Question:
So I'm sitting eating dinner and tune into Speed Vision. What I found was
coverage of the Pacific Offshore Power Boat
Association race at Oceanside, CA. As the helicopters whirled around the
course following the go fasts, I saw my boat floating near the far end of
the course. I saw a couple of good shots - amazing how small a boat looks
on TV when taken from a helicopter. That was a memorable race as when it
started the boats were completely off course and went through the middle of
the spectator fleet. I still have visions of two thirty-something foot go
fasts, doing 60+ mph, passing on either side of my boat, one 15' off the
bow, the other 15' off the stern. We were frozen in terror. That was the
moment when I decided to stick to fishing, wooden boat shows, and
rec.boats.building.
Answer:
I suspect it was the other way round--the spectator fleet was in the
course. I was one of the committee boats for the Paralympics sailboat
races on Lake Lanier in '96...keeping the spectators out of the course
was a never ending--and largely impossible--job 'cuz everyone wanted an
unobstructed view. That was a sailboat race and I realize that
powerboats don't tack, but they do need room to make wide turns...the
"edges" of race courses on the water aren't always obvious.
