By now from reading the racers forum, you all should have some feeling for just how much time, money and effort goes into putting on an offshore boat race. Well, putting the Camden race together has been way over the top.

Dealing with the City of Camden, County of Camden, Camden parking authority, Camden Police, Battleship NJ, Coast Guard, Marine Police, Wiggins Park Authority, the NJ and PA Division of Homeland security and about five more I can't remember has been a challenge to say the least. Camden is a hotbed of political redundancy and I applaud Smitty for keeping his head, making the numerous trips across the state for meetings with every board member requested his presence. All in an effort to Git it dun.

The prospect of a free race and $26,000 purse has had Smitty's phone ringing off the hook since the purse was announced during the Cambridge race 8 days ago. The concept that AMF and OPA are doing something out of the goodness of their heart and love of the sport with no possibility of a return on investment is mind numbing. Make no mistake, it was Smitty and Haggin that took care of the monetary issues and their deeds have been met with an overwhelming support from racers young and old.

The stage is set, the buoys in place, now it's up to the racers to make this the biggest Performance Class race in history.

Smitty, thank you for putting your business on hold for two weeks, and putting this race before everything else.
Thank you for talking on the phone for 18 hours a day, to convince racers that yes, it's for real, no fine print to read. And thank you most for being you. A great leader for OPA and a very dear friend.

Your wing man,

Ron

I agree

Good work, to everyone involved

Hear hear! I have spent the past few months working with Smitty to make the Cambridge race happen and I am proud to call him my friend and cohort The amount of work and time necessary to make this happen is mind boggling to say the least. I know we were invited to come up and take it easy, but whatever you need, I am there for you Smitty, this is gonna be great.

Thanks for everything Smitty and Haggin

Well said, The things these guys have done for the sport in the last couple of races have been incredible.

Thanks Haggin, Thanks Smitty

Camden is just a small taste to what these guys are capable of doing.

Smitty, John you guys are the best!

Brian

Where is Augie in all of this, Haggin and Smitty wish I was their to be part of history.....

I assure you, Augie is working as hard on this race as any other even though he won't be attending. Thank you Augie for everything you do as well.
Good luck in Deerfield Brother, were gonna miss ya

Great effort everyone. I'm sure there will be boats coming out of the wood work. Expect a couple GLSCS boats there as my phone has been ringing endlessly.

Sorry I cannot make the event as I will be on my Honeymoon. Scarey .


Good Luck to Everyone

Andrew Bloom

Congrats Andy