2010 ULTIMATE 20 EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS - Lake Murray, South Carolina

The ECC's this year were held at the Columbia Saling Club in Lake Murray, South Carolina. This was in conjuction with the Lake Murray Midlands Regatta. This was the first time that I have seen Ultimate 20's at the same starting area as Sunfish, Lasers, Lightnings, and others.

On Friday, several U20's hit the water to get in a little practice in the afternoon with winds approximately 18 knots. Unfortunately, some storms rolled in and the U20's returned to the dock. The Goombay Blender was fired up and we all enjoyed a few. Afterwards, several of the U20 skippers and crew gathered at a local chicken wing restaurant for a little socialization and libations.

Saturday was a late start as the first warning was not until 12:30 in the afternoon. Winds were shifty with varing velocities from the clouds that continued to roll in and out. Certainly the temperatures were unseasonably cool for the weekend with highs only in the mid 50's. Brad Boston, Gregg Henning, and Don Corey each managed a first place in the three races run for the day. That evening the sailing club hosted a oyster dinner and again the Goombay Blender was in full swing.

Sunday started very cool with a temperature of 38 degrees as we headed out on to the water. The first warning was at 10:00 am. Unfortunately, we only got in one race as the land crew notified the race committee that the hamburgers were ready at the club so they sent all the boats in.

Congratulations to Brad Boston, Don Corey and BJ Jones for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes, respectively.

Story by Gregg Henning