CHARLESTON RACE WEEK, April 9–11, 2010
1st in Class, Overall Offshore PHRF Champions
The Triple-Play Hat Trick
By Steven M Stollman, Owner/Skipper
Another rabbit pulled from the Primal Scream hat! Third time to Charleston Race Week,
third time Class winner and third time winner of the coveted Palmetto Cup. Each time (2006,
2007 & 2010) the Primal Scream team came from behind to knock-out the competition by 1 point
overall!
Charleston Race Week has grown to be one of the premier east-coast yacht racing events,
this year attracting nearly 200 boats to their in-shore and offshore race venues. The five small
keel boat one-design classes race on the two in-shore “harbor” circles and the ten “big boat”
classes (72 boats) race on the two offshore circles. Primal Scream’s racing area was Offshore
North Circle 3 and competed in PHRF B (seven PHRF classes).
On day one this year, in 20+ knots of breeze and 4’ square waves, after suffering two (2!)
parted jib sheets plus one having to be cut due to an override, the Scream placed 2, 5, 1 in the
three races of the day and finished in second with 8 points.
On day two, in 15-20 knots of breeze and similar sea-state, the Scream endured a
catastrophic failure of one of her primary winches, rendering it unusable for the remainder of the
regatta. From that point forward, the jib and main trimmers had to share a single port side winch.
To make matters worse, we had an OCS (over start line early) in race 5. We placed 2, 4, 2 in the
three races of the day and with a throw-out (the 5th place score from previous day), finished in
third with 11 points (first place boat had 8 points and second place boat had 10). Even with these
setbacks, the Primal Scream team remained unflappable and focused, going about business as
usual; nerves calm, heads in the boat and professional.
Primal Scream entered the third day of racing trailing the two Cape Fear 38’s, Tangent
and Velocity, by 3 points and 1 point respectively. Most teams would hope to possibly claw back
to a second place finish at most; but not Primal Scream. The Scream always races for 1st place
and never gives up. While Tangent and Velocity thought they had 1st and 2nd places locked up, in
9-11 knots of breeze and residual sloppy seas, the Scream got two great starts and went about
sailing their yacht with flawless precision in clear air. When it was all over, the Scream team
achieved two bullets for the day, finishing the series with 13 points to Tangent & Velocity’s 14.
Once again, Primal Scream cinched overall winner of the class by 1 point; and for the third time,
was inscribed on the perpetual “Palmetto Cup” as the Offshore PHRF Champions.
During our four and a half years of campaigning Primal Scream the team has enjoyed
many successes including, as previously mentioned 1st at Charleston RW in ’06 &’07, 1st overall
at the SE Florida PHRF Championship in ’08 and Boat of the Week at Key West Race Week in
’09. However, our win this week at Charleston Race Week 2010 is the sweetest victory of all.
Credit to an amazing, straight-shooting crew who never take their eyes off the ball. From
bow team Joe Goulet, Phil Fleming & Jen Kaye; pitman Bruno “Brutus” Miranda; nav/pit backup Scottie Giering; after-guard Phil Kresge, Bobby Hillier & Dan “Big Country” Peckham to our
steadfast tactician Anson Mulder of North Sails Ft. Lauderdale, the crew boss who turns 10
maverick sailors into a formidable racing team. As I’ve said before, my job as driver is confined
to a small slice of the world spanning no more than 15° either side of the mast, and of course as
owner, making sure in Primal Scream, the guys have a sound platform on which to exercise their
racing skills. The rest of the credit all goes to them. Many, many thanks to you all, and those
crew-mates who have contributed so much to the Scream program but couldn’t make Charleston
RW this year.
PHRF B
1. 20
USA
52458
Primal
Scream
Steven M
Stollman
66 2 5.5 1 2
4
2
1
1
[5.5]
13.0
2. 21
USA
53228
Tangent
Gerry Taylor
84 1 1 2 1
3
3
3
3
[3]
14.0
3. 22
USA
52138
Velocity
Kent Mitchell
87 3 2 5 3
1
1
2
2
[5]
14.0
4. 16
USA
32864
Arrow
Willy
Schwenzfeier
72 4 3 3 5
2
4
4
5
[5]
25.0
5. 18 USA 333
Hoodoo
Ric Campeau
72 5 4 4 4
5
5
5
4
[5]
31.0
USA
6. 19
42533
Ice Pac
William Davis
87 7 7 7 7
6
6
6
6
[7]
45.0
Echo
Dean Forbis
84 6 5.5 6 6 8/DNF 8/DNC 8/DNC 8/DNC [8]
47.5
7. 17
USA
22763
Yacht Scoring Cumulative Results:
www.yachtscoring.com
Sailing Anarchy Interview:
www.youtube.com
T2PTV (see CRW Video Highlights):
www.northsailes.com
‘SAILING WORLD’
PHRF B turned out to be the nail biter of the offshore courses, with just two points separating Tangent,
Velocity, and Primal Scream. 'We're good friends that would never mess with one another,' said Mark
Reddinger from Velocity. 'But with points this close on the last day, things change.' The boats nearly
collided, with 'just inches' keeping them from damage as they battle for the lead - but it was all for naught
as Primal Scream owner Steve Stollman slipped into the lead on the final leg of the final race, taking the
Class victory.
'We're good at coming from behind,' said Stollman. 'The crew just fixes the problem, goes for it every time,
and never looks back.' Stollman's performance won him the Palmetto Cup, awarded for the most
competitive PHRF yacht in the event. 'This is the best Charleston Race Week yet, and it means a lot to win
the Cup for the third time in three tries.'
Post Race Crew Notes:
Anson Mulder, Tactician / Crew Boss
Thanks for a great weekend in Charleston . We’ve had a lot of success on PS over the years but that one
might be the best of the bunch. There are two points in particular that stand out to me:
1)
The teamwork on the boat was phenomenal. I remember a time not too long ago when I was
heavily involved in the boat speed, boat handling, & the tactics. It was a pretty tall order.
Having a team that works together so smoothly makes my job much easier, and it really is a
joy. I was blown away during the practice, and it continues throughout the weekend. I don’t
recall ever saying so little during a regatta!
2)
The attitude of the boat on Sunday AM was something special. The team was loose but
focused. First boat to the starting line & first with sails up. To my eye we sailed two near
perfect races when it counted the most.
In both cases the example is set at the top. I know it was a rough weekend for you Stevie, but thank you so
much for all the effort you put into the program. Congrats Mr. Three Times!
………..
Awesome is right!
I know the first couple days were tough on you with the conditions and the break downs. It was also a
tough situation for Bobby to be dropped into since the boat is like a bucking bronco in those conditions. It
was an unreasonable demand to expect the two of you to develop instant chemistry but you guys made the
most of it.
Plus I put you in a couple tight spots at the starts and it has probably been quite some time since you’ve
been on the NASCAR track.
But you fought through it and we capitalized when we got our chance. It really was a special one and I am
happy for you and the whole team. You and I can be especially proud as we have done a great job
recruiting and building this gang over the years. It looks like Annapolis will not happen but I cannot think
of a better way to end the season…
Another Stollman chest beating? It has been too long.
Joe Goulet, Bowman
The dust is settling after the long drive home and diving into the cleanup of equipment and getting food
back into the house, etc, etc.
Stewing on the CRW win and a remark made to me by Phil yesterday to the effect that he felt that this one
was a nicer win to contemplate than KWRW '09. I tend to agree with him for the reason that this
CRW represented the triumph of incredible crew psyche and competitive qualities contributing to a comefrom-behind result while the owner maintained his equanimity as his boat and chances for victory came
apart in the earlier going.
KWRW '09 was the triumph of thorough preparation, material readiness, reasonable luck in the class
configuration and reasonable luck in the wind strength for our design. This CRW represented a triumph
over some equipment failures, some early conditions which favored our class competitors and some early
crew mistakes which were the result of rust or unfamiliarity with the boat or one's position on the team. The
last day was awesome and the crew psyche throughout the uncertainty of the regatta outcome, from prior to
the first start until obtaining the final standings during the run home between the jetties, was unforgettable just the greatest team admiration for a job well done by one's teammates - win, lose, or draw; who wouldn't
sail with that team forever.
Again, congratulations on your success and my deepest gratitude for your making the whole thing possible.
Phil Fleming, Mastman
It was a thoroughly enjoyable race week from start to finish. The camaraderie and chemistry on and off
the boat made it a joy. I’m proud of the fact that everyone remained focused and positive throughout the
week, even in circumstances that did not necessarily warrant a lot of optimism. I believe that the
confidence we have in the leadership as well as the ability of each member of the crew is a big part of this
‘can do’ spirit. To borrow a line from Sir Winston, Sunday may have been our finest hour! It was an
honor to be part of such a fine crew. I look forward to racing with you guys (and gal) again.
Jen Kaye, Mid-bow / Sewer
Hi All, Reading all these emails has been so wonderful!
First of all, thank you all for including me on such a wonderful experience. I have always enjoyed racing,
but very rarely experienced a tight knit crew that consistently worked together so well. This is truly a
rarity!
This whole experience made me come away with a whole new outlook on teamwork and our own team
building programs that we do on the water. When you step back and look at what we accomplished from a
team standpoint, including leadership skills, communication skills, individual strengths and weaknesses,
organized vision and looking forward to anticipate shifts, etc. It was amazing. But it all comes from strong
leadership and the belief in the end goal to make your team succeed.
When I started telling all the stories when I got home, I realized I just had the script for the best team
building exercise anywhere. Thank you again for an amazing experience.
Bruno Miranda, Pit
What a great time. I was really proud to be part of all of it.
Thanks to all !
Scott Giering, Navigator / Pit Back-up
Thanks for allowing me to be part of such an incredible experience. What was so cool was that all of us
knew we could get the two bullets on Sunday and it showed in the focus of everyone. The memories will
live with me for rest of my life and I hope to, even though it may never happen, experience that kind of
synergy again. I have seen some really great write ups on the racing and Steve's comment about "being
good at coming from behind and the crew fixing a problem and moving forward, never looking
back", really sums up the great team work. He always gives so much credit to the great crew work. As
with all sailing, it is a team win but Steve really puts his heart and soul into the program and it is a pleasure
to be a part of a group of such fine people and who are also great friends. As stated by Joe, crew work only
looses races, never wins them. So much of this win goes to the great tactics and driving which can not be
understated. Great work to Anson and Steve!!!! Until the next time, may all of you be well.
Phil Kresge, Jib / Guy Trimmer
Thank you all! What a blast that was and I am honored to be on such a great team! On and off the boat I
thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Let’s do it again next year!
Bobby Hillier, Main Trimmer
Great sailing with the team and proud to be member of the Primal family.
Thanks for having me aboard for CRW...really had a great time with the entire PS team!
Look forward to sailing with the team again soon.