Jake and all,

Frustration is when you've ridden a squall line in from Pensacola Bay, had the helm blown out of your hand four times by lightning, reversing course because of the wind direction change in white/black out driving rain - to be the third boat to finish (right behind John Suares' Viva 27) and discovering a lonely finish mark and no lights on the beach.

The USCG ordered the race cancelled right after the Roberts 30 finished earlier that afternoon.

This is a bona fide distance contest and genuine test of seamanship.

What I took off the table last Thursday evening at FWYC, is that the race will be on September 13 (full moon) or September 20. Very few Juanas racers will be interested in the offshore experience and night sailing, so we are not betting on them to bolster our turnout, but we do wish to offer them turnaround time.

Shady Grady and Tommy Garner will keep the food coming all afternoon and until all the boats are accounted for. There may be a refundable deposit for entry with a strict cut off date (no last minute mind changers for this gig - it ain't no beer can race). Final entry fee will be due at check - in. If this approach gains traction, only under USCG or Tropical cancellation will the OA return the deposit. This is my idea to protect the sponsors and the OA's build up investment for food and resources.

Count on several check points manned by US Sailing race officers, and there will be safety regs and inspections.

We hope to see the GT 300 tribe and RTI veterans give us another chance.