Sorry this Post cannot be cancelled - Race Postponed, see other Reef Run posting !!!
Always questionable to depend on the weather, but here is the forecast for Saturday and Sunday race days for the Islander Reef Run: (If there are significant changes look here for an update.) <img src="<>/smile.gif" alt="smile" title="smile" height="15" width="15" />
Saturday April 2nd, 2011 Race from Islamorada to Marathon: Winds NE 8-9mph at start, decreasing to 6 by race end in Marathon.
Sunday April 3rd, Race from Marathon to Key West: Winds ENE at 14-15 mph at race start, changing to East at 13 -14 by race end at Smathers Beach, Key West.
Remember that changes can occur, but all looks well at present. Do not forget to have saftey gear ready to be inspected. Required Safety equipment: (Inspections will be made) 1 CG approved PFD per crew member; 1 throw-able PFD; 1 Cell phone in water proof container; 1 - minimum tow line at least 20 feet; at least 1 portable waterproof GPS; 1 boat compass; at least 1 portable waterproof VHF Radio; Up to date Charts for the areas to be sailed; one whistle per crew member attached to personal worn equipment; one set of personal emergency flares/signals on boat and enough drinkable liquid for the duration of the race. Strongly suggested equipment: 1 personal 406hz registered EPIRB. In addition, as available, Craig Van Eaton craig@cyberspeed.cc may have rentable “Spot” tracking systems.
Eligibility and Entry: All Beach type Catamarans with crew of two (2) from 16 to 22 feet are eligible. Registration will be by completing the entry form and paying the entry fee of $65; $40 for those finishing in Marathon ( and/or returning to Islamorada). Formal registrations and fees are not required until registration which will take place at the Islander Resort on the pool deck Friday, April 1st, 2011 after 6PM and Saturday morning until 9:00AM. Early online filing of intent to register will determine if classes will be formed. Email intent to race to wgreen53@cfl.rr.com . Boats and skippers recorded early as, “ intending to race”, will permit classes to be formed so awards can be ordered by class and provided. You may identify your intent to race via email to: wgreen53@cfl.rr.com. No early notifications, no classes.
Sorry this cannot be cancelled - Race Postponed, see other Reef Run posting !!!
I have a different forecast- N 10-15 Saturday. Sunday too far away to tell, but it will be more right for an even better run to Key West. Even if it doesn't go all the way north on Saturday, Sunday should be a very very nice run.
Reef Run Postponed to 21 - 22 may for many reasons. Come have fun.
April? That's a Thursday and Friday.
May 21 - 22 which puts it back on the list for me... cool!
Yeah, hopefully we can pick up more of the teams that were planning to do the Tybee 500. I know three tybee boats that gave verbal commitement. Having everyone staying together will also be a lot more fun.
I think my kitchen pass was revoked after Macho (due to not informing of my whereabouts until finish time), but I'd be interested in this...
It is NEVER good to cancel a race when there are people who want to do it. Forecast was lollipop. Bad precedent!
It was not my call. I got the email and talked to Warren just before it was posted. But after two years of mimimal participation, I can see why Warren made the decision. Hopefully the weather will also be a great on the new weekend and put the race back on the map.
Sailors are reporting happy with new dates. More boats indicating they will come. Islander watersports expanding to new location bayside impacting support for this race at the earlier dates. But, possibilities improve for future Keys racing. Working with Tybee management to promote next year by using their dates this year. Some Tybee boats called in to say if dates changed they would come - Hooray. Please help root out more. Hotels rates significantly improved for the Islander resort, All coordination accomplished for new dates, but, we have moved into turtle season. We love all classes, but Oceanside distance racing dictates crew of two for safety reasons. Come to the glorious Keys in May,(21 -22 May to be exact.) two legs both under 50 miles, have fun and show intent, to facilitate classes, by note to wgreen53@cfl.rr.com .