Just thought I'd add a couple thoughts from the beach - the event is going really well again this year. The boats had the typical brand-new boat quirks (slick lines, knots coming untied, getting tape in the right places, etc.), but the beach crew (Tyler Smith, et.al.) gave each boat a short shakedown before the practice races Sunday, and with the conditions we saw Monday, looks like all the bugs have been squashed.

Conditions were pretty sporty Monday - reading other reports didn't quite capture the challenging combination of plenty of wind (mid-teens), 2-3 foot chop, puffs with a great deal of volume in them (except for the last race), and an extremely tight fleet.

Everyone on the beach was pleased with the courses and the wind, though many were suffering from multiple boat bites, sun burn, sore hands and fatigue. With the wind up for every race, it was real work getting these speedy, nimble boats up and down the course.

Today, I'm a bit stiff (did five of six races on Monday), but like everyone else, I'm smiling and ready to get back at it. Had some thunderstorms come through last night and it's a little grey out right now, but the forecast still looks good for the whole rest of the week. Can't beleive I have to do this for four more days!!

Thanks Rick and Mary for the coverage - I'll drop another post if my hands don't swell too much!