Big wind today (Sat., Feb. 22) throughout the state of Florida.

Rick White is up at Lake Eustis, near Orlando, for the George Washington Regatta, and he called in a brief report. This is a multi-class regatta for all sorts of small monohulls and multihulls. Because of high winds, all the monohulls opted not to race (Sunfish, Flying Scots, Lasers, etc.) In fact, most of the multihulls also did not want to go out -- except for the Wave sailors, who said, "Well, hey, we want to race!"

So as it turned out, all seven Waves raced, as well as three Inter 20's, three Windrider Raves, and three open class boats (Nacra 6.0 and two Hobie 16's).

They only sailed one race, during which the wind was 20 knots gusting to 30, and by the time they finished, Rick figures it was a pretty steady 35. He said the only boats that didn't pitchpole or capsize were Norm Freeman and Dave White, both on Hobie Waves.

In another post today John Williams mentioned that their race was canceled today in Pensacola because of 25-35 mph winds.

And it has been 20-gusting-to-30 in Key Largo all day.

Best thing, though, is that it is WARM wind. Usually in the winter when the winds are strong, it is due to a cold front with winds out of the north. Today they are coming out of the south. It is a rare treat.