Team Cyberspeed drives through the wind and waves for a win in the ‘Keys 100 Reef Run’

Hardy souls braved blustery conditions to compete in the inaugural Keys 100 Reef Run, Saturday, April 25th. Five of an intended 10 boats decided to fight strong winds and go racing 80 miles from Islamorada to Key West. All were briefed on conditions. Averaging 18.1 mph over a five minute period, with gusts to 24, from the east, measured at the end of the pier at the Islander Resort. Major reef marks 3 miles off shore recorded wind gusts over 30 mph during the day.

The 2008 Endurance Series points were announced at the Keys 100 which was the season opener for the 2009 series. Everything came down to the final race of the year with only ten points separating the top seven boats. The last race, the Steeplechase, is a two day event covering 110 miles and navigation skills are a must.

The Keys 100 Reef Run will start Saturday morning April 25, 2009 from the Islander Resort in Islamorada (MM 82, US 1, Florida Keys). This race replaces the Hogs Breath race of years past. Several boats are already in position at the resort, to start on this forecasted 80 mile sled ride to Key West.

Starboard Marine, Panama City, FL, April 19th, 2009 A 1989 Yellow Hulled Hobie 16 was reported stolen from Starboard Marine, Back Beach Raod, Panama City, Florda. If you see this boat or have any info, please contact Pat at (850) 235-4805, Starboard Marine. Download pictures and PDF Flyer

Latest test sail and pictures of the new Hobie F18 Wild Cat

Hyeres/France, April 3 april 2009 - Team Zwitserleven Booth/Nieuwenhuis (NED) had the chance to test sail the new Hobie Wild Cat in preparation for the 2009 season. The Wild Cat is nearing completion after a long winter development program and is expected to debut in Carnac, France during the Eurocat regatta at the end of April. The new Hobie is a state of the art F18, created to race at the highest level in the ever-expanding Formula 18 class. Booth and Nieuwenhuis will contest Eurocat, Zwitserleven Race Week (including the Round Texel Race), Duc D'Albe and Formula 18 World Championships in Belgium.

Mitch Booth and Pim Nieuwenhuis were excited about the performance of the new machine and looking forward to the race season to kick off. Nieuwenhuis commented on returning to the beach: 'This boat feels great to sail and very responsive in the gusty conditions we had today." Booth added: "The helm on this boat is a dream and feels like you are gliding on ice. We have put the Wild Cat through some tough testing conditions and she has come out with full marks.'

The Wild Cat, designed by Hobie Cat Europe in conjunction with Martin Fischer (AUS), is along similar lines to the other current F18's with its wave piecing shape and reverse bow stem giving it a very distinctive look. The hulls are the most visible update for the new Hobie, but when looking closely every component has been developed to the latest and highest quality. The extreme high aspect centerboards and the super slick wing mast section just all add to the whole package of a great race boat, which is built by Hobie Cat Europe in Toulon/France.