Carbon Cruising Sets New Islander Reef Run Record But Islander Watersports Takes Top Honor. Formerly the Hosbreath 100, buy cialis the Islander Reef Run was a sled ride from Islamorada to Key West. Bret Moss skippered Carbon Cruising’s Marstrom 20, with Mark Jones as crew, set a new course record with a time of 4:05.14, besting the prior record by 26 minutes. At the end of the day, it was Islander Watersports, skippered by Dennis Green on a Nacra 6.0, that beat Carbon Cruising on corrected time with Trevor Gordon as their secret weapon crew.
Bret Moss commented on the new record: “We are using custom sails developed by Landenberger Sails in Coconut Grove. The sails gave us the edge to set a course record only using a main where Islander Watersports had a main and a jib. Landenberger Sails develops sails for any platform but they specialize in Marstrom and A Cats.
Dennis Green commented on the win: Trevor joined the team at the last moment but turned to out to be the perfect fit with his sailing experience and heavier weight. This was his first time on a catamaran and he did not make a single mistake the entire race in the 20+ mph winds.
All the action was followed live with satellite tracking provided by TrackLeaders.com. The two teams were less than a mile apart during the entire 80 mile race with an elapsed time difference of 0:04.25. Islander Watersports corrected time difference was 0:10.25. Winds were blowing at 17-18 mph out of the SE at start with winds over 20 reported later in the race. The conditions were favorable for the Nacra 6.0 team with a main and a jib but they could not take line honors from the Marstrom 20 which sailed only under main. Carbon Cruising tried their spinnaker for a short time but Islander Watersports gained ground so they were forced to stowed it. Strong winds were far enough from the South to allow both teams to complete the course on a single tack. Wash board activity was reported passing the bridge areas, and at times total visual white out due to wave froth action.
Due to the predicted bad weather and close proximity in time to the Tybee 500, only four teams showed up, three boats started, and two boats finished the race. Spirits were not dampened, race control stayed the course and a good time was had by all. The post-race the party and awards presentation started at Salsa Loca restaurant just off Duval street and the teams and race committee continued the party in historical downtown Key West.
The Islander Reef Run is the first of four for the Endurance Series. The race is not a race for beginners but is a challenging race for experienced sailors. A different date is being considered for next year that won’t conflict with the Tybee 500 and other races this time of year. The next Endurance Series race is Gilligan’s Run on July 24th.
