Celebrating backbone of an organization

When the C Scow Class held their 2021 US Nationals on June 18-20, it was a return to racing for an organization which had to cancel the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the sport seeks normalcy this season, the Inland Lake Yachting Association shares the mood of this year’s championship in Muskegon, MI:

On the water – this was a ‘roided up version of the Blue Chip. Competition was next level. One bad tack and you were getting acquainted with the names of everyone’s boat. One good tack and you were right back in the hunt. Eleven different fleets made up the field. And the final standings showed the depth of talent.

Eight (8) clubs were represented in the top ten (10) final results; only Lake Beulah YC and host Spring Lake YC scoring multiple top ten finishers. A great balance of experience (aka Masters), open class and Junior skippers pointed to the positive, balanced and sustainable health of the C Scow fleet’s future.

The large fleet of spectator boats benefited from this wide swath of talent; witnessing spectacular starts, intense mark roundings and photo finishes at all levels of the fleet. And everyone on the water enjoyed the fantastic weather and vistas of rolling dunes lining Muskegon Lake and the endless picturesque sandy beaches of Lake Michigan.

The energy on the water was certainly matched by the energy on shore. With two years in between this event and the last Championship sailed, it was obvious there was some pent up happiness. Accommodating and supporting this happiness, the Muskegon Yacht Club, with its tireless professional bar and kitchen staff, assured everyone was well hydrated and fed.

But it was the overall buoyant sense of camaraderie and togetherness that elevated this Championship weekend. It was simply GREAT to back together again. Back to enjoying this incredible sport. And back to these friends, old and new, that serve as the backbone to this organization.