In completely contrary conditions from a week ago (when it was blowing icicles off the igloos), the 160-mile Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race saw 55 boats set off today in 72 degrees and a light northerly breeze. As forecast, the wind is creating a 'jibefest' for the boats heading in a southwesterly direction, basically dead down wind. The navigators will work now to keep their boat along a pretty narrow line, between the Gulf Stream to the left and the coral reefs to the right. ‘Slow or Stop’ are the options to the sides of the course, neither of which is desirable. The lower keys are showing a bit more breeze, but certainly no records this year, with lead boat Rambler (Reichel-Pugh 90) looking at an early Thursday morning finish, with the balance of the fleet hopefully arriving by lunch time.
