RESULTS: OPA Smokin' the Sound Offshore Powerboat Race

It was an exciting racing season opener this weekend for the Offshore Powerboat Association on the pristine Gulf Shores of Biloxi, Mississippi as racing action took place along Casino Row as boats raced in four different classes to include the Run What You Brung class, providing excitement for all. 

If you missed this race, we to see you at the next OPA event for the Lake Hopatcong Grand Prix in Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Super Stock
1st - S-1 Top Stars
2nd - S-111 SOS Venezuela
3rd - S-11 WSMParts.com

Super Vee Lite
1st - 4 Octane
2nd - 21 Pirate

Class 4
1st - 404 Simmons Marine

Run What You Brung
1st - S-111 SOS Venezuela
2nd - S-11 WSMParts.com
3rd - 113 Miss GEICO
4h - 4 Octane
5th - 21 Pirate Racing
6th - 404 Simmons Marine
7th - Cat Can Do

Sunplay Video Highlights from the 2014 Carolina Cup

Check out this highlight  video I just received from Kasey Larose of www.sunplay.com of the 2014 Carolina Cup.  It is a pretty awesome video!

Kasey says in his email "That was a great event last weekend. My coworker Angie and I had a great time and loved being around all the positive vibes at the Carolina Cup. We made a highlight reel of the whole event, and I think it turned out pretty awesome."    

It is a pretty awesome video Kasey, thanks for sharing!

You can contact Kasey at; kasey@sunplay.com

Safran-Guy Cotten wins the Transat AG2R La Mondiale

Gwénolé Gahinet and Paul Meilhat crossed the finish line in St Barts on Monday at 1917hrs and 59 secs (French time) to win the 12th edition of the Transat AG2R La Mondiale. After 22 days, 6 hours, 17 minutes and 59 seconds of perfectly controlled racing at an average speed of 8.74 knots on the 4,670-miles of the actual racecourse between Concarneau and St Barts, the crew of Safran-Guy Cotten claimed victory ahead of Skipper Macif.

 

Gahinet and Meilhat, heroes of the day 

Under a blazing sun in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean, the bow of the Figaro Safran-Guy Cotten finally appeared. Shortly after noon in St Barts, hundreds of locals came to greet the two men of the moment. After 22 days going head to head on the ocean, Gahinet and Meilhat savoured their victory. It was the best possible reward for Gahinet, the young skipper of Safran-Guy Cotten, who was making his debut on the Figaro circuit. 

2014 Carolina Cup - A True Stand Up Paddle Destination Event

Start of the men's Graveyard Elite Race

 

The 2014 Carolina Cup was one for the ages. With hundreds in attendance the entire weekend to enjoy some food, vendors, clinics, witness top- notch paddling or just hang out at the beach, it was definitely the way an event should have played out! 

The Carolina Cup that is coordinated by the Wrightsville Beach Paddle Club, and who do so much for the sport of SUP had a number of really fun events, including race clinics with some of the best racers in the world, a night paddle on Saturday and the Ocean of Hope Cancer Awareness Paddle on Sunday, all of which make this a true stand up paddle destination event.

Harbor side start area for the  Money Island open race,

the Harbor Island Recreational “fun” race

 

You could even mosey on over to the vendors area on the lawns of the Blockade Runner Resort, and you could find paddleboards – gorgeous paddleboards perfect for the waterman in you as well as paddles, bags and every accessory for fun on the water!  

Despite the wind that forced itself upon the event most days, the contest was on in full effect!  The 2014 Carolina Cup kicked off the SUP race season with 4 courses with names like the dreaded Graveyard Elite Race, the Money Island open race, the Harbor Island Recreational “fun” race and even a kid’s race. This was the fourth year for this event that is now the largest race on the East Coast with nearly 600 paddlers competing in the first day of competition.

A happy Danny Ching takes the win in the Graveyard Elite Race

Both the Money Island open race and the Harbor Island Recreational race started harbor side in a stiff wind followed by the Graveyard Elite Race, a 13 mile race that challenged athletes with all the weather elements, surf, wind and currents as they started on the beach in front of the Blockade Runner Resort, transitioned trough the inlet into the Intercoastal, around the Islands and back out through the inlet returning in the surf to the beach for some exciting finishes.  Taking the podium for the men in first place was Danny Ching, followed by Georges Cronsteadt and Travis Grant. In the very close women's race it was in first Annabel Anderson followed by Jenny Kalmbach and Lina Augaitis in third.

Annabel Anderson making it look easy as she finishes with the win in the grueling women's Graveyard Elite Race

All said this was a well-organized event with nearly 600 racers from throughout the US and 9 different countries.  If you missed all the action this year, come on out and join us next year at the 2015 Carolina Cup - a true stand up paddle destination event.   In keeping with the mantra of Carolina Paddleboard Company "SUP Y'ALL" 

Full Carolina Cup results! http://www.gameonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CC14-OVERALL-FINAL-3-copy.pdf

For more photos, check our Facebook page at; https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.702221119843311.1073741836.455174831214609&type=1

 

Day 3 Round-up: Michal Smolen Takes Gold / USA Canoe/Kayak

 

Another beautiful day and another day of racing at the Penrith Whitewater stadium. Day three of the Junior & U23 World Championships featured the semifinals/finals and team races for the U23 K1-men, K1-women, and C2-men categories, but the real story of the day for Team USA was Michal Smolen (Gastonia, NC) winning gold.

Fast, clean, and victorious; those are the best words to describe Michal Smolen's winning run in the K1-men's final. Facing fierce competition from a class stacked with former U23 World Champions as well as World Cup and World Championship medalists, Smolen knew he had to be at his best entering the day's races. After qualifying 4th in semifinals, Smolen blazed down the course and to the top of the leader board with a time of 93.10 seconds, 1.29 seconds faster than the next fastest athlete, Italian Geovanni De Gennaro. Only Jiri Prskavec of the Czech Republic, had a time faster, but a two-second penalty at the top of the course left him 1.57 seconds behind Smolen and in third place. None of the other three athletes to start after Smolen were able to best his time, thus securing him the title. In the words of comedian Mel Brooks, "It's good to be the king."

Usually paddling C1, Zach "Bug" Lokken (Durango, CO) and Tyler Hinton (Boulder, CO) joined forces to compete in the U23 C2-men's class. In the semifinals, Hinton/Lokken finished 10th, just making the final. Then in the final, the two were able to improve their position, finishing 7th overall. 

In his return to international racing, Simon Ranagan (Bethesda, MD) finished 24th in the K1-mens semifinals.

Next up are the semifinals/finals and team races for the junior K1-men, K1-women, and C2-men categories. 

For live results and video stream, please visit the links listed below:

Live results:

http://www.canoeliveresults.com/event/2014/penrith-sydney-junior-u23-world-championships.php

               

Live video stream:

http://www.justin.tv/mattwebster24

12 Extreme 40s head to China’s Olympic sailing city for Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 3 / Extreme Sailing Series

In one week the fleet of 12 Extreme 40s, including home nation entry ‘Team Extreme Qingdao’ will line up on one of the most notorious stadium racecourses on the global tour, at the Land Rover Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 3 Qingdao, for the ‘Double Star Mingren’ Cup, 1-4 May. Fans in China can follow all the action on the newly launched Chinese website and watch the racing live on leading sports portals PPTV.com and Letv.com, as well as on regional broadcaster Qingdao TV. International fans will be able to watch the Stadium Racing action on the official event website, www.extremesailingseries.com.

China’s host city for the 2008 Olympic sailing regatta’s holds plenty of proud memories for the fleet, with Brits Paul Goodison, Pippa Wilson, Sarah Ayton and Ben Ainslie, and American Anna Tunnicliffe, all taking gold in their respective classes. For Ainslie, the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, the Act in Qingdao will be the first time he has raced on the Olympic waters since winning the Finn gold in 2008. The J.P. Morgan BAR skipper commented: “We are all really looking forward to China. For Paul, Pippa and I who spent a lot of time there before and during Beijing 2008 it’s a special place for us. But we know that it is another difficult venue and there’s a lot of tide there so that could be challenging and tough but we certainly want to work on our performance as a team.”

Registration Open for 13th Annual Surftech Jay Race – StandUpPaddleSurf.net

The Surftech Jay Race is a unique event offering prone and stand up paddlers the opportunity to honor and pay tribute to Jay Moriarity, an individual who affected countless lives with his positive attitude and fearless approach to big wave surfing.

Competitors will enjoy the charm of Capitola Village, the historic Redwoods & Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the natural beauty of the race course, and a memorable post race celebration at the Crow’s Nest restaurant.

Held annually in June, events include a 12-mile long course, 2-mile short course, Waterman Challenge and kids “Mini Jay Race.” These events benefit the local Junior Lifeguard programs providing scholarships and equipment.

Visit paddleguru.com/13thAnnualSurftechJayrace to register

WATERMAN CHALLENGE

 

The 2014 Surftech Jay Race will once again feature the Waterman Challenge! This action packed event begins with a 500m swim followed by a 1500m prone (12′ stock) paddleboard leg and finishes up with a 1000m SUP (12′6″ SUP) leg!

Men’s and women’s age groups; 17 & under, 18-49 and 50+

Click HERE to register for the Waterman Challenge

Thunder on Cocoa Beach has huge impact on Brevard / Florida Today

COCOA BEACH – The Thunder on Cocoa Beach boat races next month promises to be faster and and more furious than last year.

And if attendance levels grow to expectations, it also should be more lucrative for the local tourism industry.

Last year, organizers estimated the four-day event attracted 80,000 spectators and had a $16 million economic impact.

This year they think the spectator number for the off-shore super boat race should be in the 85,000 to 90,000 range with a corresponding economic uptick. 

Activities for the race begin May 14 with a welcome VIP party, followed by a bikini contest and a street party in Port Canaveral's Cove area. The actual race is Sunday, May 18.

Read more; Thunder on Cocoa Beach has huge impact on Brevard

Team Extreme Qingdao announced as home nation entry for Chinese Act of 2014 Extreme Sailing Series / Extreme Sailing Series

In just over one week, China’s 2008 ‘Olympic Sailing City’ of Qingdao will welcome the formidable fleet of Extreme 40s to Fushan Bay, with the home nation entry ‘Team Extreme Qingdao’ bolstering the elite level racing fleet to 12 boats, including two of China’s top sailing stars. The teams will race under the shadows of the Olympic rings on the short, sharp racecourse, designed for spectator-friendly Stadium Racing, with thousands of public expected over the Chinese national holiday. The Act, presented by Series Main Partner Land Rover will see teams vying for the ‘Double Star Mingren Cup’ from 1-4 May.

For the home-grown Chinese sailors, Liu Xue and Zhang Yiran, 2014 will be their second year competing on the circuit, following their Stadium Racing debut with China Team in Qingdao in 2013. Liu Xue, who also raced with China Team at the America’s Cup World Series in 2013, spoke of the importance of events such as the Extreme Sailing Series, for growing the sport of sailing within China. “I'm so excited and very proud to join the Extreme Sailing Series in my hometown. I think it's very important for China to host this international sailing event as we can gain more experience, and learn more from the competition. It's helpful to improve the overall level of sailing in our country.” Liu Xue and Zhang Yiran recently trialled for China’s Dongfeng Race Team for the next Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15, growing the versatility of their sailing talents.

Five-time Olympian and Extreme 40 veteran Mitch Booth will share skippers duties with Zhang Yiran, leading the home team into the stadium in front of the local crowds, alongside Nick Moloney and British multihull dinghy sailor Freddie White. Despite his Extreme 40 pedigree, Booth is realistic about the challenge ahead. “It is really great to be back in Qingdao and racing together with Chinese crew members. The Extreme Sailing Series has jumped to a very high level this year and it will be tough to compete in what is probably the premier sailing circuit in the World today. It has been exactly one year since I raced in the Series and I'm keen to do battle with the best of the best.”

The full crew lists for Land Rover Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 3 Qingdao for the ‘Double Star Mingren’ Cup will be confirmed on Thursday 24th April.

Previewing the 2014 ICF Junior & U23 World Championships Canoe Slalom April 23-27

 

The Penrith Whitewater Stadium, the venue of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, will play host to what will now be the third ICF Junior & U23 World Championships on April 23-27. The competition will feature over 300 athletes from 31 different countries.

This year's team features a mix of internationally experienced athletes, and new-comers looking to mark. First-year Junior Team member Tyler Smith (Charlotte, NC) says the realities of competing in his first major international race are now beginning to set in, "We have one short training session left and then nothing until race day. Though I'm a little nervous, I'm also very excited to represent the U.S. here in Australia and hopeful to place well in both the K1 and C1 events." Other Junior Team members making their international debut include K1W Teegan Johnson (Lyons, CO), K1M Jordan Sherman (Rockville, MD), and K1M Tyler Westfall (Darnestown, MD), while K1W Evelyn VanHorn (Bellefonte, PA), C1M/C2 William Coggan (Boulder, CO), and C1M/C2 Gabe Machado (Louisville, CO) will look to build on their previous results.

Volvo Ocean Race | Why Capey keeps coming back

It’s so hot inside I’m sweating over the chart table. No more clean clothes, little freeze-dried food left. Only 30 minutes of sleep last night. And the nine of us, tucked in that boat together. The wind is too light, too strong, or in the wrong direction. You would be grumpy too if you were doing this for the sixth time, right?  More; Volvo Ocean Race | Why Capey keeps coming back

The first sail and success on Spindrift 2 / Spindrift Racing

Spindrift 2 has had its first sail after the winter optimisation, spending a night at sea criss-crossing the Bay of Biscay. The control was there straight away and the boat ran like clockwork. The 2014 season has begun and it has started well for Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard’s team. This week, the Spindrift team will be racing on Lake Geneva as they begin the D35 training.

With 15-25 knots of wind and a full moon in a cloudless sky, the weather rolled out the red carpet for the maxi-trimaran during its first offshore trial run from La Trinité-sur-Mer. "The season has started and it's great,” Guichard said. “What a pleasure to be sailing again and rediscovering this boat. Things felt really good out there and the technical assessment has been very positive too. After the changes we made, Spindrift 2 is behaving as expected. With the crew, we feel that the boat is still safe and sound, but lighter and more responsive. We also really improved the speed of the manoeuvres. Overall, although we still have work to do calibrating all the sailing instruments, to match the numbers to these feelings, the team can be proud of what they’ve done."

Dona Bertarelli was equally happy on the trimaran on which she will attempt to beat the North Atlantic record this summer. "After the long winter and the considerable amount of work needed in the boatyard, it was a real pleasure to be back on board with the whole team for the first sail,” an enthusiastic Bertarelli said. “Spindrift 2 has lost nothing of its aura or its dynamism, quite the contrary. Shining with the colours of our new partners, she looked better than ever on the water. You should’ve seen the smiles on everyone’s faces when we did the first unfurl (of the headsail)…we were quickly up to 35 knots."

A giant step in the Bay

The area covered by the 40-metre trimaran in the 30 hours of this first offshore trip in the Bay of Biscay show just how much a boat like this compresses distances. "We headed out due west, to the limits of the European continental shelf before descending below Arcachon and then returning via l’Ile d'Oléron, so we could check everything on board,” Bertarelli said. “The new rig had 25 knots of wind and passed the tests. That is a crucial point for this year because we’ve adapted the mast for the twin programme of records: the crewed ones and the solo Route du Rhum. The sail plan was also fully tested at all points of sail and I take my hat off to North Sails, they’ve done a very good job. So, we have taken one big step successfully. The performance work can start now.”

Lake Geneva next and New York to follow

This week, Dona, Yann and the crew of the D35 catamaran Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing will meet at Versoix, Switzerland for the first week of training before the start of the annual Vulcain Trophy championship scheduled for May 9 with the Grand Prix des Ambassadeurs (Société Nautique de Genève).

Between Lake Geneva and the Atlantic coast, the women and men of Spindrift are engaged on all fronts. The sporting deadlines are approaching and race against the clock continues. After a few days of work for the technicians at the team base in La Trinité-sur-Mer, on April 28 the sailors will be back on board the maxi trimaran Spindrift 2. On the horizon is the delivery to New York and then Newport, where the boat will begin, from the start of June, its official stand-by period, waiting for a good weather window in order to attempt to break the supersonic North Atlantic and 24-hour records.

Bart's SUP blog: The French Polynesian SUP Crossing, Tahiti - Bora Bora...

An exciting new SUP crossing for Bart de Zwart  in the rich paddle culture of French Polynesia. In the next weeks Bart will have regular updates with the  gear he is using.  See some details about this crossing. Bart's SUP blog: The French Polynesian Crossing, Tahiti - Bora Bora...:

Desjoyeaux leading the transatlantic race - Vendée Globe 2016

© Alexis Courcoux

 

Michel Desjoyeaux, two times winner of the Vendée Globe, is currently leading the Transat AG2R LA MONDIALE, sailing with Corentin Horeau on the Figaro Bretagne-Crédit Mutuel Performance. Jean Le Cam and Kito de Pavant are not far behind. But a word of caution, as the fleet has split in two with clear options to the north and south.

A lot has happened over the past few days in the double-handed transatlantic race between Concarneau and Saint Barth, in which a number of Vendée Globe sailors are competing. The most spectacular development has been that the fleet scattered after passing through the gate off La Palma in the Canaries. In short, a low-pressure area without any wind was blocking their route and disturbing the trade winds, which we usually find here. Nine boats chose a radical route due south after passing this gate. They were moving away from the direct route and extending their voyage in the hope of picking up some stronger downwind conditions. The other five made the opposite choice by heading off on a northerly route attempting to make their way westwards remaining closer to the direct route and therefore not having to sail too many extra miles.

How important is the final double points race? / Extreme Sailing Series

The final race of each Extreme Sailing Series™ Act is worth double points, and more often than not the outcome of the event is riding on it. Using the SAP sailing analytics, we took a look at all of the final races from the last 16 months, and found that keeping a cool head and performing under pressure can make all the difference.

Over the last nine Acts (seven in 2013, and two in 2014), the reigning champions The Wave, Muscat have won an incredibly impressive 67% of the events. Of the events they won, they also sailed to victory in 50% of the final races, often winning the Act in that moment. For the Omani team, the double points race seems to be of the upmost importance to their Act winning tactics.

Results - Florida State Paddleboard Championship

 

As promised, here are the top three results by watercraft type, gender, age group and overall results for all paddlers from todays Florida State Paddleboard Championship.  Thanks again to all those from the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum for putting on a great event.

 

Related stories; http://watermennews.blogspot.com/2014/04/exciting-surf-conditions-greet-paddlers.html 

 

Photos; https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.697658113632945.1073741835.455174831214609&type=3&uploaded=109

 

Click below for complete results;

Exciting Surf Conditions Greet Paddlers for the Florida State Paddleboard Championship – Cocoa Beach FL

About 60 intrepid athletes competed today in the Florida State Paddleboard Championship (FSPBC) in Cocoa Beach, FL.  The FSPBC an annual event is held in conjunction with the Easter Surf Festival, a four day event that draws 15,000 to 20,000 spectators daily.

 

The spectator friendly event organized by the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum once again proved to be exciting as the paddlers negotiated rough 4-5 foot surf in various watercraft to include outrigger canoes, surf skis, prone paddleboards and standup paddleboards at the start and the finish of the 7 mile open ocean course at the famous Cocoa Beach Pier.

As with all ocean events in the Cocoa Beach area it was once again good to see the Cocoa Beach Fire Department provided on water ocean rescue support with their PWC and rescue sleds. Special Aquatic Service had the pleasure of teaching their first PWC rescue class.

Overall Champions

Reid Hyle		Surfski	Open	male	00:57:06	1
Josh Ashley		Surfski	Open	male	01:13:03.98	2
Mark Weinzierl		OC-1	Open	male	01:16:14.73	3

 

Check back for complete results as they become available. 

More photos available at; https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.697658113632945.1073741835.455174831214609&type=3&uploaded=109

UPDATE, results are now posted at; http://watermennews.blogspot.com/2014/04/results-florida-state-paddleboard.html

Video - Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championships: EP2: The Champs

From the M2O 2013 Mercer in front with Leeann 400 yards back.
 

Founded in 1997, the Molokai-2-Oahu Paddleboard World Championships, presented by Kona Longboard Island Lager, is set to celebrate its 18th anniversary on July 27, 2014. The annual race has grown from a grassroots challenge for the legendary lifeguards and watermen of Oahu to the premiere event for the sport of paddleboarding. More than 250 courageous men and women from 15 countries will attempt to cross 32 miles of treacherous open ocean known as the Ka'iwi (kah-EE-vee) Channel from Kaluakoi Beach on the north shore of Molokai to Maunalua Bay on the south shore of Oahu.  Watch the newest video released by the M2O this week.

Surfing in Alaska with photographer Scott Dickerson - GrindTV.com

When one mentions the term “boat trip,” visions of the Mentawais and swaying palm trees fill the minds of surfers. Well, most surfers. For a certain dedicated bunch, a boat trip is a chance to scour un-surfed coastline in a region better known for heli-skiing than surfing. Meet Alaska-based surfer and photographer Scott Dickerson. Dickerson and his pals have turned their focus away from palm-fringed beaches and toward soaring bald eagles and snow-covered peaks that dip into the Gulf of Alaska. Aboard the good ship Milo, these guys are on the front line of surf discovery in Alaska. Here’s their story.

What are some of the challenges to surfing in Alaska? It seems like the first one would be getting to the surf spots.
Most people assume the cold and extreme weather conditions would be the biggest hurdle to surfing in Alaska. If only it were that simple! Really the only time that the cold temps slow us down is when it’s so cold that freezing spray makes boating unsafe. Otherwise, as you suggested, the biggest challenge we face is accessing the waves, which are mostly tucked away in the endless miles of rugged wilderness coastline.

Have you ever had any encounters with the local wildlife, like orcas, bears, et cetera? Do you guys carry rifles to protect yourselves?
Everyone seems to like the idea of Alaskans being chased by hungry grizzly bears every time we step outside. It works good on reality TV, and fortunately that’s where it stays for the most part. We certainly take precautions to avoid unpleasant interactions with the local critters further up the food chain, but honestly your own surfboard in a closeout barrel is a lot more likely to cause you problems on a surf trip here than a bear. Occasionally sea lions will chase us out of the surf, and nobody really likes seeing killer whales up close when you are in the water. Bears don’t swim very often and we don’t spend much time on land, so we mind our own business. Camping is a different story …

Read more; Surfing in Alaska with photographer Scott Dickerson - GrindTV.com

Les Voiles de St. Barth 2014: Back to Business

Competitors at Les Voiles de St. Barth headed back to the race course today after enjoying the regatta’s traditional lay day yesterday, which gave them a chance to indulge in the French island’s onshore charms. Many regattas no longer feature such a break in the racing, but Les Voiles has maintained a five-day format (four days of racing with a mid-regatta break) since its inception five years ago, and it has proven to be a draw. In fact, more than 400 of the thousand or so sailors racing here gathered at Nikki Beach on Baie Saint Jean for lunch and some organized team sports, including water polo, stand-up paddleboard races and petanque matches

This morning dawned with a much fresher breeze than yesterday and sailors prepared for a forecasted 18-25 knot southeasterly. With the race course set off the north side of the island, most of the fleet readied by tucking in reefs and setting small jibs while they jockeyed for positions in the starting area. Shortly before the start for the Maxi and Spinnaker Zero classes, Hap Fauth’s Mini Maxi Bella Mente suffered a rig failure and had to retire. Fortunately, there were no injuries during the dismasting, and the boat motored slowly back to it’s mooring, its crew disappointed given that the 72-footer was well-sailed all week and in a close battle with Maxi class leader, Caol Ila R.   With the breeze building, the Race Committee postponed racing, sending the fleet back to shore; however, shortly after noon, signals ashore indicated a 1:30 p.m. start for eight of the nine classes (absent the Melges 24s). With the wind at 20-23 knots, the fleet enjoyed a 16 nautical mile course that took them to the north end where large ocean swells rolled through. ‘Round the world race veteran Brad Marsh, bowman on the 80 foot Selene, commented on how the 60 ton Swan was well-suited for today’s conditions, “ This afternoon’s race was fantastic: it was fun, lots of wind, beautiful big sea. Selene is a big heavy boat, in some ways the best boat to be on today – very big, very safe and comfortable. But there’s a lot of load, a lot of coordination to get things done on a big boat, with many people.”

Izzy Gomez takes the win at the Abu Dhabi All Stars amid fierce competition

Coming off an impressive win at the last stop of the Stand Up World Tour in Brazil, Izzy Gomez (Starboard) started slower at the open of the 2014 Abu Dhabi All Stars, but soon found her stride and gained momentum through the rounds to take victory at stop #3 on the 2014 Stand Up World Tour. With an incredible winning record (2 out of 3 this year and 4 out of 7 since the beginning of 2013), Izzi is proving herself to be a dominant force in the sport of Stand Up Paddling and a true Champion.  Read more: Izzy Gomez takes the win at the Abu Dhabi All Stars amid fierce competition

Eastern Caribbean whalers follow a 139-year-old tradition, now undersiege - Americas - MiamiHerald.com

We had know idea that whaling still went on in the America's.   After reading this, how do you feel, should whaling be allowed?

BEQUIA, St. Vincent -- Standing on the rocky shore, the tall, graying man looks pensively through drizzling rain at the dark clouds, listens to the angry sea and wonders if nature will deny him a whale yet another day.

Don’t call him Ishmael. Call him Kingsley. Kingsley Stowe is among what could be the last in a long line of whalers from this tiny island.

It’s whale-hunting season, and islanders are hungry for the savory meat they say tastes like beef, and the oil used in a variety of homemade remedies. But there have been only sparse sightings of the breaching humpbacks that routinely migrate south from their northern feeding grounds — and no captures.

“I don’t think we’re going to go out today,” says Stowe, 54, a harpooner and proud defender of an ancient, daring trade on the verge of disappearing.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/16/4055666/last-of-the-whalers.html?asset_id=4056045&asset_type=gallery#storylink=cpy

Read more here; BEQUIA, St. Vincent: Eastern Caribbean whalers follow a 139-year-old tradition, now under siege - Americas - MiamiHerald.com

The Florida State Paddleboard Championship, April 19, 2014

 

The Florida State Paddleboard Championship (FSPBC) is one of the longest running paddleboard races on the East Coast of the United States (since 2000).

 

It was the first race on the East Coast to offer a Stand Up Paddleboard division (in April 2007).

 

The FSPBC is held in conjunction with the Easter Surf Festival, a four day event that draws 15,000 to 20,000 spectators daily. It is held on Saturday, the busiest day. In 2014, the FSPBC will be held on April 19th.

 

This is a World Paddle Association points sanctioned event.

 

The FSPBC is a 7 mile open ocean race. The King and Queen of the Beach Competition (a 3 part sprint event consisting of a swim, paddle, and run) is held at the completion of the 7 mile race.

 

At the end of the competition, there is a free raffle offering high quality items which all paddlers have an opportunity to win.

 

All proceeds from the event go directly to the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum.

Maui To Molokai Dates Confirmed ForJuly 12th, 2014 / SUPracer.com

Feel like doing an awesome downwind race? Then get yourself to Hawaii in July, because the Maui to Molokai SUP race (which covers a stretch of water often described as “The Best Downwind Run On The Planet”) has officially been announced for July 12th, 2014. There were recent suggestions of a date change, however it sounds like it’s officially locked in on its traditional weekend (two weeks out from the Molokai 2 Oahu race).

The Maui to Molokai, which I refer to as the little brother of Molokai 2 Oahu, is a 27 mile race that starts in Honolua Bay on Maui’s west coast and finishes in the Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai. Paddlers enjoy some of the longest and steepest bumps in the world – you can almost just surf your way across the Pailolo Channel.  More; Maui To Molokai Dates Confirmed | SUPracer.com

What is Tuck Fest? / U.S. National Whitewater Center

Tuck Fest is three days out of outdoor celebrations. All images courtesy of Tuck Fest/ USNWC 

The 2^nd annual Tuck Fest is a three-day festival that celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos and live music at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC). The festival features a variety of outdoor sport competitions that include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, slacklining and adventure racing. The name “Tuck Fest” comes from the Tuckaseegee Ford and Trail, a historical landmark located at the USNWC.

New to trail running? Challenge yourself with the 5K Trail Race. Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding? Take it to the next level with the Flatwater SUP Race. Tuck Fest is rooted in the overall outdoor experience, giving guests of any age or skill level the opportunity to try something new. It’s about getting outside and enjoying our natural surroundings, by trying a new competition or simply enjoying the music and atmosphere. With more than 20 competitions in and around the river as well as live bands and participation from leaders in the outdoor industry, the festival invites athletes, spectators, and musicians to celebrate the active lifestyle.

More info: http://tuckfest.org/

Volvo Ocean Race | Cammas on Caudrelier – different styles, same objective

Franck Cammas bucks the trend of top class ocean racers who tend to be built on the very massive side. But the little Frenchman still ranks as one of the toughest around, a man whose word is law on any boat he choses to skipper. Ask him about Charles Caudrelier, though, and he immediately breaks into a broad smile.

When we caught up with the man who won the last Volvo Ocean Race at his first attempt, exhausted and unshaven he looked like he’d rather be tucked up in his bunk than answering our questions after a day of hot competition in the Extreme Sailing Series in Oman.

Talk about his fellow Frenchman Caudrelier, the newly appointed skipper of Dongfeng Race Team, though, and suddenly the defences fall away. You can barely haul him off the subject.

“Ah, Charles,” he beamed. “Charles is a very easy guy in a group. There’s never a problem with Charles.”

P1 Superstock: P1 counting down to launch of record championship season

USA Superstock
New venues, rising competitor numbers, increased TV coverage and a new commercial partnership underpin series expansion on both sides of the Atlantic

P1, the world’s biggest marine motorsport brand, has announced a record race season this year for its SuperStock powerboats and AquaX personal watercraft series in both in the USA and UK. A 70-race international calendar will get underway at Daytona Beach on the weekend of April 26/27 and the 6-event USA season will include Jacksonville for the first time, with another high-profile venue to be announced later this month.

The expansion of the USA race programme has attracted 10 SuperStock teams, including 2013 champions Andy Biddle and Tracy Blumenstein, and some 50 AquaX riders. P1 launched its AquaX series in the USA last year with just 7 competitors battling the Daytona surf, and next weekend the fleet of jet skis will have the water to itself with the SuperStock boats not starting their season until the middle of May in Stuart.

TEAM GASSE WINS CHARLOTTE HARBOR SUPER BOAT GRAND PRIX -SBI

By SBI on April 15, 2014 

Englewood Beach, Fla. (April 16th, 2014) The Super Boat International (SBI) season kicked off in high gear with the first race taking place on the Gulf Coast of Florida at Englewood Beach with Team Gasse winning the Superboat Unlimited Class. With 30 boats competing in the inaugural Charlotte Harbor Super Boat Grand Prix event, the fans and teams were wowed by the turn out and excitement of offshore racing.

Super Boat’s season opener normally starts in May but it came early this year as the teams were out in full support of the new event and venue. Team Gasse Racing came back strong this year with owner, Tor Staubo and throttleman, Johnny Tomlinson maintaining second place most of the day, then as team CMS ran out of fuel, Team Gasse surged ahead for first place and victory in the first race of the year. “What a great day. I am so excited and proud of our team for what we accomplished here today. This race site and all the local people are just so awesome,” comments Staubo.

Team STIHL took top honors in the Superboat Class with team Broadco, WHM, Cleveland Construction, and Auto Nation Racing For Cancer rounding out the field in finishing order. JR Noble of Team STIHL remarked, “we are very excited with our win and, what is even more exciting was, racing next to Broadco deck to deck. That was so much fun! I am really looking forward to the next race. I think all the Superboats are excited about the season.”

Great Video - 2012 Na Wahine O Ka Kai canoe race from Molokai to Oahu

Some amazing scenes from the paddle out through high surf at Hale O Lono harbor for to starting line of the 2012 Na Wahine O Ka Kai canoe race from Molokai to Oahu on September 22, 2012.

One Month Until the Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix In Cocoa Beach,Florida

We are less than a month away from the  5th annual Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix, better known as Thunder On Cocoa Beach, May 14-18, 2014.  Come on out and enjoy the festival like atmosphere, meet the race teams, watch the bikini contest and enjoy all the racing action taking place beachside between Cocoa Beach Pier & Lori Wilson Park.  See the complete schedule http://superboat.com/2014-cocoa-beach-schedule

More information; http://thunderoncocoabeach.com

A photo from last years Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix. 

Photo: Dave Crago

SBI-Season-Opener Wrap-Up: Strong Showing In Great Venue / Speed on the Water

While yesterday's Super Boat International season-opener technically happened off Englewood Beach, Fla., its inaugural Charlotte Harbor Grand Prix attracted a solid 30-boat field to the new venue, which drew rave reviews among the competitors. Considering that last year's SBI season-opener in Biloxi, Miss., pulled in just 12 boats, it's fair to say that the 2014 SBI offshore racing season is off to a good start with what was for all intents and purposes a "flat-water" event.  More; SBI-Season-Opener Wrap-Up: Strong Showing In Great Venue

Stihl bested a five-boat fleet to take the Superboat-class win in yesterday's SBI Charlotte Harbor season-opener. Photos courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Inaugural Charlotte Harbor Super Boat Grand Prix - Unofficial Results

A great season opener on Sunday for Super Boat International racing in beautiful Charlotte Harbor, Florida. Unofficial results by class are listed below:

Production P3: 1 - Black Pearl, 2 - 2nd Amendment, 3 - The Developer

Production P4: 1 - Rum Runners, 2 - In Tone Crazy Chicken, 3 - Two Cruel, 4 - Dare Devil, 5 - Knot Crazy, 6 - Team Raven

Superboat Stock: 1- The Hulk / Redline Oil, 2 - Top Starz Energy Drinks, 3 - Porta Products, 4 - WSM Parts, 5 - SOS Venezuela, 6 - Rollin Vengeance

Superboat Vee: 1- Smoky Mountain Brewery, 2- Sun Print, 3 - Phantom, 4 - Scott Free Racing, 5 - Absolutely Not

Superboat: 1- Stihl, 2- Broadco, 3- Cleveland Construction, 4 - WHM, 5 - Autonation Racing For Cancer

Superboat Extreme: 1- Instigator

Superboat Unlimited: 1- Gasse, 2- CMS, 3- Lucas Oil Silverhook, 4- Miss Geico

 

Watch all the racing action at; http://new.livestream.com/sbi/charlotteharbor2014

Official results will be posted as soon as they become available. 

We will see you at the next SBI race for Thunder On Cocoa Beach in Cocoa Beach, Florida. http://thunderoncocoabeach.com