Tomorrow is a very big day for the Alabama Gulf Coast. The 48th annual Dauphin Island Race takes place Saturday, April 28th on Mobile Bay. They'll race from the northern end of Mobile Bay all the way to Dauphin Island, a distance of about 18 miles. The regatta is the longest one-day point-to-point sailboat race in the US.
Regatta officials are expecting to see over 150 boats entered into this year's race, which could turn out to be one of the longest races in recent memory. Long, as measured on the clock, that is. The time the race takes depends on the weather. No wind, no race. Or in this case, too much wind from the wrong direction could make it a very long and tough race for the boats and their crews. Saturday's forecast is currently for 18 to 20 mph winds, overcast skies and scattered thunderstorms. This could make this year's regatta a good test of sailing skills, especially if the wind comes from the south.
Each boat will race with others like it in their own separate division, which will set off at staggered times. The first division will set sail at 9:30 am. Boats have until 5 pm to finish.
It should be an exciting event in which to participate, or to watch. Head on out in your boat or cruise you land yacht out to the Mobile Bay shore or to Dauphin Island and enjoy the spectacle.