The Hampton one-design class is rooted in its founding spirit.
In 1934, when local boatbuilder Vincent Serio constructed the first Hampton One-Design for just $325, he probably did not envision how lasting his creation would become. Nearly a century later, boats have grown more expensive, and materials have evolved; yet the Hampton One-Design class remains steadfastly rooted in its founding spirit.
Born out of a Hampton Yacht Club (HYC) initiative in the early 1930s to find an affordable racer for the Chesapeake Bay’s shallow waters, Serio’s visionary design quickly took off. By 1935, the boats were racing across the Bay, and by 1938 the Hampton One-Design Class Racing Association was officially formed, boasting a fleet of more than 70 competitors.
While preserving its traditional lines and values, the class has also gracefully adapted to changing times. Innovations such as trapezes, aluminum spars, and fiberglass hulls have modernized the boats. First introduced by BOW Marine in the 1960s, fiberglass brought reduced maintenance and self-bailing capabilities, appealing to newer generations of sailors.
Today, the Hampton One-Design continues its unique tradition, blending classic Chesapeake Bay racing heritage with modern high-performance sailing. Impressively, wooden and fiberglass boats compete side-by-side, demonstrating that skill and seamanship still reign supreme over materials. Wooden boats, particularly those crafted by modern builder David Judson, remain formidable contenders.
No sailor embodies this more clearly than (my father) Latane Montague, an 11-time Hampton One Design national champion. Montague earned his first title in 1999 aboard Radio Flyer, a 1962 Serio-built Hampton. From 2003 to 2020, he secured 10 more championships in a Judson-built Hampton, proving the timeless competitiveness and craftsmanship of the class.
The Hampton One-Design community spans generations, from legendary sailors such as Charlie McCoy, who continues racing his beloved boat Calamity Jane decades after winning his first of three national championships in 1961, to young high school and college sailors just discovering the class. Known not just for his skill but also for his memorable “Town Car Bar” in the parking lot, Charlie exemplifies the camaraderie at the heart of the class.
Attracting younger sailors is a key focus for the class, supported by initiatives such as the boat grant program, officially launched in 2023 for sailors aged 17 to 30. This program introduces young teams to the high level of competition that the Hampton One-Design offers. The 2024 National Championships highlighted this youthful energy, with one high school skipper, three high school crews, and six college teams competing. The class takes pride in its diverse age range and competitive spirit, creating thrilling races almost every summer weekend on the Chesapeake Bay.
Serio’s visionary design didn’t just create a boat; it sparked a community where skill and camaraderie matter more than the latest technology. As the races unfold on the Bay, it becomes clear that the true legacy of the Hampton One-Design is not just found in its sleek lines or storied victories, but in the enduring spirit of its sailors and the timeless traditions they keep alive every time they set sail. While times change, sailors become powerboaters, and the wind shifts, the Hampton One Design Class remains tied to its roots and welcomes all those who wish to get a taste of true Chesapeake Bay racing!
by Jackson Montague
About the author: Lifelong Chesapeake racer Jackson Montague recently graduated from the University of Virginia and serves as the HOD Class commodore.
