Allan Terhune Jr has won the 2026 MC Scow National Championship at Crystal Lake Yacht Club after three days of racing in a 96-boat fleet. The championship brought together a large one-design field and rewarded consistent starting, speed and sail-control decisions across changing conditions.
Terhune described preparation for the start as one of the important parts of his approach, including repeated practice of his acceleration and launch away from the line. He also used a Vakaros instrument as part of that starting routine, combining electronic reference information with repeated practice before racing.
Starts and sail setup shaped the campaign
Terhune said he worked continually on sail controls rather than treating one setup as correct for an entire race. In particular, vang tension and other adjustments changed as pressure and sailing angle changed, helping keep the boat powered without sacrificing control.
That emphasis is especially relevant in a one-design fleet where hulls and rigs are closely matched. Small differences in starts, trim and decision-making can therefore become more important than equipment advantages over the course of a national championship.
North Sails crews fill the podium
Melges reported a North Sails sweep of the leading positions, with Terhune using a Magnum mainsail and Sean M. Fidler and Cam McNeil racing with Powerzone+ sails. The result gives sailmakers and class sailors another set of championship data from a large fleet rather than a small development test.
A 96-boat small-craft championship
The size of the Crystal Lake fleet demonstrates the depth that established one-design dinghy and scow classes can sustain. For Leisure Boat Guide, events such as the MC Scow Nationals are part of the wider small-craft sector, where racing participation, equipment development and local club activity remain closely connected.