Unusually small turnout for the Steeplechase -- only 21 boats. But I think all are veterans of the race except for Matt McDonald on the Blade F16 -- it is his first time around.

The race started in light air, about 7 mph, out of the north-northeast, so it was right on the nose and a beat all the way up Barnes and Card Sounds to Angelfish Creek. For part of that time the wind died to almost nothing.

After getting through the creek, they popped their spinnakers and headed a little offshore. The wind has now shifted around more to the east, so they are running pretty much down the shoreline on the Atlantic side of Key Largo, with wind up to 5-6 mph.

We don't expect the first arrivals at Anne's Beach until around 5 p.m.

I'll try to keep you posted if I hear anything. I'm manning the phone at home in case anybody has problems or comes ashore before the finish.