Thursday – June 18th – Day Two – Mustang Island to Matagorda
This morning 12 teams left the beach at Mustang Island, while Team Tybok Racing waited back to see how they negotiated through the rough surf. After seeing that all the teams had no problems getting out, Team Tybok headed out for a sail. Team Royal Orange had some problems with the main sail popping out, so they returned to the beach. After two attempts at locking it in, they were on their way as well.
The PRO received a call about an hour into the race that Team RuffRider had snapped their mast and that they were not going to be continuing in the race. Because it was a bit dangerous out in the surf, they unrigged the mast and headed for the beach. Fortunately they were where Team Manager Sherri Morris could get to them on a beach access road. After her arrival, they waited for the mast and main sail to float in. Once the boat was unrigged and safely on the trailer, John headed back home to await the arrival of his and Tiffany’s little sailor man. Sherri and Ian are hitching a ride up the beach with good friends and race fans Don and Nelda.
The rest of the ground crews arrived in Matagorda around 2:00 p.m. and awaited the arrival of the first boats. Team Sailboat Shop was the first to arrive, followed shortly by Teams TCDYC, Corpus and Royal Orange. Next group to arrive consisted of Teams Yost, Quiksilver and Zhik. Team Puke Sailing arrived on the beach next, with the surprise of only one rudder again! Steve Piche reported they again sailed with one rudder for about the last 50 miles of the leg. Fortunately though, they did not lose the rudder or the crossbeam, so repairs are underway again. Team Chums followed next. Out on the water, Team Chums took a spill and lost their hot stick. Team Puke Sailing passed by and seeing how their hot stick was of no use to them at the time, lent it over to Team Chums for the reminder of the race. Team Chums was followed in by Teams Salva Vida, Dallas I and Tybok Racing.
After the safe arrival of the 12 remaining teams, Team Quiksilver served up some tasty rice and gumbo. A wonderful post-race meal following the homemade lasagna graciously cooked and served by Andrew Tatton and Stephanie May last night at Mustang Island.
At the end of the day two, Team Sailboat Shop is in first, followed by Team Royal Orange in second, Team TCDYC in third and Team Quiksilver in fourth.
The picture is of Mike Rohrer of Team Sailboat Shop and was taken
by Andrew Burnard. Team Sailboat Shop was first to beach today
and currently is the overall leader, followed by Team Royal Orange
(a four minute difference!).