1. We have already had two successful races in 2006. The New Year's Day race was January 1 and the Tradewinds Regatta was the middle of January. The third event on the CABB calendar is coming up Sunday, February 26. This will be the Matheson Hammock Distance Race. This will be a 15 to 20 mile distance race in Biscayne Bay. The exact turning points will be determined race day, depending on the current conditions. The race will include at least one turning mark at Matheson Hammock Park channel. The other mark will likely be, the frequently used, Marker #21 near Biscayne Flats. The crew meeting time will be the usual 10:30 at the Rickenbacker Causeway beach. I am expecting a good turnout. I have heard from several sailors that they are planning on doing the event.

2. If you trailer your boat to the Rickenbacker beach, remember that you can reduce the toll to $2 total if you have one of their transponders. You also won't need to wait in line at the toll booth, you can just drive through the "C" pass lane without stopping. You can even replenish your account with a credit card so you don't have to worry about the balance in your account. If you want this convenient and money saving option, stop by the Causeway office at the toll booth during the week and sign up for a transponder.

John McKnight