MC SCOW THE ONE DESIGN SCREAMER

Since the mid 1940’s, Scow has represented the special sailboat design that has developed a near cult like following in the Midwest. Designed by Buddy Melges and first manufactured in 1965, the simple, stable and fast MC Scow is the 16 foot cat rigged version of this unique flat bottomed racing machine.

Woody goes to weather in a blow.

Our local DSA fleet of 12 boats has grown 70% in the last year. It represents the full spectrum of MC sailors from beginners to seasoned veterans in a boat that is competitive through all wind speeds, with sailors weighing in from 130 to 250 pounds. In the 2000 season, MC’s have taken the first place trophy in 3 of the 4 DSA open regattas that we have entered in Colorado as well as the Nebraska Governor’s Cup at Lake McConaughy.

Two MC Scows duel in light air.

The MC is a simple one sail design that is trailerable with any vehicle and rigged in 20 minutes. The boat is usually single handed when racing, but for lighter sailors, or when the wind comes up, the spacious large cockpit easily accommo-dates a second crew member. The boat is so stable that you can easily get on and off the dock, walk down the side, and around the bow with no instability.

The Scow is a very flat bottomed boat that, when sailed on a reach or a run, can skip along to top of the water on a plane at very high speeds. Instead of a centerboard, the scow has two bilge boards that extend outward at a slight angle. When the scow heels on its side, the water line is extended and the wetted surface area is greatly reduced. In order to increase the water line, and maintain a good planing surface, the bow of the boat is rounded.

When the scow heels, the leeward board is pointing straight down in the water, which adds to the boat’s upwind stability and pointing ability. The windward board is then retracted into the hull. The skipper’s weight is now farther away from the center of gravity, adding to the boat’s balance.

The shape of the hull, combined with a large sail plan (135 sq ft), makes for a very fast and stable ride. If you check the handicap ratings, you will find that the MC, despite being only 16 feet long, can keep pace with many of the larger racing boats. Many people have tried to compare sailing a scow with a catamaran because, if you imagine having two hulls that are close together, you almost have a scow.

The Class is supported by the International MC Class Sailboat Racing Association (IMCCSRA). In the 2000 sailing season the national organization represented 65 fleets in 20 states and sanctioned 48 regattas with over 500 participants. The National championships last August had a record 111 boats on the starting line! IMCCSRA (www.mcscow.org) also guards the one-design integrity that insures an older boat can be just as fast as a new one.

The Manufacturer, Melges Performance Sailboats (www.melges.com), continues to build MC’s using their new M-Preg construction, with closed cell foam and vacuum bagged hull and deck. The cost of a brand new boat package is a little over $10,000. The friendly and helpful staff, at their modern high-tech facility in Zenda, WI, provide parts and personalized support for both new and used boats. There is a good market for used MC’s and the web has listed 28 pre-owned boats ranging from $1200 to $9700.

The MC Scow is a stable, simple, very fast ride. For the beginner, or the seasoned veteran, the boat provides an affordable opportunity to race competitively without the hassles of a larger boat. Check the web sites or feel free to contact the local fleet captain, Woody Woodruff, at 303 777-5707 or email at (woodlyn@compuserve.com) with any questions you might have. The Colorado Scowboys are a diverse and friendly group that would love to have you join us on the water.

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