Kentucky Bourbon Cup Regatta Recap by Mark LeNeave
The Kentucky Bourbon Cup Regatta, a one-design event for Flying Scots, was held October 3-5 on beautiful Kentucky Lake in Western Kentucky. Hosted by the Bluegrass Sailing Club and Flying Scot Fleet 220, the regatta drew seven competitors from several states for a weekend of great racing and southern hospitality.
Sailors were treated to ideal early-fall conditions—sunny skies, temperatures in the 80s, and southerly breezes between 6 and 12 knots—perfect for two days of close, competitive racing.
A highlight of this year’s event was the participation of a team of middle and high school sailors who took part in the Bluegrass Sailing Club’s summer sailing camp. It was their first time racing in a Flying Scot, and it was great to see these young sailors out on the course, gaining experience and enthusiasm for the sport.
In one of the weekend’s more memorable moments, a competitor discovered a three-foot black snake coiled in the transom of his boat on Saturday morning. After efforts to encourage the stowaway to leave proved unsuccessful, the skipper launched and raced with the snake aboard, calling it an honorary third crew member. The snake remained for the first two races before slipping overboard just minutes before the start of Race Three.
Congratulations to Bruce Kitchen, Tim Montague, and Bill Vogler, who finished first, second, and third, respectively. Well-sailed by all!
The regatta was proudly sponsored by Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Eddie Jones, Attorney at Law, the Kentucky Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina. Their generous support helped make the event a success both on and off the water.
A big thank-you to Doug Cotton, PRO and his RC team, competitors, volunteers, and sponsors for making this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Cup Regatta a memorable one. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the water next year for more great racing—and hopefully fewer snakes!