2020, the year seems to have some futuristic, even dystopian (with recent events) connotations to it.

Who would have thought it would turn into one of the best years for the Mercury class.  An 18 foot full keeled, originally wooden boat first built in 1939.  The class has a long and storied history cementing it’s place in the sport, but the remarkable bit is the fleet’s performance in the modern day.

Solid lineups turned up for all major regattas this summer including the classes self held High Sierra Regatta in Huntington Lake, the recent Nationals and the Pacific Coast Championships held last weekend.  These were all extremely fun, and difficult events.  If you go through the scores you can see how mixed up the competition is with accomplished sailors from top to bottom, depending on who happens to be having a good weekend.

After a good showing in 2017 the PCC’s had only averaged 5 boats in 2018 and 2019.  But for 2020 the fleet decided to put their resilience on display with a 16 boat showing, which included 6 past class champions and some America’s Cup and Olympic vets.  Doug Baird and Dave West, class veterans and past champions missed out on all the action at the Nationals after having to take care of family and plan for wildfires.  It was great to see they made it to this one helping boost the level of competition and making for a higher turnout than nationals.

If you’re looking for an affordable, fun and challenging one design class the Mercury might be right for you.  In 2020 this classic fleet appears to somehow be growing, while the competition only intensifies.

https://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/applet_regatta_results.php?regatta_id=21237&fbclid=IwAR1kWzqlevz6Xg11VLEaevGwpxmVyXHPVkwgzxcaKq4AGsLJ-ddRDAUO4kY

Sails wise, the Ullman team has happened into a few new developments.  We’re happy with our 1st through 5th showing at the event but more importantly realize the importance of matching the right sail to the right team.  With the variances in crew weight, hull/rig characteristics, and venues we have a few different options for chord depth, luff curve, cloth and more.  Our newest main has a slight luff curve reduction from the extreme full luff curve cut that placed 1,2 at nationals, striking a happy medium a step closer to the old standard cut.  We can provide fanned luff curve numbers to customers so you know exactly what you’re getting and are able to be scientific in your approach.

https://newportbeach.ullmansails.com/one-design-central/mercury/

By Greg Dair

Ullman Sails One Design

310 683 9618

gdairullmansails@gmail.com