2013 I-to-I Recap from Leif Given
Wind was east southeast at the start
and I was on my 2013 9m Cabrinha crossbow, and MHL Lift hydrofoil. I made
it out in front fairly quick pointing high and rounding Port Everglades
mark in 11 minutes. After taking the lead the wind picked up a knot
or two, just a bit too much for my 9m. So I started to take a few
big falls on my broad reach to Hillsboro. Thinking I had enough of a lead,
I headed low for the shore to seek less wind and less chop only to find
clumps of seaweed. This caused me a number of big wipeouts even with one
of them cartwheeling my hydrofoil into my lines. Luckily I recovered
quick, and headed back out to round the Hillsboro inlet mark as Zach Marks
passed me with Ron Kern and Fernando Martinez on the outside. I rounded
the mark just in front of Phil Muller.
After seeing that I was so far behind the leaders, and Phil almost passing
I put the hammer down back upwind gaining a fair amount of ground. Then
watching the leader Zach forced into a tack, and Ron and Fernando taking
the lead, I knew it would be close finish and was.
Overall great fun and awesome race with everyone pushing each other to
their limits. I look forward to next year. Many thanks to Ron Kern for
making this race happen, Phil Muller for the pizzas and beverages,
Adventure Sports (for the after race party), NeilPryde, Cabrinha, MHL
Foilboards, and all our other sponsors for the swag prizes. As well as,
all that who showed up to make a fun event happen. Congrats to Fernando
Martinez for 1st overall and Zach Marks 1st place for the kiters.
Leif Given