Community Spotlight: Linda & Dan Newland

Port Townsend’s sailing community is full of remarkable talent, but few have a story as impressive (or adventurous!) as Linda and Dan Newland. This dynamic duo spent their first wedding anniversary racing against each other across the Pacific—and they haven’t slowed down since.

Linda Newland is a sailing powerhouse. She holds the record for the fastest solo woman’s crossing from San Francisco to Japan—52 days, using only celestial navigation. With multiple Transpac and Pacific Cup races under her belt—many with all-women crews—Linda also holds a 100-ton Merchant Marine license, has led national sailing organizations, and was honored with the Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award in 2022.

Dan Newland is equally accomplished—a boat designer, professional sailmaker, and offshore racing legend. He’s won the Singlehanded Transpac three times (twice in boats he designed and built himself) and helped win the LA Transpac as navigator and helmsman. With deep roots in both America’s Cup technology and aerospace engineering, Dan’s technical know-how extends from carbon sailcloth to actual rocket parts. 

Catch this extraordinary couple sharing hard-won wisdom, wild stories, and practical tips from lifetimes at sea:

⚓ Your First Trip to Alaska Demystified
Sunday, 11 AM – Adventure Stage Linda and Dan Newland

⚓ Real-Life Lessons: Fun and Terror While Racing and Cruising
Saturday, 12:15 PM – Adventure Stage Dan Newland