Hailing Port: Heaven

We assume that sailors working in the industry have a passion for sailing, but there are details within that love that create rich stories, experiences and community. There’s your particular sailing area, your fleet and, of course, your sailing friends. That spirit was readily apparent when Scott Easom invited Leslie Richter over to his shop in Pt. Richmond for a surprise unveiling of Scott’s latest makeover of a West Coast classic. 

Several years ago, Scott acquired former Latitude 38 race editor Rob Moore’s classic Mercury — an 18-ft sloop — which was a little worse for the wear. A visit to the 2016 Mercury Regatta in Stillwater Cove inspired Scott to honor the memory of Rob, who passed away from cancer in 2012, by refurbishing his Mercury and painting it the colors of one of Rob’s other favorites, the Schumacher quarter tonner Summertime Dream.

Scott surprised Rob’s widow, Leslie, by inviting her over to unveil the Mercury’s new name and hailing port ahead of his departure for his first event, a Labor Day Regatta in Stillwater Cove.  

In 2018, Mercury sloops will be celebrating their 80th annivesary. The design was the creation of Ernest Nunes of the Nunes Brothers Boatworks here in Sausalito. In 1938, hull #1 was completed and first displayed in the 1939 World’s Fair at Treasure Island.

Scott’s uncle, Hank Easom, was on hand as well. He’d been at the helm of the Rob Moore for her first sail a few days before, and was reliving the day he was national champion as crew  for Hank Mettier in 1949!