The third edition of Passages took to the waters of the Southern United Sailing Sims today when nine Tradewind brigatines set sail. Of the nine boats, one ended up retiring due to SL problems (Bea Woodget) and another (Kentrock Messmer) did not correctly complete his chosen course, but he finished with a great time. Grin.

Of the seven boats that completed the journey five opted for the Western version of the “course” (Jane Fossett, EJ Courtois, Bato Brendal, Croco Capalini, and Epicurus Emmons) while only two took to the east initially (Oliphant Ming, Yuu Nakamichi).

A few protests were lodged during the event and the discussions were continuing at press time following the event. Epicurus Emmons has established himself as the clear Passages leader by recording a second victory today to match his victory last week.

First place went to Epicurus Emmons with a time of 49.85 minutes (digital minutes). Second place went to Oliphant Ming with 50.26 minutes. Third was Bato Brendel at 50.55 minutes. Finishing in fourth with a time of 52.15 minutes was Croco Capalini. Fifth place went to Yuu Nakamichi at 53.01 minutes. Also completing the “course” was EJ Courtois with a time of 54.08 minutes.

Photos: Top photo: Jane and EJ lead the fleet from the line in the three phase staggered start. Second photo: The third phase boats preparing to start. Third Photo: MarkTwain White looks on as boats prepare to round South Rock. Fourth Photo: A crowd gathers at the finish line waiting for the fleet to arrive. From left to right: MarkTwain White, Bea Wooget who had to abandon the race, Cory Copeland, Liv Leigh who slunk in during the event in her German U-boat. We were initially concerned about the mysterious vessel following Epicurus. and Joepie Korobase, who is Governor of Santa Rosa Island which the fleet passes right after the start and prior to the finish.

I continue to plan to create a nice video from footage and images gathered during Passages. RL events have slowed down that project. But it is coming. -MTW