Should have centered the boat on him and made him feel some air packing.

Why couldn't the restart the race? What happens when they shut a course down for Manatees or Sea Turtles?

I have patrolled a few OPA races in St. Clair and Detroit. Here is my "guess" on why they didn't restart the race. Coast Guard Sector Commander has ultimate control over the course. A few years back we almost had the CG Sec Com shut the race down early because one of the race boats had exited the course and then made their way back to the wet pits by heading the wrong direction on the course instead of turning to the infield and waiting to be cleared by Race Control to come off the course. So my guess is that the CG Sec Com felt the organizers and/or patrol fleet was unable to maintain a safe course and he shut it down. I may be completely incorrect.. Again, just my guess.

https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-c...say/1490040403

Douche!!

I would believe you are correct. It was concerning to me watching the whole thing unfold that race control announced shut down the race. It was announced very quickly when the swimmer was spotted great call SBI. What I feel needs some major changes is the race boats kept racing for several more laps after the announcement. What went wrong that the teams didn't stop and come off plane? How is it possible that teams don't understand come off plane and stop for further clarification. I understand SBI doesn't stop races and maybe that led to some confusion. Lets figure it out and use this as a learning lesson please.

Officer, can I suggest using the night stick.

I saw that picture and my first thought was How bad it would've been if Victory had mulched him the first race they are here. Bad press, bad guilt and everything associated.

Now I worry they will think the US Racing orgs are a joke and go back home.

not the first time. when we did the Ft. Lauderdale race years ago we had to hold the start for a kayak on the course. got him cleared and right before the restart we had to hold for a second kayak on the course. both of them came from out in the ocean so not sure where they came from.