May 14, 2005

Charleston and Bermuda Unite to Start the C2B Race
Spinnakers Popped with Great Color as the Fleet of Fifteen Crossed the Line

CHARLESTON, SC USA - Five minutes before the Charleston to Bermuda Race (C2B) began a warning shot was fired from the cannon aboard the Afloat Lab, a vessel operated by the Office of Naval Research and acting today as committee boat for the C2B. Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Commodore Jane Correia was the woman behind the intense blow. Congressman Henry Brown from South Carolina was next with the four minute warning shot. One minute out, Bermuda's Acting Minister of Tourism, The Honorable Walter M. Lister JP MP performed the honors. And finally, Charleston's Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. fired the final shot at 12:00 noon today, marking the start of the 777 nautical mile race from Charleston, South Carolina to the St. David's Lighthouse in Bermuda.

A very light breeze scooting under the new and nearly complete Cooper River Bridge made for downwind conditions. An incoming tide hindered progress, making it seem as if the boats were standing still at times. Midnight Rider, a Santa Cruz 70 with R.E. "Teddy" Turner at the helm, Brad Van Liew navigating and owners Hank Hofford and Susan Ford on hand in the cockpit made a close pass of the docks and committee boat, with hundreds of people cheering them on. With fifteen crew onboard, Midnight Rider boasts the largest crew and the lowest rating at -69. Minutes later the race boats all headed for the line on a port tack. It was Crescendo, a Swan 44 MKII sailed by Australian James Wilmot that crossed the line first. Midnight Rider was quick to follow and quick to take the lead. Twilight was third over the line.

As the race boats reached the Charleston Battery, two Bermuda-40s, Alice Kay and J-Henry were neck and neck. The slight breeze dwindled down to a standstill, leaving the rear of the fleet bobbing around for a while with a nice view of downtown Charleston. Clouds thankfully appeared providing some appreciated breeze for the sailors. Minutes later the clouds showered the boats for the first of what will be many wet moments at sea this week.