Hog’s Breath participants had a great sail, 28 - 29 April, especially the 29th.
We are actively searching for ideas to enhance the Hog's Breath race: Islamorada/Key Largo to Key West. Race days: 25 - 27 April 2008. Put it on your calendar. One idea submitted, is a three day event, racing from Islamorada to Key West (80 miles) as we changed to this year due to light winds, then having a one day play/lay day with families and a long day of racing (equivalent to 120 or more miles) back to Islamorada on Sunday. This faces a difficult Sunday Race, normally up wind, and maybe slightly up current in the channel. This keeps trailers in one place and makes the family day a great time. Another idea is to do the race as currently planned for the April time frame and a second race of the idea above in the fall. We are actively seeking good rates for the over nights, and would like your ideas, (Not to say that ideas will be adopted but to open the thinking a little). Sponsors will have a great deal to say about format.
This year, Eight boats were entered in the off again, on again Hog’s Breath race. Light wins cancelled the first day, but, the second day was fantastic. The race went from Islamorada to Key West, eighty miles in one day. Steve Lohmayer said it may have been the best day of sailing on a distance race he has ever had. Wind came from the north, creating flat water on the ocean side of the Florida Keys and a stirring breeze allowing the Marstrom 20 skippered by Mike Phillips to average 17.2 mph for the whole trip. Eighty miles in 4 hours, 38 minutes. There were only four boats that finished the trip but they were thrilled with the ride. The Hog’s Breath Saloon, our major sponsor, put on a great show at the awards ceremony with a food table and free draft beer. Awards were handed out and a new perpetual trophy was inaugurated. When properly plaqued, this trophy will reside in the Saloon for all to see. Awards went to: First Place: Michael Phillips and crew Steve Lohmayer on the Marstrom 20; Second Place: Dennis Green and crew, Jason Childers on Team Morada, a Nacra 6.0; Third Place: Robert Behrend and crew, Dorn Campbell on Team Syberspeed,a Super Cat 20, tall rig. A second award went to Mike Phillips as First to Finish. All winers received Hog’s Breath ball caps with winning positions embroidered on the side of the caps. Skippers received placement plaques.

Next years race format is being developed to create more interest and fun for all, but will be run for sure, during the weekend of April 25 – 27, 2008. Send in your ideas.