15.04.2011
Wind Gods Smile as Charleston Readies For Record Regatta
FORECAST CALLS FOR PERFECT SAILING WEATHER AS 279-BOAT FLEET TAKES TO SEA
CHARLESTON, SC (April 14, 2011) - Springtime in Charleston is one of the more perfect
seasons, and nature smiles especially fondly on Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race
Week every year. Since 2005, the celebrated event has only experienced a single
day lost to poor conditions - it's one of the best records of good sailing conditions
of any event in North America. "It may seem like we've done a deal with the devil
sometimes with the kind of perfect weather we get every year for this event," said
professional sailor and resident Michael Miller, "but we're just grateful we get
to live here all the time."
Over 2,000 sailors gathered at 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week's headquarters
this afternoon at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina for the skipper's meeting
and Mr. Miller's Tides & Currents seminar, their decidedly upbeat moods betraying
their excitement to begin one of the most exciting sailboat racing events in America
tomorrow morning. Their smiles were also due to the official North Sails/Sailing
Weather Service forecast for the coming three days, promising strong breeze and
a mix of conditions guaranteed to get the blood flowing and provide challenging
racing for all of the 16 classes.
The forecast calls for "likely the best conditions of the race week," tomorrow.
East-southeast winds are expected to build gradually from the high single digits
to the mid-teens and the skies will remain clear. Saturday will see tougher conditions
with stormy weather and winds in the low 20s - the breeze that tests sailors and
gear. It will be a wet day with showers and the moderate threat of strong thunderstorms.
Finally, Sunday should start breezy and end sunny and warm, with plenty of wind
for sailing, but without the high drama of Saturday's stiff breeze.
Race Officials Prepare For Crowded Harbor
"I remember six years ago when we reached 70 boats on the inshore course," said
Race Director Randy Draftz in his official skipper's briefing this afternoon. "Now
we're almost at 200 and it's become known as some of the most fun racing anywhere."
Draftz emphasized the importance of co-existing with the commercial traffic on the
harbor. "If a ship blows five horns at you, the race committee will disqualify you,"
Draftz explained to the skippers in a serious tone. "You may know you'll cross ahead
of them, but they might not even be able to see you when you are in front of their
bow," he continued. Seconds later, an outgoing cargo ship emphasized his point as
the ship's captain directed five blasts at a crossing sportfisherman near Castle
Pinckney, as the crowd looked on with amusement.
Friendly Spirit Continues Despite Huge Crowds
Known for years as "The World's Friendliest Regatta," some long-time competitors
weren't sure what to expect after missing a few years of Charleston Racing. "The
last time we were here there were around 160 boats, so we weren't sure if being
nearly double the size would make the event lose that amazing Charleston hospitality,"
said Detroit racer Paul Hulsey, who is competing in the Melges 24 Class. "We didn't
need to worry though - we feel as welcome as ever, and now we get to race against
almost 50 boats in our class."
Charleston resident Greg Fisher said for him, it's all about the community. The
multiple world champion and former sail designer recently left the sailmaking industry
to accept the position as Director of Sailing for the College Of Charleston. "The
amazing thing about Charleston sailors is how they come together as a community
for important events," Fisher said. "Hundreds of passionate sailors and their families
get together to support Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week, Charleston Community
Sailing and the College, and it really feels like you're part of a big family when
you're with them."
Full Days Of Racing Ahead
Sixteen different classes of boats will race up to 12 races over the next three
days on five different race courses, three for inshore one-design sailboats and
two for larger, offshore handicap racing yachts. Each race may last between 40 minutes
and two hours, and winners will receive trophies, valuable prizes, and bragging
rights. Classes at the event include boats up to 54 feet long, and the largest class
is the Melges 24, which has 47 entries.
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