 |
|---|
| 14 |
 |
The sun was bright for the start of the first Endurance heat. A long overhead rope is provided for the skippers to use to hold their position on the starting line. The rope is raised just before the start.
|
| 15 |
 |
The course is a rectangle; so one lap is 750 meters. Here, #5 UNO is chasing Columbia. UNO's hull is raised above the natural water line by forward and aft hydrofoils. They proved very effective and UNO placed second.
|
| 16 |
 |
Kansas State University, using boat sign #99, passes the College of New Jersey at one of the corner marks. One of the two safety patrol boats can be seen in the background. A team of judges does lap counting in the same manner used for the Indy 500 for many years.
|
| 17 |
 |
As Columbia rounds a mark, it appears that their automatic bilge pump is taking care of some excess water in the hull. One of the problems faced by most teams is that a thru hull drive shaft is the most efficient but results in the need for a "stuffing box".
|
| 18 |
 |
The weight distribution problems Arkansas had in the Sprint were minimized in the Endurance with slower speeds and the addition of the solar array. Many of the boats were so closely matched that this was not an unusual sight.
|
| 19 |
 |
The "Flyin' Lion" from New Jersey was designed to be on hydrofoils so it has a deep draft for the drive system. The result was the need to take the dolly into relatively deep water to load the boat, but the students didn't seem to mind.
|
| 20 |
 |
Students and visitors congregate along the sea wall to watch the events. With the courses laid out parallel to the wall, it was easy to see the activity.
|
| 21 |
 |
The final event was the Sprint on Sunday. Each team had a minimum of two runs. Here in the finals, Coast Guard has gotten off to a very fast start, but is having problems with the high torque of their drive system. The UNO boat takes a bit of time to get up to full speed and the USC bow is just visible on the right.
|
| 22 |
 |
Everyone is a winner. Here, the Ottawa Hills Tech Prep High School team receives its award for Perseverance. They really hung in and got points in all events except the Slalom.
|
| 23 |
 |
Although the trophy is a bit hard to spot, the University of Arkansas team did very well as the Best Rookie Team, Fourth Overall, First Place in the Solar Slalom and Second Place in Qualifying.
|
| 24 |
 |
This year, the Coast Guard Academy took Third Place Overall and again, was appreciated by everyone. Always willing to lend a hand to the organizers or other teams, they are respected and appreciated.
|
| 25 |
 |
In keeping with the Mardi Gras theme, the trophies are make of Purple Heart wood which is laser etched with the 2000 logo and filled with silver. A total of 38 awards were presented during the Event this year.
|
|
|
|---|
