boat to each team, though they do try to accommodate the team’s wishes regarding boat choice. (This year’s fleet includes two J/120s, two 1D 35s, three J/105s and two Melges 32s.) The boat’s owner or an owner’s representative races on board each boat, as well as a coach from that team. (The coaches do not crew; they merely help to ensure safe operation of the boat.) Fellabom and company also try to pre-qualify the teams, requesting that at least the helmsman and the bowperson have competitive keelboat experience. “We’ve been very fortunate thus far regarding everyone’s safety and the safety of the boats,” Fellabom says. “We haven’t sustained any damage, and the owners typically approach us afterward telling us how much they enjoyed participating. The ones who sail on board get a chance to experience great competition and superb boathandling because these college sailors are typically very competent racers.” The actual racing takes place on windward-leeward courses and at least one triangular-course for variety, as well as one around-the-harbor distance race that mostly uses government marks. The racing is scored using PHRF, with the distance race weighted double relative to the other contests. “That distance course tends to be the last race on Sunday,” explains Fellabom, “and many of the teams tell us it’s the one they enjoy most.” In Fellabom’s view, this regatta is important for a num-
News & Views for Southern Sailors
The College of Charleston sailors make their way downwind aboard the J/120, Ilyria. Photo courtesy Priscilla Parker.
ber of reasons. It provides pre-season practice for teams from more wintry locations where sailing isn’t a yearround pursuit. But more importantly, it’s an opportunity for some college sailors who might not otherwise get much keelboat experience. “That’s really why we do this,” say’s Fellabom. “These kids get experience on keelboats and hopefully it cements their interest and some eventually end up owning and racing big boats, which helps to keep our sport healthy.” And that should bring a smile to every sailor’s face. This year’s edition of SCOR will take place on February 18 and 19, with a sail-trim and boathandling seminar scheduled for Feb. 17. In addition to the teams mentioned above, North Carolina State University, Vanderbilt University, Auburn University and Florida State University are also scheduled to compete. More information is available on the event’s Facebook page.
SOUTHWINDS
February 2018
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