Just a quick post to remind everyone that the Round The Island Race is definitely on for the weekend of 9-16,17,18.
The race consists of a 100 mile trek around the Santa Rosa Island, 50 miles in the Gulf and returning 50 miles in the Intracoastal Waterway. Its a beautiful race course in great scenery and the prevalent winds usually allow for a great downwind/broad reach the entire way home! As in last years race this event is being hosted by the Fort Walton Yacht Club and all activities will be at the Club.This includes Registration, the Friday Skippers mtg,RTI race secrets seminar and the breakfast/awards presentation Sunday morning. All entries are invited to set up at the club or the traditional Leeside park, the location used for all past events. For more information including NOR and Entry forms go the the club site at fwyc.org and you will find all you need.

As to post-Katrina and Dennis we have been spared any major problems this year and the weather the last week has been gorgeous. The is no storm debris in the waterways and most of the local conditions appear normal. Gas is not a problem locally and does not appear to be a concern going forward ( a few stations are out but supply is constant and on regular schedules). As to hotels "progress" has dictated the sale of several of the nearby usual locations for condo developement so you can try the Chamber of Commerce at 850 244 8191 or look to the fwyc.org site to post recommendations in a few days.

Here are some local hotels that are within 2-3 miles of the Yacht Club as well as Leeside Park:
Ramada Inn 850 243 9161
Best Inns 850 244 0121
Best Western 850 243 9444
Days Inn 850 244 6184
Holiday Inn Sunspree 850 244 8666
Hampton Inn 850 243 7700
Howard Johnsons 850 244 8663
I cant verify rates for you but I do know that all of these will offer clean rooms in a safe and secure location in downtown Fort Walton Beach ( the Ramada Inn is 300 yards from Leeside Park).

If you need furhter information you can reach the Regatta Organizer, Sandy Zevins at home at 850 244 0755. Hope to see you there!