Circa, March 1958, Mike Sherin invited me to fly to Dallas and sail on his new Melges C Scow in this here so called "Black Tie Regatta". It is cold in Zenda that time of year, so I said "What the hell, why not!!"

Nothing special during the tune-up race on White Rock, but when we arrived back at the docks we were greeted by Beautiful Texas Ladies in evening gowns serving Champagne. Hells Fire, it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this kind of hospitality will tickle the fancy of any C Scow sailor.

Me and my big mouth and within five years the fleet numbered 58 boats enjoying good racing and a really fun, light hearted, venue that has since built into a highly popular regatta for all Scow sailors across the country.

The move to Rush Creek afforded all Scow Classes a chance to jump start the summer. Lake Ray Hubbard gave us all big water scow sailing and a chance to test our new equipment and crank up the social hour for the new year.

The Black Tie is a great regatta with a great history and worth the effort. They’ll take good care of you. And if you see a hitchhiker on your way down….give me a lift.

All the best,

Buddy Melges

Zenda, Wisconsin