The last of the entrants arrived this morning. As I write I can point to and identify the team names of about 30 boats, 4 of which can be considered amongst the favorites. I’ve made it a point to meet each of the crews and found some really interesting people. And some real nut jobs. Internationally-recognized professional teams, and local rowers.
Pedal power seems to becoming the preferred alternate power source when a system can be designed for the boat. (Without a motor, you can either row or pedal when there is no wind. Sailboats can’t be steered without wind.) Some boats (primarily Canadian) are being designed to accommodate pedal power, which is really only necessary for this race.
Several of the trimarans are bare-bones. Three hulls with a net stretched over them, a mast, and appropriate rigging. No shelter, no bunks, no galley. Navigation is done with a smartphone. I was watching the safety inspections today. The bare-minimum Coast Guard requirements were checked, but it was obvious several had just bought a package of required stuff (Flares, signal lamps, etc).
This afternoon was the pre-race party, and a couple of thousand people from the region came to walk the docks and look at boats. A large number of the teams were extremely courteous and informative. Spectators went away happy, but it was a constant flow of folks through my RV spot.
Tomorrow at 0500 is the start. Rain, possibly heavy, is forecast, with light winds. The worse possible forecast. I’ll be up at 3 AM as the boats try to unravel the marina with no motors.