Torresen Sailing Site Report From Charleston SC

Wednesday morning has come, and the fleet now has 3 days to the start of this 27,000 mile race. This morning has seen a change in the weather. The breeze is on, with around 15 to 20 knots blowing. This should provide better training conditions than the spotty breezes of the last couple of days.

The other weather talk centers on the what effect Hurricane Georges will have on the race start. One source reports a 6% chance that this storm will reach Savannah Georgia which is just south of Charleston. So, the percentages speak to a likely clean start.

The forecast is for partly cloudy skies and typical warm temperatures. Winds are expected to be from the Northeast up to the date of the start. Reports from boats that have been out sailing this that Hurricane Georges has passed on some rather confused seas, but that is about all.

Last night the Maritime Center was home to two events. One was a 'Made in South Carolina' sponsors party complete with much fresh seafood. The other event was the christening of the Torresen Sailing Site sponsored Modern University for the Humanities. Father Anastasia Yathelis presided over this solemn and moving ceremony. MUH skipper Fedor Konioukhov practices the Russian Orthodox religion. The ceremony was based on the traditions of this religion The ceremony began at 1830. The band that was entertaining the sponsors stopped and the Father began. The christening was a combination of prayer, readings, and even chanting and singing. Near the end of the ceremony, the Father and Fedor climbed aboard Modern University for the Humanities. The Father did a very thorough job of blessing both the exterior and the interior of MUH. Across the dock Class II entrant Rapscallion asked for some holy water to be sprinkled on Rapscallion. The Father obliged. Father Yathelis expressed hope for a safe voyage for Fedor, and said that when he returns to Charleston he and his parish will have a big party. Here's hoping! Also, the Father and his parish presented Fedor with a beautiful plaque wishing him good fortune on the race.

Also this morning, Neil Hunter was seen pedaling his bike down the dock. This means that Neil and his new mast are in town. With just fitting the running rigging (halyards etc.) and stepping the mast it seems as though Neil has things by the down hill pull.

Finally Class II entrant South Carolina with Robin Davie and crew member aboard are nearing completion of their 2000 mile qualifying voyage. We expect to have an update on this in this afternoon's Torresen Sailing Site Around the World of Sailing.

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