Charleston Race Week 2013 was a blast, literally!

Charleston Race Week, known for great wind, challenging current, excellent race management and southern hospitality, really lived up to its reputation this year with 285 boats, over 3,000 sailors and winds that were rarely under 10 knots and frequently over 25.

Eleven U20’s registered for this event coming from multiple distant locations including Idaho, Colorado, Michigan, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Geographically, the U20 Class was well represented.

Wednesday and Thursday were days to arrive, set up the boats and get some practice in. Thursday evening started with the skipper’s meeting where you looked around and saw some serious talent from the pro side of sailing, Ed Baird, Terry Hutchinson and Mark Reynolds just to name a few.

Friday was Day 1 of sailing and the breeze was up. We left the dock in 12-17 knots of wind. It was a little bit hazy and warm so it looked like it was going to be a great day. And it was; although the breeze kept building resulting in many breakdowns. Unfortunately, the first breakdown occurred before the first race even started. Chris Chambers and crew had their mast come down after a practice spinnaker set. A couple of boats broke jib halyards and tried to get back out after completing repairs, but with the breeze gusting over 30, only Brad Lawson & BJ Jones finished the last race.

In fact, the wind was blowing so hard, we both sailed the last windward leg with just our mains. Saturday, while gray and chilly, saw some more reasonable breeze, starting out about 15 knots for races one and two and laying down to 10-12 for the last two. Close racing and terrific competition. The four races saw three different winners and Keith Ziegler won the day with a 3, 1,2,1.

The final day saw a return of the big breeze with a Gale warning from noon on. We left the dock with about 15 knots, but about half way to the race course a line of wind hit at over 25 knots with more coming. The Race Committee wisely canceled racing for the day. It was a long beat to the launching ramps in 30 knots, gusting to over 40.

With no races on Sunday, that left Saturday’s leader as the winner of the regatta. BJ and Emily Jones from Lake Norman, sailing with Angie Wiggins, won with a score of 1,1,1,(5),2,1,2. Brad Lawson from Colorado was second sailing with Marty May and Seth McGonigal. Phillip Davis from Texas, sailing with Mark Green and Steve Noury, finished third. Charleston is known for it’s “southern charm” and Race Week is famous for its hospitality. Each evening featured a giant beach party for the sailors and their support crew. Music, food, unlimited Goslings Rum and great commaraderie provided a fun way to unwind and re-hash the day.

Start planning now – Charleston Race Week 2014 is April 10-13.