Backwaterbob has stopped on Pavilion to make repairs to his mast. He will continue in the morning.
Dogs and TT are less than 30 mi from NW Cape and 50 mi from Flamingo (Ckpt 3). I think they could both make NW Cape tonight. If they have running lights on they may be able to see each other.
Ridgerunner and Greybeard are two seasoned veterins of the EC. They were in 4th place today sailing a fast Core Sound monohull. Here is their report--they are out of the race.
Quote:
We pulled into the bay at Middle Cape to heave to and reef. We had been speeding down the coast at 7 and 8 mph, often planing, in 15-20 mph winds. All of a sudden the wind went E from NE and went to 40+/- (according to park headquarters) and knocked the boat down. The mizzen was sheeted in hard and the main was unsheeted. The main dug into a sand bottom and sheeted off as we climbed onto the centerboard to right her. By the time we got her bailed and the main spars and sail back on board, we were west of the IVW headed for Mexico. So we told the Coasties what was going on, rigged the midden midshipd, and sailed slowly throu breaking waves to the beach. The Tow Boat US folks wouldn't come out in the wind, but they will try in the early AM when the winds may lay down. We are driving to Tampa to get the truck. Christie and Noel, checkpoint captains at Flamingo are great.
It illustrates that while we are all enjoying watching this race unfold, it is dangerous out there.
Keith