The course came out to about 4.8 miles. There was a not so nice easterly wind ranging from around 8 to 20 mph through the land shadow. Not nice for upwind SUP, kiting, well different story! More about that in the MKB Masters write up.
Jim DeSilva of Liquid Surf & Sail gives the Captain's Meeting
Where are we going?
A look at the area around 1941, hasn't changed that much?! The asterisk marks the start at MYK
Anticipation is in the air
Garry Menk along with Ken Russel are distributors of Jimmy Lewis ridingware through
http://www.fuacatasports.com/ shows off a nice sized cruising board, Garry provided several standup boards for riders to use for the race, thanks!
Helga rests a recent leg injury before the race. She's togged out in Chyrs' creation from
http://bikinis-from-brazil.com/
Here is Ilan, founder of Water-Play with his family. Elan rode cover on a waverunner while his wife and the family dog (Rockstar?) took the foredeck of the board
Gebi, Jared and his lady warm up for the race. Gebi, Olympic windsurfer, fast kiter and standup racer can also do a number on some injuries. If you have pains/strains have a talk with him. Jared is a competitive free diver who is about to embark on his first SUP race (first session too?)
Folks are lined up for the start.
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The race has started and they're off!
Guys locked at the front of the racers
Jim starts out with a lead on his Hobie standup board
Stretching out through the moored boats
Competition is tight as the guys pack together
Rounding the SW corner of Palm Island for the long run east and around Star Island to the north
A look eastward down the southern part of the course, from the 1930'3.
Folks had to kneel or lie down to pass beneath some of the bridges.
A look northward over the course including Palm Island and Venetian Cswy.
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An expensive, fast racing machine, the only one in its class this time around.
A vintage cruiser provides a scenic backdrop for the race
The race passed by the former home and water runway of Pappy Chalks Ocean Airlines. Gone but not forgotten, how many flight stories do we have among us, going back how many years?! A fueling shot out in the islands around 1960. From:
http://www.biminicruisingguide.com/
Passing another bridge with the cruise ships in the background in the Port of Miami
Several well known celebrities have lived on Star Island. People like Will Smith, Sylvester Stallone, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Rosie O'Donnell, Shaquille O'Neal and Al Capone (he still there?). If anyone recognizes the digs of a particular luminary, let us know!
By the way, you can find great coverage about this and other water/adventure sports events in South Florida at:
http://www.southfloridaadventures.com/
That is just the first part of the race, more photos to come in Part II!
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