Many years ago when it was the Whitbread they had a stopover in Annapolis and the local sailing community provided a great welcome for the sailors, I think it was a 10 day layover and we went to the final days events. Outstanding sailors, outstanding boats, just a nice day with some great people Gary M17 In a message dated 11/6/2011 10:33:06 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, tim@timtone.com writes: Although I realize we are a merry band of small boat sailors, it may be of interest to some of you folks that one of the greatest sailing spectacles of all started yesterday. The race that was once known as The Whitbread is now The Volvo Ocean Race. Volvo has been the deal for a few years now. Dig it: -The fast 70 foot mono hulls on the planet....soon to broach the 600NM in 24 hour record....commonly bounce off 40knots....can spend whole watches never below 20 knots. Part boat....part submarine. -10 man crew, one media guy. Plus on-shore support crews. -They sail 9 legs, the first one is from Spain to Cape Town (6500NM). -A race around the world....around the Horn. The start yesterday, Alicante Spain....left the gate in 20 knots of breeze and once out into the Strait of Gibraltar were beating into 30 knot gusts and the seas that go along with it. Within 7 hours one boat was dismasted and now a second has taken on hull damage at the bow. Down to four boats. I have followed this kind of racing since the late 70's. The F1/Dakar of the sailing world. Great speed, endurance and drama. In our modern age it has become a great joy to follow these races. The internet ROCKS! Good Sunday to you all. Tim in Kelowna. M17 Puff #300 and something.......