The 2nd Annual Fall Showdown at Ft. Walton, to put it simply, was nothing short of a first-class regatta. Hosted by Bobby "Bouchet" Nabors, owner of LIquid Surf and Sail, and the Ft. Walton Yacht Club (yes, he owns the yacht club too), the Showdown assumed the role of the final stop in both the Southeast Race Series and the National Race Tour. Starting up a world class regatta doesn't usually happen overnight, but M. Bouchet's immense drawing power was evidenced by the myriad of license plates, from such states as Florida, Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, Mississippi, Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and California, and even Miami (that state just south of Florida). The combination of the yacht club access to the clear water of Choctawhatchee Bay, the massively discounted rates at the Ramada Beach Plaza Hotel, a reasonable regatta entry fee, two kegs, and lots of wind is a recipe for one thing: success.
The gusty northwest wind on Saturday ranged from marginal to ripping, ideal for hybrid racing, and challenging for formula as racers struggled alternately to stay on the plane or on the board. Under the able race management team of Joe and Tina Quimby, five races were had by all fleets. Although the wind was lighter on Sunday, the longboard fleet, including the new Kona class, enjoyed two very tactical long distance races in the warm Florida sunshine. Overall, in the Longboard Fleet, Mark Boersma (MI), Mike Shulman (FL), and Tom Ballasch (FL) finished in the top three. Top finishers in the Formula Fleet included Ron Kern (FL), Joan Aguilo (FL), and Eduardo Owen (MIA). The Hybrid Fleet winners were Lee Huels (FL), Mark Zuteck (TX), and Kevin Gratten (WI). In summary, while it was sad to see the St. Pete event go, it was highly gratifying to see the Showdown do so well. I highly recommend it.
The 2nd Annual Fall Showdown at Ft. Walton, to put it simply, was nothing short of a first-class regatta. Hosted by Bobby "Bouchet" Nabors, owner of LIquid Surf and Sail, and the Ft. Walton Yacht Club (yes, he owns the yacht club too), the Showdown assumed the role of the final stop in both the Southeast Race Series and the National Race Tour. Starting up a world class regatta doesn't usually happen overnight, but M. Bouchet's immense drawing power was evidenced by the myriad of license plates, from such states as Florida, Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, Mississippi, Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and California, and even Miami (that state just south of Florida). The combination of the yacht club access to the clear water of Choctawhatchee Bay, the massively discounted rates at the Ramada Beach Plaza Hotel, a reasonable regatta entry fee, two kegs, and lots of wind is a recipe for one thing: success. 
The gusty northwest wind on Saturday ranged from marginal to ripping, ideal for hybrid racing, and challenging for formula as racers struggled alternately to stay on the plane or on the board. Under the able race management team of Joe and Tina Quimby, five races were had by all fleets. Although the wind was lighter on Sunday, the longboard fleet, including the new Kona class, enjoyed two very tactical long distance races in the warm Florida sunshine. Overall, in the Longboard Fleet, Mark Boersma (MI), Mike Shulman (FL), and Tom Ballasch (FL) finished in the top three. Top finishers in the Formula Fleet included Ron Kern (FL), Joan Aguilo (FL), and Eduardo Owen (MIA). The Hybrid Fleet winners were Lee Huels (FL), Mark Zuteck (TX), and Kevin Gratten (WI). In summary, while it was sad to see the St. Pete event go, it was highly gratifying to see the Showdown do so well. I highly recommend it. 