Congratulations to Team Sailboat Shop, skipper Mike Rohrer and crew Chris Holt, for their victory in the second annual Great Texas Catamaran Race!
Team Sailboat Shop was able to overcome a 4 minute deficit on the last day to pull ahead of Team T-Squared, Tim Boudreau and Tommy Tyrone, who finished in second. A late burst of speed under spinnaker on the last 10 miles of the race allowed Team Sailboat Shop to seal the deal.
Teams Sunsail II, John Tomko and Marc Reiter, and PI Sailing, Steve Piche and Aaron McCulley, also had a shot at first place on the last day but could not keep up with the speedy Team Sailboat Shop. Sunsail II finished in third while PI Sailing finished in fourth. Complete results are available on www.pisailing.com
The first two days were held in breezy conditions. Course records fell on both days (PI Sailing set the record from South Padre to Mustang Island and Sunsail II from Mustang Island to Matagorda.) Most boats were able to run their spinnakers at high speeds throughout these legs.
The wind lightened up the next two days. No course records on these days. Light, east winds in the morning made for slow going until the southeast breeze filled in the early afternoon. None the less, everyone still finished with spinnakers flying on both days.
Twelve teams started the race and all finished. However, many teams had to overcome obstacles to make it to the finish line. Broken rudders and shredded sails slowed down a number of competitors on the first day but everyone preserved despite troubles. A number of teams went swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf. Team Sailboat Shop flipped twice but was still able to turn on the speed to gain the victory.
The action on the beach was equally as good. Teams Dallas, Semper FI, Sunsail I and II, and Cat Alley all hosted great parties. Shrimp, beer, barbeque and rum punch was enjoyed by everyone. In addition, Natalie Monson put on a great fire dance at Surfside that entertained a large crowd with a performance that can only be seen and not described.
Michael Yost walked away with the grand prize from the raffle – a one week stay at a water resort in Antigua donated by Sunsail. Thanks to Sunsail for donating this great vacation. The top four teams received trophies donated by Nauti Gear. Other sponsors of the race included Murray’s Marine, Horizon Sportswear, Maxi-Marketing, Go Fish, Harken, Sailboat Shop, Yost Automotive, and Ruff Riders. Everyone that bought raffle tickets also deserves recognition for their support.
John Healey, a sports photographer, showed up with multiple cameras in hand to record the event. Once again, he captured some amazing shots. Photos of boats being pounded by surf, unique spinnaker sets and interesting finishes were all captured and are available in the photo section of the web site, www.pisailing.com
Momentum is building for this event. More teams, more volunteers, more sponsors and more spectators made for a great event. At the finish, there were hundreds of spectators. What a thrill to finish to a big ovation from the crowd!
Given the success of this year’s race, we expect next year’s race to be even bigger. Tentatively, the race will be held on Father’s Day weekend next year. Put it on your calendar and come enjoy the event as a racer, ground crew, volunteer or spectator!
Steve Piche
Great Texas Catamaran Race Organizer