We've finalized the course for the Soggy Dollar Bar Dash for Cash SUP Relay Race. Paddler's will race from Tortola's Trellis Bay to the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost van Dyke. Hard to believe it is now just a little more than two months away.
Have you gotten your team together? Each team must be comprised of three members, and one of those members must be female. We're keeping things interesting!
We think the stand-up paddlers are going to find it both fun and challenging. Take a look:
Start: Dash for Cash
At the Eastern point of Trellis Bay, the first paddler from each team
starts in the shallow waters at the top of the bay. The support
boats hover offshore ready to pace the racers as they head downwind
through the Caminoe channel towards Guana Island. Strong winds will
push the paddlers. The current may be flooding in which case it’ll add
an extra couple knots of speed. If the current is moving upwind then
expect big rollers in the middle of the channel. Estimated start time
is 9:00am on Friday, July 6.
1st Changeover: Guana Island Cut
Teams
must make their first changeover by the narrow cut separating
Tortola and Guana Island. The sea conditions flatten out and racers can
choose to stay inshore out of the wind and in almost mirror flat sea
conditions. Support boats will be in the area to assist paddlers as they enter and exit the race.
Course Conditions: Tortola’s North Shore
Sea
conditions will get challenging as the swell bounces off the several
headlands that define the North shore of Tortola. This might be the
most difficult portion of the race.
2nd Changeover: Brewers Bay
Teams
must make their second changeover by the time the second paddler reaches the
Eastern point of Brewers Bay. The course opens up after Brewers Bay, as paddlers head into open water. If the wind is from the South teams
should paddle a more South Westerly route; if the wind is from the East
then a simple direct line course to Jost Van Dyke will suffice.
Finish: Dash for Cash
The
first paddler to hit the beach, run up and touch the designated
finish flag wins $4,000 cash for his team! The finish may be challenging as
the paddlers thread their way through the myriad of anchored
boats in front of the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar. Second place finishers win $1,000 cash and the third place team wins $600.
If you would like to compete in the Soggy Dollar Bar Dash for Cash, email me at andym@go-hiho.com We're still accepting participants in the Highland Spring HIHO as well. And remember, registration is free for competitors in the HIHO race; $600 per team for everyone else. Hope to see you on the course in July!
