The Shellback Newsletter
The Shellback is the official newsletter of the Master Mariners Benevolent Association, published periodically throughout the year to keep members informed of club activities, upcoming events, vessel restorations, and news from the San Francisco Bay maritime community.
About the Name
A "shellback" is a sailor who has crossed the Equator — a badge of honor in maritime tradition, marking the transition from "pollywog" (one who has not yet crossed) to "shellback." The name reflects the MMBA's deep connection to traditional seafaring culture and its respect for earned experience on the water.
What The Shellback Covers
- Upcoming MMBA events — regatta, boat show, Jessica Cup, cruises
- Member vessel news — acquisitions, restorations, and voyages
- Regatta results and post-event coverage
- Technical articles on traditional wooden boat maintenance and restoration
- Maritime history and lore relevant to San Francisco Bay
- Member announcements and news
- Sponsor acknowledgments
Membership Roster
In addition to the newsletter, the MMBA produced an annual Member Roster listing all active members and their vessels. Due to privacy considerations, member contact information was not published on the website — it was available only through the newsletter and the roster itself.
Traditional Boatbuilding Reading
For those interested in the broader world covered by The Shellback:
- WoodenBoat Magazine — The premier publication for wooden boat owners and builders
- Good Old Boat — Classic sailboat seamanship and maintenance
- Latitude 38 — Bay Area sailing news and cruising
- Practical Sailor — Technical sailing and gear reviews