Thanks for the video Jake!! Great entertainment!!

A couple of observations (and a couple of guesses):

First both Tybee & Ollie (Capricorn) made it through AS the bridge was going up. While Tybee has experience here, this was Ollie's first time. Granted, Ollie was smart enough to recognize and follow Tybee's lead, but I suspect the wind did bend differently (as suggested in the clip) once the bridge was up, possibly making it more difficult on the rest of us.

Secondly, it became obvious quickly that you HAD to approach from the far side with as much speed as possible WITH a strong paddle. We realized this after our first failed attempt (sail #1003). Our second attempt was successful thanks to that approach.

Third...Cat in The hat did NOT start from the far shore, but was sucessful (I "think") because they went through in our lee (current wise) and thanks to some strong paddling.

BTW...I still have some of Jake's blue gel coat on my Stbd bow from that failed first attempt!!

It was crazy to be certain!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

JL