Just got off the phone where I found out that Mike Easton and Tripp Bird have broken their mast in a pitchpole today while practice sailing in Key Largo. They are desperately trying to find a replacement mast to be able to sail the regetta. They drove from MA to do the race, it would be a shame if they couldn't sail. I am sure that we can put together a way to get a mast there from most anywhere in the southeastern US in time for the race... Lots of people driving from all over the country today to get to this race.
Lets put an effort together to get these young sailors sailing this weekend!!!
Thanks,
Chris

Bummer! Ok I don't have a mast but will be leaving West Palm Beach Friday at about 10 pm, will be arriving at Founders Park early Sat. in the morning.
I'll be driving an RV so hopefully there is a way to tie it down if needed.
So that's my contribution to the effort, anyone got a mast?

How did they break it? Did it hit bottom when they pitchpoled? The water is only 6-8 feet deep in Blackwater Sound where they were sailing.

I understand that it had previously been "kinked" and "fatigued" on the pitchpole bending near the diamond wire stays.

I spoke with Robbie Daniel about the race and I think he will be there. Given his association with the Capricorn and his huge supply network for parts perhaps he could help. Write to his Missus, Jill, at

funinthesun(at)juno.com

Heres a link to a picture of the break after they got to shore.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/2531243650095730281FgUweW

It sounds like Trey is making a detour north to go back and pick up David Mosley's F18 mast to bring down.

can't nacra just fed-ex them a mast?

Yeah, those fold up neatly into the FedEx size limitations.

I think that was what they were trying to do... fold it up so they could ship it home easier after the regatta. See you guys tonight!
Chris

they opted to try to find one down there, so someone step up and help these guys

It looks like someone landed on it during the pitchpole.