We're still in Marco Island - taking our time, waiting for Billy & Laura to visit for a couple of days and hanging out. Not a good forecast anyway, so it's nice being totally protected in a safe harbor - even if it is a bit bumpy. The forecast today was so bad that the Key West Fast Ferry didn't leave the dock! Now that's gotta be bad! Nick on War Dept came in from Naples and said the swell outside was huge and not fun. We'll wait.
In the meantime, David's been sleuthing around to see what fun stuff he can dig up here. Turns out this weekend is the Radio Controlled Laser Sailboat North American Championships and they're at a little lake about 2 1/2 miles from where we're anchored. So we walked over & watched all morning. It was fun - they play by different rules - you can hit any mark but the start/finish line marks. They also sail in heats, so all 28 boats competing were never on the course at the same time - something about the top 4 boats in the previous race staying on the water and the bottom 4 had to leave and more boats launched. Very confusing. So today's photos are from the regatta.
Only other news is that it's supposed to be COLD over the next couple of days and we have no heat. Not a problem at the dock, and not really a problem anchored out, but we broke down and bought a West Marine heater that will run from either our inverter or generator. So if it gets really cold and I don't want to use the oven, we'll wimp out & use the heater -- might come in handy for heating up the solarium (i.e. cockpit with enclosure) when there's been no sun for days & I want a warm shower! :)
In the meantime, David's been sleuthing around to see what fun stuff he can dig up here. Turns out this weekend is the Radio Controlled Laser Sailboat North American Championships and they're at a little lake about 2 1/2 miles from where we're anchored. So we walked over & watched all morning. It was fun - they play by different rules - you can hit any mark but the start/finish line marks. They also sail in heats, so all 28 boats competing were never on the course at the same time - something about the top 4 boats in the previous race staying on the water and the bottom 4 had to leave and more boats launched. Very confusing. So today's photos are from the regatta.
Only other news is that it's supposed to be COLD over the next couple of days and we have no heat. Not a problem at the dock, and not really a problem anchored out, but we broke down and bought a West Marine heater that will run from either our inverter or generator. So if it gets really cold and I don't want to use the oven, we'll wimp out & use the heater -- might come in handy for heating up the solarium (i.e. cockpit with enclosure) when there's been no sun for days & I want a warm shower! :)
Starting line for an early race, I'm amazed there weren't boats over early but everyone was all clear!
The early light to non-existant wind races made for some interesting photo reflections.
Gusts from nowhere made for some interesting mark roundings - I know how that feels!
Later a starting line with a bit of wind.
When the gusts came through, some boats had trouble keeping the sails dry!
I have no idea who this is, but #75 had three bullets after the first three races, he struggled in the 4th race, but there are 14 total races and he gets a throw-out, so I suspect it won't be a problem. GOOD LUCK!
RSS Feed
