http://kws.kattack.com/GEPlayer/GMPosDisplay.aspx?FeedID=1262 for live tracking...Bob Hodges (Corsair Sprint 750) is currently running around fourth boat for boat behind the Carcreek 40, Decision, which started much earlier. It looks as though they are burning chutes for the first time in a few years, and PYC is gearing up to serve some early morning Bushwackers.

Evidently, the wind has gone aft and become lighter. Even Decision is sailing with more bearing out to sea, around Mobile, which we call, "The Mobile Hole." The tidal flow into and out of Mobile Bay stretches far into the Gulf because of the shoals on the east side of the Pass, across from the Lighthouse. They are assuming a higher angle of attack for speed around Mobile, hoping to gybe back toward rhumb line at the right time. The offshore forecast calls for a backing breeze (westerly) that is to increase for the next few days. The Dark Side, with Bob sailing, and quite possibly, Donnie and Andrew Brennan of VX One fame, is having to sail higher and slower than Decision at this time.

Will we have a beach cat turnout next year? SYC will most likely allow them now that they understand us, and we understand them.

10:30 Report: Decision remains a little lower and a little faster. The leaders have gybed and the Dark Side 's latest report revealed:

DARK SIDE
Last Comm (dd:hh:mm:ss) : 00:00:23:46
Heading: 57
Speed: 7.3 Knots

Decision is bearing 86 deg at 8.6 knts. Hodges and Dark Side are still fighting for third to the finish line, just a few miles behind at a higher angle. I would love to see the wind pipe up so they could start hauling the mail. One of the other boats in that gaggle behind Decision may be the other Corsair 750. Final report in an hour. Decision does appear to have broken away from Mobile and the oil rigs into Florida waters.

Final Report until morning: Fringe Element, the Corsair 750 MK II, skippered by David Saint is about to rocket past Tiare, an annual podium finisher and former PHRF Sloop overall winner. Dark Side is just outside and ahead, sailing a bit higher and faster, according to the tracker. They appear to be third boat to the finish line, pending the situation with Decision. The Corsairs are doing mid sevens, Tiare is chugging in the high fives. Zydeco will be the next boat in second, possibly the first boat to overtake Decision.

There you have it... multihulls are hauling the mail along the Gulf Coast.

Decision has slowed to 1.7 knts, and heading south. What has happened aboard Decision?

The tracker shows that Dark Side is in, and Fringe Element is entering Pensacola Pass after finishing at Pensacola Sea Buoy. Since Decision's transponder is still broadcasting off Mobile, one might guess they "lost" the unit overboard. Yea, Right. When Paul Schreck was racing, he was known to put a cup over his stern light. He even used black chutes in the 60s and seventies. Why would Decision be parked off Mobile? One could guess they have already hit the rack after a few pitchers of Bushwackers.