A steady SE wind was noticeable today as preparations continue for Sunday's race. The wet pits opened at Oceanside Marina however few boats were testing, water rescue tests began at The Holiday Inn Beachside and the driver's meeting was held at 6PM.
Slack tide occurs at 12:45 PM Sunday which is ideal for the 1:00PM start. The
major hazard on the course are a few big submerged rocks which will be clearly
marked with yellow buoys on the beach leg of the course. The race course will be
set up by 9AM Sunday morning. After the drivers meeting a lovely buffet and
cocktail party was enjoyed by many participants on the quay wall behind the
Hilton Resort and the daily Key West ritual of gathering near Mallory Square to
cheer the sunset was observed. Boats and crews are still winding their way
through the Florida Keys to Higgs Beach and tomorrow the Superboats crank up the
volume around here and take to the water for pre-race testing.
Carl Hunt Hays III
Offshore Powerboat Racing Correspondent