It's getting impossible to get a decent spot as a spectator boat for viewing the races. They are pushing us further and further away from the action. I don't recall anyone being hit recently that would justify the reason, but 3 years ago I could smell the race gas burning and were within a couple hundred yards of the course. Take the OSS race in St. Pete it wasn't even a good venue to be at the pier because the race was so far out in the bay. The spectator fleet was all bunched up to one side with just 1/2 the race course on that side set aside for viewing. I know safety is a factor ,but lets don't start getting to the point were it's no longer worth takin the boat to the races. People know the risks if your front row in a turn. Having said that, Yes I will be there in Sarasota this week because I love this sport.

That's why this sport will never grow into anything more then a cult following.

volunteer to be the safety boat or patrol boat thats what I do.

Bingo, if you want to be part of the show, volunteer to help as patrol boat. Now that's close to the action. Usually less than 50 feet.

You could always race. I was out there in the Platinum Vee for the scl race and then the storm, the veiwing was a little far away.
Pole position in Europe was always good for the fans. It was run real close to shore and flat out passes. It has now degenerated back to timed laps. They had something like that in Sarasota in 96 if I remember right. What happened to that?
pat W

Yeah I could do the patrol boat thing it's only a nighmare up to the start of the race.

I do the same thing but last time I had to tow a guy in GranHaven in the first race and missed the whole thing!!!

I had the same impression. This race had to have some of the worst viewing ever.
We tried from boat, couldn't see chit, then from the pier, same story there.

Thanks to the beloved manatee.

If they run the same course in Sarasota as last year, viewing from land won't be a problem.

NOW THATS A SHOW !!!!!!!!!!
St.Pete Race is going down the tubes for the fans !!!!!!

City of St.Pete better get with the show or it won't GO !!!!!