This is the second installment of the Miami Key Largo Race stories. I am still waiting for the account of the Nacra 5.5 that broke both crossbars and collapsed the rig just after the start. I have gotten the story verbally, but I am waiting for the owner to send me his own story. I will forward it when I get it. Stay tuned.

Carlos & Karime Beckmann - Hobie 16

It was a great race! We did not have high expectations for this year’s race since (for various reasons) we had not taken the H-16 out since last years MKL race. The forecast called for 5 to 10 knots. So it was supposed to be a slow and hot one... I set up the rig for low winds and we left the MYC beach (a little late). Miraculously we were able to make the starting area, with 2 minutes to spare!!!
We started in the middle of the fleet but fortunately the pack dispersed quickly. We sailed low and fast keeping the H-16 powered up at all times (double trapped until Midnight Pass). We match raced another H-16 from Ft. Lauderdale for approximately 2 hours. It was tough! We were never more than 15 boat lengths apart. In the end I think this helped us both as we were pushing each other to the max. As I was getting exhausted it was a relief to see lighter breezes around the Midnight pass area. I knew it was low tide and with the wind strength and direction, going through Midnight Pass was not as good a choice as some other times, but when I noticed the guys from Ft. Lauderdale were aiming for it, the decision was easy... we had to stay between them and the finish... We hit the shallows a few times but amazed to sail through the pass (thanks Mr. Hobie Alter for designing a boat with no daggers!).
We managed to stay in the lead until we sailed into a hole right under the bridge. The guys behind us caught up with us as they were bringing the breeze with them. At one point we were dead even (after 3 hours of racing!!!). Fortunately after the bridge we were able to gain some ground on them (finally the rake and mast settings for the lighter winds seemed to be paying off) and we finished ahead of the H-16's and very close to the "bigger" beach cats. We even made the 12:00 bridge opening, so I wonder how we did overall....
In any case it was a wonderful day of sailing in South Florida and it reminded me how great it is to sail beach cats in tropical settings. We definitely hope to see you soon in one of the CABB upcoming events.

Carlos Beckmann

Tornado, Ivan Loya, Mark Herendeen

Ivan Loya helmed the race while I crewed. We had real good race, and if not for 4 moments of the rudders popping up we might have had a great race by beating Enrique Rodriguez on his Tornado. But he kept his speed and angle a little better than us, so good race Henry! Our Tornado had respectable boat speed and the plan was to start high on the line, and work up, work up and work up again. We let ourselves get mixed up with 2 M-20's and started to head low. Well we stayed there....as a plan by default but we maxed our speed on that line into Card Sound through the Arsenicker. So contrary to what many thought..."man, what are THOSE guys doing down there? They are moving real good and not loosing any speed," we did not exactly plan it that way. But the rule is to never accept where you are, there's always time to pay attention. Never just settle. Good race Ivan.

Mark Herendeen


Melges 24, Ken and Jamie Reid

My son Jamie went with me on my pals Melges 24 in the Miami Key Largo
Race-we were the first Melges 24 across the line and we beat the second
place Melges by overtaking them in the last 1/4 mile- it is very cool
to be match racing after 40 miles of trying to get ahead of this other
boat-never give up.
Jamie had a great time in the pool at Gilberts too, then dinner at The
Fish House and home at 65 knots to windward (asleep).
It was really a great day!
Regards
Ken