Saw this on another website, Looks like RTI has a new format. Sounds like something we would attend.

"The new and improved...’Round the Island Race has now been revamped and renamed:
“50/50 ‘Round the Island Race”
September 17 & 18 2016
Yes, this race was ready for a total ‘face lift’. Sailors got tired of racing 100 miles and straggling home at 2 am or later, often missing the finish party. So, to cater to popular demand we have made the following changes:
• Hobie 16’s, WETA’s and other modest speed multihulls will start at Sunrise off the Fort Walton Yacht Club’s gazebo.
• Corsairs and other larger Multihulls will start somewhat later.
• Faster Spinnaker Beach Cats will start progressively later yet.
• Saturday’s course goes from the FWYC out the Destin Pass into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the Pensacola Pass.
• Fort Pickens, just inside the Pensacola Pass, will be the finish Saturday afternoon where all the boats should arrive somewhat together.
• Everyone will enjoy a Beach BBQ at Fort Pickens on Saturday.
• Anyone that chooses can tent camp at the Fort with showers at provided sites. Your dry clothes and other gear will be transported from the FWYC to Fort Pickens.
• For the more civilized, plenty of Motels and alternate night life is available at Pensacola Beach for Saturday night.
• Sunday morning starts the race back to Fort Walton along the scenic intercostal waterway.
• Again, progressive starting times will yield a tightly grouped fleet at the FWYC finish for awards where comradery will abound.
For your convenience the 50/50 is one week after the Juana’s Good Time Regatta. If you choose to do both events please feel free to leave your boats at the FWYC.
Soon you will be able to check FWYC.org to enter and get further information or contact Race Organizers Randy Smyth: SmythSails@gmail.com​ Cell 850 499 6490 and Linda Wright, Trisail@rocketmail.com "

Randy has been wanting to try this format for several years. If there is no tropical interruption, this event should put a lot of life in performance sailing on the Gulf Coast.

If I were ten years younger, I would revisit one of our favorite annual events for years ... ahh, the memories ... Make Your Plans!!!

That format definitely looks interesting.

We used to do a similar set up with one of our mini-distance races. The classes were staggered using the DP-N ratings It was pretty good set up as everyone hit the finish right about the same time...

Sounds like a well organized fun race...

This will actually be a fun event. I always dreaded the midnight finish. I have 3 boats coming from Jax, so far. Will work on getting more.

(((((REGISTRATION IS NOW OPENED)))))

Revamped and renamed 50/50 ‘Round the Island Race. For your convenience the 50/50 is one week after the Juana’s Good Time Regatta. If you choose to do both events please feel free to leave your boats at the FWYC. Race Organizers Randy Smyth: SmythSails@gmail.com​ Cell 850-499-6490 and Linda Wright, Trisail@rocketmail.com

Register at: http://www.nextsailor.com/regatta/79

Roll call for what looks like a great format! New sponsor AJ's on the Bayou for Friday nights skipper meeting. Set up at fwyc early and enjoy the evening at AJ's !

Mike and Steve,

Awesome seeing your names on that shiny trophy Steve constructed, and Kirk was scored on Saturday, but never sailed ... oh well ... a win way overdue!