The weather in Key West was downright gorgeous today. Sunny and warm, with wind reaching up into the 20's. Yesterday was overcast in the morning but fantastic 20 plus winds most of the day.
Quantum Key West Race Week conditions have been superior all week, and it looks like Friday will bring more of the same.
Most of the racers I talked with at the party had a fantastic day on the water, but starting to feel the usual aches and pains that come with a big wind regatta. Lucky for them last night was "Mount Gay Rum Night" with specially aged rum being served, which helped soothe the aches and celebrate the wins.
Currently, Chesapeake sailors are represented well in Division 3 with Rush in first place and Tangent in second. Terry Hutchinson at the helm of Barking Mad is leading the Farr 40's and we've got some J/70's in the top 20.
One issue that has plagued a few boats this year are crab pots. It's funny to think that Key West would have this same problem that we deal with all season on the bay! I watched as a crewman from Azzurra jumped overboard to try and untangle the mess. Somehow they still managed to retain their top spot in IRC2.
Another unexpected issue for an Annapolis racer was a pre-race house fire! Imagine having your rental house catch fire while you are off readying the boat for the day's racing. I personally had a very tranquil day off the water yesterday, enjoying some pool time at the hotel.
The most excitement I experienced was the near miss of an iguana falling from a palm tree! He must have fallen asleep in the sun too. That's it for now...I hear music wafting into the media building which means it must be party time!
--by Shannon Hibberd
