History meets hullaballoo: Grey Ghost, a Sea Island One Design, evokes the tradition of this event, while revelers in the background represent a more recent and raucous aspect. Photo by Priscilla Parker
(DNR) officers mostly,” explains Andrews. “We work with them and monitor a particular VHF channel in case there are problems, but that’s about all we can do.” In addition to South Carolina DNR, Andrews says that the county sheriff also brings a boat to patrol the event, along with boats from the St. John’s Fire Department, the Charleston Police, and occasionally the U.S. Coast Guard. “One year we even had law enforcement from Edisto Island helping out.”
All these precautions appear to be effective. Even with the kind of carrying-on that caused one death due to alcohol poisoning five years before, both Andrews and Carter say that the spectators really haven’t made problems for the racers in recent years. Occasionally, a powerboat will get in the way while moving to and from the anchorage, but those situations are usually brief and easily resolved. “They’ve been a lot tamer in the past few years,” offers Carter regarding the crowds. “I think most of the folks out there are aware of just how stringent the laws are for boating under the influence.” Despite what appears to be a cultural collision in the making, the Rockville Regatta endures. Low Country sailors gather and compete, continuing one of the most venerated traditions in this area. Carter expects nearly 50 sailboats to be on hand this year, among them all nine of the Sea Island One Designs, along with a passel of E-Scows, YFlyers, Lasers and Sunfish. Their skippers and crews will sail two races on Saturday and then a final contest on Sunday. After the awards, they’ll pack it all up for the season. For many, it will be understood that just by participating they’re be paying homage to the event’s heritage. As for those folks on the other side of the river, you could say they’re building a tradition of their own as well, just not one too many of them will remember the next morning. Now that's crazy.
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SOUTHWINDS
August 2013
35