Benicia POPRA race
 

Unfortunately there was a very low turn out, only 11 boats started the race :( . However a great race was put on by Renegade and Eliminator, who swapped the lead on every lap, with Renegade leading the most important lap for the win:D . That wind sure howls down the Carquinez straits, not used to this kind of weather anymore, even though I lived in this area for 15 years.

What's Wrong?
 

I find it evolution of the sport really sad. We started out with Off Shore boats racing from SF Bay, out into the ocean, back into the Bay and out again. Unfortunately boats broke and people got hurt. Instead of making more sea worthy boats and improving the breed, we deleted the ocean and raced inside the bay. Boats broke and people got hurt and killed. Instead of making the boats more sea worthy, we now race in a very closed body of water. The course was changed so that the boats didn't even have to go under the Valliejo bridge and actually see some waves. What we have now is have some very fast lightweight boats racing on a course that wouldn't challange a 19 foot ski boat. Woopie!!! Gee, I wonder why there isn't any interest either by the spectators or the competitors?

You're right Roger, it is called offshore racing!:rolleyes: I have been fortunate to get out to California and see 2 races in SF, 4 or 5 years ago, the race course went out into the ocean, around the south tower of the GG bridge, :eek: watching those races from Fort Mason was awsome, and there was always 20- 30 boats competing.
Then again I'll never forget the sight of 146 boats on the first day of the Worlds racing in Key West '94 . :D , but that was in the APBA/SBR/USORA "can't we all just get along" year:D :) :cool: . Still, all is not so bad, there are a lot of races all over this country, the people involved put their hearts (and wallets) into it for the sheer thrill of it, as obviously there is no monetary goal.
I have been to many races, whether local or national races, they are always a thrill..........thanks to all and congratulations to teams Renegade and Eliminator for a hell of a show yesterday in Benicia. :D :D :D

It is a shame that it looks like our sport is dying out, I guess I'm primarily speaking of the West Coast. It just isn't and probably will never be a spectator sport. It is just too difficult for people to see the races sometimes.