2010 Thistle Bottom's Up - Columbia, SC

By Greg Griffin, 3976

The 40th Annual Bottoms Up Regatta attracted 17 boats from around the Southeast. Not only did Dieball Sailing Thistle Sails win all of the races, the top four spots in the regatta were claimed as well. 

Although the wind was only 5-8 knots on Saturday, the lake was plenty disturbed with power boat wakes. My brother Scott and teammate Paul Abdullah sailed masterful races to take  the first two. My longtime friend Mark Reddaway and I were able to win the last race on Saturday and lead by a point over Scott Saturday night with 5 and 6 points respectively. The McCormicks, son Scott and father Bob, were also in a family battle at 14 and 16 points, respectively. Sunday morning brought similar winds with a bit less confused water. We were fortunate to take the first race on Sunday with my brother just behind. With a decent cushion on the next boat going into the last race, Scott and I engaged in a match race from the start. The battle continued throughout the race and we were fortunate to hold them off for the win. Scott and Paul won a tie-breaker over Scott McCormick, who won the last race, to take second while Bob McCormick maintained fourth position.

It was another great Southeast event!  As we all get geared up for the National Championship, this tight racing hopefully proves to be great practice!