics, strategy, speed, boathandling and racing rules themselves.

Professional Career

Dave Dellenbaugh has been an important figure in the sailing world for two and a half decades. He is best known as the publisher, editor and author of Speed & Smarts racing newsletter and served as tactician and starting helmsman on America3 during their successful defense of the America’s Cup in 1992; additionally, he had participated in three additional America’s Cup campaigns from 1986 to 2007.

He is an experienced coach, having guided sailors at all levels of sailing – including Olympic Gold medalist Anna Tunnicliffe. His clinics and seminars aim to help sailors hone their racing skills. In addition, he has produced instructional videos for the industry as well as written books on smallboat racing. Furthermore, he served on the US Sailing Racing Rules Committee from 2005-2008, serving as its chairman during that period.

Achievement and Honors

At almost four decades in his sailing career, dave dellenbaugh has achieved numerous accolades. He is a two-time Lightning world champion, seven-time Thistle national champion and has participated in three of the four America’s Cups. Aside from racing success, dave also works as an accomplished author, editor and photographer. Additionally, his service to sailing as member of the US Sailing Rules Committee as well as creating and narrating Learn The Racing Rules video program have also been recognized.

Most impressive of all, though, is the array of awards and recognitions he’s earned for his accomplishments over time. Most recently, he was named as a recipient of the esteemed CBYRA Spirit of Sport award – given to those who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship and an unwavering dedication to their sport.

Personal Life

David Dellenbaugh is the publisher and author of Speed & Smarts, the racing newsletter. He’s also the tactician and starting helmsman on America3, having previously participated in three other America’s Cup campaigns.

He is a Lightning world champion, two-time Congressional Cup victor, seven-time Thistle national champion and two-time Canada’s Cup victor. Additionally, he writes and narrates the Learn The Racing Rules online learning program and serves on the US Sailing Racing Rules Committee.

Frederick Samuel Dellenbaugh was born on September 13th 1853 in McConnelsville, Ohio and later relocated with his family to Buffalo, New York where he graduated from high school in 1868. His early interest in natural history combined with his artistic talent led him to join John Wesley Powell’s second exploratory voyage down the Colorado River.