tribute lap
 

Does anyone know why the coast guard stopped the tribute lap by the poker run boats? They were stopped by the coast guard & told the course was closed. We saw three other boats run right by them a few minutes later. Lots of fans were pissed at the lack of respect for this tribute to racers killed this week. Any inside info?

The small Coast Guard boat took us out the harbor then the cutter stoped us and sent us back around the island, did not get it at all. Not what we were told we were going to do.

We were watching from mallory square & it was likie a funeral procession being stopped by the cops. Sorry Yall didn't get to do it right Mark.

was the tribute lap cleared by race control/organizers and the coast guard?

That seems to be the unanswered question.

A simple shout by VHF would' ve cleared that with race control...

Answer for the Coast Guard is YES! No permission would be required from anyone else.

The permit allowed/required the harbor to open from 1130-1230. I came out and pulled alongside a CG 33 ft Safe Boat. Because this was last minute I explained to the Coxswain and boarding team aboard what our intentions were.

They delayed our departure for a few minutes while they spoke with the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. We were then given some very direct and simple guidelines to follow. Safe Speed, do not impede any other traffic, rules of the road and no racing. We were then held for about two more minutes then the Coast Guard small boat gave us permission to proceed.

At barely 50 MPH we were then stopped and berated by the other Coast Guard boats at the east end of the course. It was very apparent the right hand did not speak with the left.

While I understand the CG was hypersensitive to the weekend and the entire situation, as a retired CG Warrant Officer and former Officer In Charge I was completely embarrassed by the lack of command and control and unprofessional behavior and response from the Coast Guard.

They clearly did not and do not comprehend the reality of Rule 6 or the have the knowledge and understanding to differentiate between a race boat and a performance pleasure boat.

Upon returning to the Ocean Key House for the remainder of the race everyone said the one lap drive by did come off very well.

Our deepest condolences to the families of those lost.

Thanks Brad, its a shame it did not go smoothly. It was a nice gesture.

+1

And an impressive one.

When that group rolled up was one of the most exciting moments I've witnessed.

At least until the admiral in the big boat said stop. :(

thanks for the reply Brad. We heard rumors that john carbonell did not want the tribute to happen, thanks for clearing it up.