A Royal Preparation

Team Royal has finally assembled all of its members here at the Islander in Islamorada, a lovely resort and one of our gracious sponsors. So, preparations have begun, motor homes have been packed, and masts have been erected. There are now sixteen boats ready to compete in the race, and anticipation is in the air. Yesterday, while Royal Orange got some sailing in from a nearby house to the Islander, ground crew and other sailors went to a local restaurant/bar called Wahoos. There was a radio station broadcasting there, and a few of our sailors got to talk on air, including Steve Lohmayer. It was an eventful afternoon filled with lots of drinks and good vibes. One of our own ground crew, and Tybee ground crew veteran, Kaitlyn Laichak, won a raffle at wahoos, winning the team a Royal two pounds of fresh tuna, which we will be serving up tonight. There was a partial team dinner last night. And there was Key Lime pie.
As everyone makes their final tweaks and finishing touches on their boats, we all await the start of what will surely be (and always is) an eventful week. Monday, 10:00 AM on the water, it begins.

EVERYBODY WINS.