Hydrobowl99 Pictures

September 11th, 1999 was the Hydrobowl99 HPB races. The Friday before the race Bob Buerger, Bill Murphy and I went to Pierce lake, in Rockford Il. to survey the site and set up the outer boeys. The wind was quite strong, and I had to row hard to stay in one place, while Bob positions the boeys, and Bill took sightings from the shore. We were using a rental john boat to carry the cement blocks we used as boey anchors, and the wind was strong enough that at first they were not going to let us rent the boat. After stressing that we really needed it to set up for the race on Saturday, they aquiesced (whew!).

Early Saturday morning we arrived to set up the rest of the course, and the weather was beautiful. Temperatures were in the 70s, with hardly a breeze. The racers started trickling in, and 6 of us were ready to race by Noon. Not quite the turnout we had expected, but adequate. Everyone got a change to inspect each other craft, and those who dared, took rides on the craft of their choice. Afterwards we all gathered at a Thai resturaunt, and the trophies were awarded by Bob Buerger, the race organiser. Paul was awarded the first place trophy, plus the trophy for the drag race and captains surprise. I took the second place trophy, and Bill, the third place trophy. It was a very full and exciting day, and we all went home happy, but tired.

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