I made it up to Baltimore yesterday to watch the racing. Only one word about it:

Suh-Weeeeeeettt!

Definitely close in quarters for boats like that, but they put in a great show. Initially conditions were a bit light, but they continued to build a little bit. My daughter and I caught a great spot to watch near the upwind mark - lots of action there as the boats converged and set their hooters for the downwind leg. For Mia's part, she was utterly amazed at how the boats looked through a bag of Cheerios.

The city definitely poses challenges to the air flow, in some cases they're smokin' along and then they would just sit in the last bit to get the leeward mark. But it only takes the tiniest puff to wake these boats up, and they accelerate like mad.

In between the races the boats continued to put on shows for the all the folks at the waterfront festival. They took turns buzzing in close along the festival area flying a hull proud.

And, like a dipshi* I didn't bring any sort of camera - could've had some great video footage...

Anyhow - the boats are racing through Wednesday - if you can get a chance to call in sick to work (see previous postings on that for suggestions), by all means do it! That ultra-important briefing for the customer for a sale that gives a huge bonus and ensures the future of your company will maybe be there after you call in, but you may have to wait a couple of years before seeing these boats again! You know the proper choice...