12-03-2007 Fall Sailing and Bicycling in Florida

I've been (re)exploring some other sports as of late. This weekend, from the scorekeeper's pontoon barge, I got to watch the ACAT and NACRA class catamaran races in bullshark infested Boca Ciega Bay in sunny Gulfport, FL. After the races, one of the sailors let me check out first-hand how fast these ACAT boats go. ACAT's are 165 lb. sailboats that are probably closer to a windsurfer than a larger sailboat with respect to how twitchy they are with the controls. Here is some video of a moving ACAT.

This race was important, since the Ronstan ACAT Worlds are in Islamorada next weekend, and there was much positioning between the competitors.

A couple weeks ago, I took out a 16' Hobie cat in these same shark-infested waters. Sonia took a 2 day sailboat intro class this weekend, so she'll be up to sailing speed soon as well. By the way, I'd actually like to give shark meat another shot. I have not had an opportunity to taste the local bullsharks, but they must be delicious, since bulls are often delicious. I would probably try to make bullshark ceviche. Also wanted to go wakeboarding that same day, but the wind didn't die down in time for the boat to go home, so maybe next weekend. I want to experiment with a more fin-free setup, as advised by an expert.

Also have been doing some bicycling around the neighborhood, and planning some forest and trail trips, now that the weather is nice and cool. Some old rail tracks in St. Petersburg were torn out to connect the Pinellas County trail to the downtown via Tropicana Field. I plan on attempting the unfinished trail with my mountain bike this week. I have some "Town and Country" tires which should be up to the task.