Description
Origins: The C Scow was designed by John O. Johnson and first built around 1905–1906 by Johnson Boat Works in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, as part of the early scow evolution in the Midwest (traced to prototypes from the 1890s). Initially wooden with gaff rigs and cotton sails, it was created for inland lake racing where keelboats were impractical due to shallow drafts and variable winds. The design quickly gained popularity for its speed and simplicity, becoming a staple in the Inland Lake Yachting Association (ILYA).
Evolution and Production: Early models evolved with minor hull refinements, but the core formula—one hull, one large sail, twin bilgeboards—remained. In 1945, Harry Melges Sr. began building them at Melges Performance Sailboats in Zenda, Wisconsin, transitioning to fiberglass for durability and lighter weight. By 1994, over 2,000 units had been produced, with ongoing manufacturing today. Key updates include aluminum spars, advanced sail controls (Cunningham, vang, traveler), and foam flotation for safety. The class imposed a 475 lb. crew weight limit until 1981, now relaxed but still a benchmark for heavy-air sailing. It's distinct from larger scows like the A (38 ft) or E (28 ft), focusing on 2–3 person crews.
Racing and Legacy: Organized by the National C Scow Sailing Association (NCSSA, founded 1981), the class hosts an annual championship regatta and national rankings based on at least three events. Over 19 regattas occur yearly, with fleets emphasizing tactical, "cerebral" racing. The 2021 US Nationals in Muskegon, MI, drew 11 fleets and highlighted depth with 8 clubs in the top 10. Active fleets span 70+ inland lakes, primarily in the Upper Midwest (e.g., White Bear Lake, Lake Beulah, Spring Lake), but also Texas, California, and as far as Canada. The ILYA supports major events with 50+ boats, fostering family racing and youth involvement. Its 100+ year history has influenced scow development, with modern Melges builds maintaining one-design purity while incorporating Harken hardware for performance.
