Two weekends until the i-to-i long distance race. It's a fun race and strong personal challenge to go the distance. Along with racing the views from offshore are spectacular. Lots of life can be seen on the water, I've been seeing lately: flying fish, large bait fish schools, offshore sea birds like gannets, Magnificent Frigate Birds, terns, gulls, pelicans, osprey, and more. Last year we had 19 entrants, both repeat i-to-i competitors and new entrants. Hope you have decided to attend this year.

It's too early to tell what kind of conditions we'll have this year, but it's not too early to get your gear together. The race does not have an entry fee, but does have the requirement for rescue communications to be carried with you in case you get into trouble. We do not have any rescue facilities other than calling the police, a tow service, sailing out to help, or coast guard all of which would be difficult or impossible to arrange if we can't communicate with or find you. I recommend a waterproof case for your cell phone that you can use without removing it from the case. That's what I'll be carrying, as I do every time I sail offshore. For the past 6 months or so, I have been using a DryPak phone case, from Boaters World, http://www.boatersworld.com, Boater's World part #: 186048443, with my folding phone.

Dry Pak Floating Waterproof Cases -Pouches for Cameras, Radios, Cell Phones & More
Flip Phone Case -4'' x 6'' w/Lanyard & Hook
Talk & Listen through the Case!
In Stock - Usually ships within 24 hours (Mon. - Fri.) $14.99

If you order online or visit the store soon you'll have it plenty of time. Also good, probably better actually, are AquaPac cases, http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/erol.html.

Both cases offer a similar seal and don't let any water into the case. I always squeeze the case after inserting the phone into it so that I can confirm that it is waterproof and won't leak when I get in the water. I've been doing this for several years and have not damaged my phone carrying it with me. You can use the phone in the case with no issues as sound and signal pass right through the case material.

Also of importance is checking your gear. Fix or replace any questionable items in your kit. A broken line, loose footstrap, universal joint, harness hook or webbing are all problems on the water when you are several miles offshore. The Port Everglades channel marker is 2½ miles offshore and is even compounded further if there is offshore wind. You don't want to invite trouble. Get the phone case and double check your gear so you can race with peace of mind and have a great i-to-i experience. Check www.i-to-i.org for updates as well.