PHOTO: Back when bloopers ruled the seas

Here are two classic shots of what downwind sailing was like in the hay day of the IOR (the International Offshore Rule). Both shots were taken during the cold and windy 400-mile St. Petersburg to Ft. Lauderdale Race of 1984. Both boats were designed by German Frers for John Ambrose and named Morningstar. On the left is the 50-footer being steered by John Kolius, and on the right is the older 46-footer crewed by Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy and skippered by Butch Ulmer. Photos by Larry Moran, courtesy of UK Sailmakers.