Pre-Race Practice Day, June 13, 2006 Today winds were out of the East, which is not typically for this area, and blowing 5-8. The beach here in South Padre Island is quite shallow for a distance out and produces a nice series of breaking waves which teams must navigate through to launch.

Today started off very hot, humid and slow, but the pace picked up as crews prepared for the safety inspections and some managed to get some sleep and still hit the beach. There is a great turnout of the F-18 class and a few are running the new F-18 European style chutes.

Four teams attempted to launch through the surf today; only three were successful. It made for some great photos. Tomorrow will be interesting as the tropical storm that is crossing Florida is changing the typical local weather patterns.

The teams look pretty prepared as of this evening and are now attending a mandatory meeting and team check in followed by a dinner and meeting later tonight

More to follow...

--Connie Brown
Photographer, Great Texas Race

Note: Connie will be giving us updates throughout the event! Thanks Connie.