Something a little different this time with a fun look back in time to fifty years ago this September when Flying Scots were still only three digits in hull/sail numbers and only about forty fleets strong in the US and Canada.  Also, for those who did not know Sandy, this is a good insight of his determination and dedication to Flying Scots.  Exceprts are below - read the full article here.

Here are some excerpts from the magazine article: 

"Among the many regatta invitations piled high on our desk was one from Gordon "Sandy" Douglass to sail the Mid-Atlantic Flying Scot Championship at Deep Creek Lake in Oakland, Maryland, on June 24 and 25".

"Oakland, high on the Appalachian Shelf, in the middle of a large farming area with hillbillies, mountain music and that sort of jazz, is about as un-salty an area as you can find".

"As we looked forward to the surprises that the 400-plus miles inland would have for us, we were aware of only one ingredient in this new stew.  Sandy Douglass is one of the saltiest and most knowledgeable helmsmen in the tiller mechanic business".

"Sandy deposited the motley crew, stuff and kids, in his new modern summer lake-front home.  "Our" yacht was moored at the back door.  As we arrived around dinner time (not by plan), Mary Douglass took over and replaced our Flying Scotting practice session with hospitality, food and just good living.  You know - there are times when this beats good sailing - particularly after a long dusty drive".

Next morning, as usual, arrived too early but we were ready for it this time.  The yacht was rigged and sailed to the Deep Creek Yacht Club half a mile away as I located the tiller and found the main sheet arrangement that Sandy swears by and I swore at later".  Historian's note - this is how the boat came rigged before the mid-boom block and a centerboard swivel block/cleat arrangement, back then the mainsheet came off the aft end of the boom and down to a small winch on the centerboard cap.....I remember some swearing on our #1849 before we converted to mid-boom sheeting too!

"Being in a mountainous region it produces the typical small lake racing conditions of headers and lifts with blast and calm.  If one is patient, a windward leg could be sailed by just changing tacks without altering course".

"The story of the Flying Scot is really the story of a man.  Sandy Douglass is one of the most indefatigable, dedicated and determined fathers of any class or boat we have ever seen.  There is no facet or activity, from designing, building, shipping, selling, promoting, demonstrating, to successful racing, involving the Scot that he hasn't done well.  At boat shows, if the yacht is there, Sandy is too".

"The Class publication, "Scots n' Water", keeps the members well informed and is well edited.  The organization is a well knit family with a great deal of enthusiasm and warmth".

"She is not a cheap boat, selling for $2,295, without sails or racing extras.  However, there is no doubt in my mind that this yacht is built to last 500 years.  She is super strong and consequently heavy.  The value and integrity that the Gordon Douglass Boat Company Inc. of Oakland, Maryland builds into the Flying Scot is evident".

Next issue will get back to our early history with the creation of our new class publication, Scots n' Water.