I have now witnessed two threads on SA regarding folks who want to purchase beach cats for this race.

First thread asking about a TheMightyHobie18.
Second thread asking about a Boston Whaler Super Cat 19.

IMO both boats are clunkers, meaning they can work but how efficiently and open ocean seaworthy are they?

I hope the organizers and racers and "wannabee racers" understand the risks in this crossing. I also hope they are informing the Coast Guard about this particular race.

And I am posting this because if you think about it, two folks have posted openly about buying boats for this particular race. Think about all those who have not posted openly wanting to purchase boats for this event.

That race is gonna be scary...

What's the sea state usually like in those waters? How much ship traffic?

Its crossing the gulf stream Pete. Meaning that there's mondo current and waves can stack up pretty badly.

IMO, the race organizers need to be selectively reviewing the sailing resumes of all the registrants. I know that Chuck has told more than one person that they aren't ready to participate in the Tybee 500 which is, an order of magnitude safer than the Cuban race will be.

Yeah exactly I have participated in too many search and rescue cases, and that particular section of ocean gets nasty really quick.

Its no joke.

Hey Robi

As a Coastie, you're more than qualified to warn people about the dangers of that piece of water. I found the link to the supercat thread, but where's the other thread about the guy buying a TheMightyHobie18 for the race?

These guys made it to Key West:



http://www.floatingcubans.com/

Yeah in July not in November.

AND NOVEMBER IS STILL FREAKING HURRICANE SEASON!

If this race does go on I will have a chat with my top Guardian gurus so we can be on high alert.

Thanks Robles.

You da man. So is Tank.

Tank approves! lol

I also read/heard somewhere they are using a Hobie monohull as a support boat.

You never get pictures of those that don't make it.

Tad, you made my point exactly. If you look at the charts, the Gulf stream practically touches Singer Island (West Palm Beach). I sailed there once with the wind out of the north, not that much wind, but the seas were really rough. I can't imagine a small cat offshore in it.

Very cool though, lots of sargassum weed with the attendant critters, and flying fish.

I don't want to turn this into a bunch of BS about boats but......

If I'm going out on the open ocean with my life on the line, I'd choose the H-18 over most any beach cat availible.

Not just the Gulf Stream but the current is funneled/bottlenecked between Fl and Cuba. I talked with the organizer at the GT 300 .He does not seem to be a "take a whack at it" kind of guy(he attempted a Worrell in the late 90's). I think they will have a sensible and safe(as possible) approach to this race. My worries lie more with the Dept. of treasury letting it go.
This IS'NT a novice type race!

How many times have you done that(offshore racing on a H-18)?

The 2008 Tybee had sporty wind from the NE on that leg, it was LUMPY. Karl did a superb job of keeping his feet on the boat and grindin' out the puffs, it was tough. I didn't realize the Stream was so close there, but that explains alot.

You Sir have a big set of cojones. I am saying that in a good way as well.

yeah you can always tell when you're in the stream when you look in the water and say "damn, thats blue" :P

Like this one?

All the past Cuba runs I know about have been done on Hobie 16's.