ricki
05-29-2012, 10:23 AM
It is dive race time again on the Vandenberg off Key West, FL for the third year running!
http://wreckracingleague.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Vandenberg-Grand-Prix-BACK.jpg
I didn't think I would be able to come to this year's race due to family commitments but was able to make it down for the actual race day. There is a nice summary of happenings including the first two days of the event on Lisa Mongy's Divewire at: http://www.diverwire.com/post/scuba-community-news/underwater-racers-compete-in-third-annual-vandenberg-grand-prix/
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/albums/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/1%20start%20IMG_0893.jpg?m=1338001815
The starting point for the races on Sunday morning, the Seaduction Dive Shop (http://www.seaduction.com/keywestscubadiving/) on North Roosevelt Blvd. Key West, FL.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/2%20heading%20out.jpg?m=1338001817
Heading out. Unless otherwise noted on the images, these photos were provided by Dave Sirak of the Wreck Racing League. Many were actually captures from GoPro video footage.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/3%20prep%20IMG_0951.jpg?m=1338001818
Natalie describes the course
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/4%20flag%20IMG_0956.jpg?m=1338001818
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/6%20dave%20IMG_0975.jpg?m=1338001828
Race organizer Dave Sirak shows off some of the camera gear devoted to capturing the race.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/5%20get%20ready%20IMG_0967.jpg?m=1338001817
Dave Sirak and Dave Hartman gear up to place the race course markers. They have this down so well it only takes about ten minutes.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/5%20GOPR0552-1.jpg?m=1338001820
We're tied into the Vandenberg and moving down to the race area on the ship.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/course%20s_r07_0RTXO3OZ.jpg?m=1338304614
The race area along the 531 ft. Vandenberg. The Recreational Class did three laps while the Expedition Class completed five laps.
The Vandenberg off the Key West Customs House prior to sinking about six miles south of the island. Original photo: Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/11a%20j%20%26%20l.jpg?m=1338001828
We hang out forward of one of the radar mounts for the race to start. Race organizer Joe Weatherby flexes along with Lisa Mongy.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/11%20a%201%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201.jpg?m=133800 1829
They have set up a GoPro camera trap at the start/finish line to document each lap the racers make. It also shows the starting lineup well too.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/10%20GOPR8115.jpg?m=1338001830
Natalie checks with each racer that they are ready for the start while Marissa with race sponsor, Pegasus Thrusters looking on.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/12%20cam%20start%20GOPR8235.jpg?m=1338001831
Capturing some video just before the start with a boat on the surface 70 ft. overhead.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/15%20starting%20line%20up.jpg?m=1338001843
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/20%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201-2.jpg?m=1338001843
We're off!
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/22%20%20go%20GOPR0552-5.jpg?m=1338001847
I decided to shoot the race with two GoPro cameras setup on a Quickpod monopod with one facing forward and one aft. Just starting to move out.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/21%20start%20up%20SIRAK%20RACE%20GOPRO2.jpg?m=1338 001847
Another view of the start.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/23%20rgi%20GOPR0552-4.jpg?m=1338002080
A shot with Lisa in tight to the right as we start the first lap.
Not to interrupt the race too long but there is more imagery from this outstanding dive site including background, stills and video at:
http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?t=6019&page=2
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/25%20lisa%20and%20david.jpg?m=1338002084
There is Lisa at the outbound turning point moving along with her Pegasus Thruster unit. Dave Hartman is the safety diver on station at this point shown to the right.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/29a%20rgi%20GOPR0552-6.jpg?m=1338002084
I think this was during the first lap with another racer shown just before the turning point in the background.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/29%20lap%202%20GOPR8470.jpg?m=1338002085
Pat Gaughan passes through the start/finish line for another lap.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/30%20lisa%20GOPR8787.jpg?m=1338002087
On Lisa's "six" getting caught in prop wash.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/28%20dish%20GOPR8633.jpg?m=1338002130
I think that is Mike Vivona moving along on his customized Dive-X Cuda. It is a very fast scooter but I understand the modified battery allows a fairly short burn interval but at high speed.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/34%20lap%201%20GOPR8355.jpg?m=1338002175
Visibility was better than last year but was still fairly low. The water really didn't have that great blue cast either which really adds to the images. I was out the weekend before thinking I wouldn't be able to make the race and had nice 70 ft. viz in blue water. That's the ocean for you.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/33%20Joe%202%20%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201-1.jpg?m=1338002176
Joe Weatherby completes a lap captured by the camera trap.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/37%20owner%20finish%20n%20rgi%20START%20FINISH%20C AM%201-2.jpg?m=1338002176
The owner of Seaduction finishes his recreational class race.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/31%20rgi%20lap%201%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201-3.jpg?m=1338002177
Running through for another lap past the camera trap.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/38%20Lisa%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201-1.jpg?m=1338002185
Number 24 makes another lap.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/40%20%20kelly%20upside%20down%20START%20FINISH%20C AM%201-2.jpg?m=1338002187
Kelly Friend throws a victory barrel roll through the finish.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/35%20flag%20GOPR8982.jpg?m=1338002178
Natalie waves in the finishers with the checkered flag.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/42%20Rick%20overhead.jpg?m=1338002188
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/45%20m%20n%20l%20GOPR9438.jpg?m=1338002189
Post race huddle
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/51%20dave%20surfacing%20SIRAK%20RACE%20GOPRO2-1.jpg?m=1338002189
Dave checks out cameras shooting cameras shooting cameras on his safety stop.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/70%20b%20group%20IMG_0914.jpg?m=1338002191
Group shot of the racers, organizers and specatators.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/150%20judging%20IMG_0996.jpg?m=1338002197
Going over the images back at the shop, doing the final judging for the race. There is Chad Newman with Digital Island Media on the left working up a video and press release for global distribution on AP about the race. You can see a copy of the video below:
*** VIDEO ***
42549988
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/KW%20Citizen%20Article%20s.jpg?m=1338304614
The Key West Citizen did some coverage on the race as well. That is Joe in the top shot and Mike in the bottom one.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/170%20winners%20IMG_1026.jpg?m=1338002197
The winners! Race organizer Joe Weatherby on the left, followed by Lisa Mongy (won first place in Expedition B using a Pegasus Thruster), race organizer Natalie Oriente, Rick Iossi (overall Grand Champion for a second year using an Apollo Evolution) and Pat Gaughan (won Recreation Class using a Torpedo 2500).
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/200%20end%20IMG_1097.jpg?m=1338002198
Another great event in the Keys, thanks for putting the race on! Next stop, Pompano Beach in June 15th – 17th for the Gold Coast Underwater Grand Prix. More info at: http://wreckracingleague.com/?page_id=2496 You can see images from a past race at: http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?t=9965
.
http://wreckracingleague.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Vandenberg-Grand-Prix-BACK.jpg
I didn't think I would be able to come to this year's race due to family commitments but was able to make it down for the actual race day. There is a nice summary of happenings including the first two days of the event on Lisa Mongy's Divewire at: http://www.diverwire.com/post/scuba-community-news/underwater-racers-compete-in-third-annual-vandenberg-grand-prix/
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/albums/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/1%20start%20IMG_0893.jpg?m=1338001815
The starting point for the races on Sunday morning, the Seaduction Dive Shop (http://www.seaduction.com/keywestscubadiving/) on North Roosevelt Blvd. Key West, FL.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/2%20heading%20out.jpg?m=1338001817
Heading out. Unless otherwise noted on the images, these photos were provided by Dave Sirak of the Wreck Racing League. Many were actually captures from GoPro video footage.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/3%20prep%20IMG_0951.jpg?m=1338001818
Natalie describes the course
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/4%20flag%20IMG_0956.jpg?m=1338001818
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/6%20dave%20IMG_0975.jpg?m=1338001828
Race organizer Dave Sirak shows off some of the camera gear devoted to capturing the race.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/5%20get%20ready%20IMG_0967.jpg?m=1338001817
Dave Sirak and Dave Hartman gear up to place the race course markers. They have this down so well it only takes about ten minutes.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/5%20GOPR0552-1.jpg?m=1338001820
We're tied into the Vandenberg and moving down to the race area on the ship.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/course%20s_r07_0RTXO3OZ.jpg?m=1338304614
The race area along the 531 ft. Vandenberg. The Recreational Class did three laps while the Expedition Class completed five laps.
The Vandenberg off the Key West Customs House prior to sinking about six miles south of the island. Original photo: Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/11a%20j%20%26%20l.jpg?m=1338001828
We hang out forward of one of the radar mounts for the race to start. Race organizer Joe Weatherby flexes along with Lisa Mongy.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/11%20a%201%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201.jpg?m=133800 1829
They have set up a GoPro camera trap at the start/finish line to document each lap the racers make. It also shows the starting lineup well too.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/10%20GOPR8115.jpg?m=1338001830
Natalie checks with each racer that they are ready for the start while Marissa with race sponsor, Pegasus Thrusters looking on.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/12%20cam%20start%20GOPR8235.jpg?m=1338001831
Capturing some video just before the start with a boat on the surface 70 ft. overhead.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/15%20starting%20line%20up.jpg?m=1338001843
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/20%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201-2.jpg?m=1338001843
We're off!
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/22%20%20go%20GOPR0552-5.jpg?m=1338001847
I decided to shoot the race with two GoPro cameras setup on a Quickpod monopod with one facing forward and one aft. Just starting to move out.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/21%20start%20up%20SIRAK%20RACE%20GOPRO2.jpg?m=1338 001847
Another view of the start.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/23%20rgi%20GOPR0552-4.jpg?m=1338002080
A shot with Lisa in tight to the right as we start the first lap.
Not to interrupt the race too long but there is more imagery from this outstanding dive site including background, stills and video at:
http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?t=6019&page=2
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/25%20lisa%20and%20david.jpg?m=1338002084
There is Lisa at the outbound turning point moving along with her Pegasus Thruster unit. Dave Hartman is the safety diver on station at this point shown to the right.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/29a%20rgi%20GOPR0552-6.jpg?m=1338002084
I think this was during the first lap with another racer shown just before the turning point in the background.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/29%20lap%202%20GOPR8470.jpg?m=1338002085
Pat Gaughan passes through the start/finish line for another lap.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/30%20lisa%20GOPR8787.jpg?m=1338002087
On Lisa's "six" getting caught in prop wash.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/28%20dish%20GOPR8633.jpg?m=1338002130
I think that is Mike Vivona moving along on his customized Dive-X Cuda. It is a very fast scooter but I understand the modified battery allows a fairly short burn interval but at high speed.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/34%20lap%201%20GOPR8355.jpg?m=1338002175
Visibility was better than last year but was still fairly low. The water really didn't have that great blue cast either which really adds to the images. I was out the weekend before thinking I wouldn't be able to make the race and had nice 70 ft. viz in blue water. That's the ocean for you.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/33%20Joe%202%20%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201-1.jpg?m=1338002176
Joe Weatherby completes a lap captured by the camera trap.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/37%20owner%20finish%20n%20rgi%20START%20FINISH%20C AM%201-2.jpg?m=1338002176
The owner of Seaduction finishes his recreational class race.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/31%20rgi%20lap%201%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201-3.jpg?m=1338002177
Running through for another lap past the camera trap.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/38%20Lisa%20START%20FINISH%20CAM%201-1.jpg?m=1338002185
Number 24 makes another lap.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/40%20%20kelly%20upside%20down%20START%20FINISH%20C AM%201-2.jpg?m=1338002187
Kelly Friend throws a victory barrel roll through the finish.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/35%20flag%20GOPR8982.jpg?m=1338002178
Natalie waves in the finishers with the checkered flag.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/42%20Rick%20overhead.jpg?m=1338002188
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/45%20m%20n%20l%20GOPR9438.jpg?m=1338002189
Post race huddle
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/51%20dave%20surfacing%20SIRAK%20RACE%20GOPRO2-1.jpg?m=1338002189
Dave checks out cameras shooting cameras shooting cameras on his safety stop.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/70%20b%20group%20IMG_0914.jpg?m=1338002191
Group shot of the racers, organizers and specatators.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/150%20judging%20IMG_0996.jpg?m=1338002197
Going over the images back at the shop, doing the final judging for the race. There is Chad Newman with Digital Island Media on the left working up a video and press release for global distribution on AP about the race. You can see a copy of the video below:
*** VIDEO ***
42549988
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/KW%20Citizen%20Article%20s.jpg?m=1338304614
The Key West Citizen did some coverage on the race as well. That is Joe in the top shot and Mike in the bottom one.
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/170%20winners%20IMG_1026.jpg?m=1338002197
The winners! Race organizer Joe Weatherby on the left, followed by Lisa Mongy (won first place in Expedition B using a Pegasus Thruster), race organizer Natalie Oriente, Rick Iossi (overall Grand Champion for a second year using an Apollo Evolution) and Pat Gaughan (won Recreation Class using a Torpedo 2500).
http://www.fksa.org/gallery3/var/resizes/Florida/Admin-File/album346/album348/2012-Vandenberg-Scooter-Race/200%20end%20IMG_1097.jpg?m=1338002198
Another great event in the Keys, thanks for putting the race on! Next stop, Pompano Beach in June 15th – 17th for the Gold Coast Underwater Grand Prix. More info at: http://wreckracingleague.com/?page_id=2496 You can see images from a past race at: http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?t=9965
.