Report and Commentary:

Thirteen Moths from all over the eastern seaboard invaded Charleston and the Carolina Yacht Club ready to do battle for the coveted Van Sant trophy. But there was another battle brewing that stole the scene in the first heat.

Horn Blew, Perfect Start, tight battle to the first mark, Joe Bousquet rounds first, wind dies, and the fleet drifts backwards helplessly seized by the Cooper River current. First race is scrubbed and it’s back to the Club for cold drinks, sandwiches, tales and stories.

The battle for the bay between land and sea breeze waged on whilst the fleet watched the flags around the harbor droop. But time passed quickly as we swapped tips, tricks, and caught up on old friends. Then, about 2:00pm the flags unfurled, the water danced and the Charleston Harbor came alive with Moth boats vying for position on the starting line, and spectators pushing and shoving along the Battery to witness the event.

First Heat, First Leg, another perfect start for the fleet. Joe led the pack on the port tack whilst Randall Swan alone took the starboard. Muttering in the committee boat questioned Randall’s sailing prowse, “What are you doing?” “The wind is over there!” “I think he’s lost it!”. But when Randall rounded the mark inches behind Joe, the tone changed like the wind; “What a man!” “Look at him go!!”, “He went for the clear air” “Master of the currents” and “Well I’ll be…”. Joe however expanded his lead to half a course length against the current, executing each move with precision, taking advantage of every puff and eddy. Joe and Randall finished 1st and 2nd in all three heats.

The sharp bow of the 75 pound Mistral proved effective in chop against the current whilst Randall’s blunt-bow 125 pound Connecticut lost ground. Surprisingly, the Vintage Connecticut stayed even on the run and reach in clear water. Can a Vintage Moth win the Nationals???

The other exciting battle was between Nancy Swan (3rd), George Bailey (4th), and Lewis Hay (5th). The racing was fierce and positions changed over and over and over. Nancy and Pooh edged the others slightly but the story may have been different if George had not taken a dunking in the 3rd heat or if Lewis had another years practice with his Walt Collins built Mystery Boat. Maybe not, Nancy is a consistent winner and the numbers don’t lie. We’ll see next year.

Brian Swan (close friends but not related to Randall and Nancy) placed 6th his first time in a Moth. He could be a contender next year.

Susan Bousquet placed 7th in a boat she never sailed before. Bill McKenzie 8th.

Douglas Sass Jr. (Junior Sailor) showed real heart when he dunked a few yards from the finish in heat three. He swam Mean Tangerine over the finish line against the current. Then gave us a “how to” lesson on righting Moths demonstrating how easy it is.

Sarah Sass in Miss Rachel proved that girls can sail as good as boys and Juniors as good as adults.

Greg Duncan in Carolina Choo Choo would get the “Had the most fun” award for sure. He never stopped smiling. Dunked in the second heat, never spilled a drop of his soda, righted and was off in 15 seconds. Good Form Greg.

Jerry Carter debuted a beautiful Joe Bousquet rebuilt Europe Dingy. Good looks and fast (Jerry I’m talking about the boat). I like the control system. This boat shows real promise in a blow.

Mike Jones came down from Highlands NC to rejoin the fleet. First time in years; he admits he is a bit rusty; but you can tell by the way he sails he still has the fire. Look out for Mike next year.

The perfect day ended with a perfect evening at Nancy and Randall’s. Southern charm and hospitality simply can’t be beat. Too bad we have to wait a whole year for another CYC Regatta.