Underwater Racing this weekend in KW

[Bobcat]

Looks like fun.

Participants using diver propulsion vehicles are to race around the superstructure of the 523-foot-long Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, a former military troop transport and missile tracking ship.

The Vandenberg was sunk in 2009 approximately seven miles off Key West. The bottom of its hull rests on sand in approximately 150 feet of water, but the massive ship’s superstructure begins about 45 feet below the surface.

2010 Race Highlights

The Vandenberg Underwater Grand Prix kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 18, with a racers meeting at the Rum Barrel, 528 Front St. Directions

Saturday morning, a 9 a.m. diver propulsion vehicle certification class is scheduled at the lagoon at Florida Keys Community College, 5901 College Road, for any racers who are not yet DPV certified. Other Saturday events include scooter demonstrations, race practice and manufacturer races. Directions

Dean Woods of the Scuba Shack in Key West pulls ahead of Dean Vitale of Pegasus Thruster of Miami. Vitale won the race with a time of 4 minutes and 5 seconds. (Photo: Douglas Rudolph)

Lunch, gear and tank rentals are available through the Florida Keys Community College Dive Club.

The Grand Prix race is to begin at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 20, at the dock at Seaduction Dive Center, 1605 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Divers are to race around the top of the Vandenberg’s superstructure, competing in four classes to achieve the fastest speeds while staying within safety parameters. Directions

An awards ceremony is scheduled at the Seaduction dock following the race.

Race entry fees are $50 per diver. Click to Register

Discounts are available at the event’s host properties, the Lexington Hotel and Quality Inn in Key West. Reference the Wreck Racing League when booking. Hotel Information

For the latest information and updates please monitor: facebook.com/#!/FormulaH20 or

[rschap1]

Ah

the old submarine races trick

[Bobcat]

I think they picked a bad weekend.....I've got one of the sleds if anyone wants to use it today.

[Ratickle]

I'm not sure the weather will effect the crowds in the grandstands all that much......


I just can't see that being a big spectator sport......



Or are they afraid the contestants may get wet?????

[Bobcat]

More like

[mdkeywest]

Well the weather will still be good once they take the plunge !

But the weather on this saturday does Stink ,very rare,ly do we get a whole bad day .

I,ve got two of the small yellow ones , they are slow tho .
Lots of litnin, out there rite now

[TUCK646]

I don't know, kinda reminds me of trolling for mako's

[Bobcat]

I don't know, kinda reminds me of trolling for mako's

They should be getting ready if it is a go. 18 MPH wind with gusts to 29 MPH. 40% chance of rain , but fairly clear right now.

[Ratickle]

So, did they have it?


Was it a photo finish and you got the shot??????



Were the grandstands packed?????

[Bobcat]

I talked to some Charter boat guys who went out yesterday and got beat up pretty good on a 52' footer. They said no one else was anywhere around, and that the mooring buoys for the Vandenberg wreck were not visible due to wave height.

[Ratickle]

I guess that means they had to reschedule?


Now you'll have time to practice and enter.......


Put a waterproof Go-Pro on your head and send us the vid.....