Fog Puts No Damper On Run Around Longboat Key
Though Southwest Florida isn’t famous coastal fog, it has been known to come in from the Gulf of Mexico this time of year. Most often, it burns off in the afternoon as it did for much of Thursday’s Munyan Lunch Run from Sarasota to Tampa Bay.
But for today’s planned fun run around Longboat Key, the fog was particularly stubborn. Sarasota Bay was clear when the run started at 11:30 a.m., but dense fog greeted the 40-boat fleet when it attempted to get though Big Pass and into the Gulf of Mexico. The fleet reversed course, headed north and did make it outside for a photo shoot, but the window was short-lived.
When the sun make an appearance, speedonthewater.com chief photographer Pete Boden and the Longboat Key Fun Run participants made the most of it. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.
By early afternoon, the fogged had blanketed Sarasota Bay.
“It usually burns off by early afternoon,” said Ryan Beckley, the organizer of today’s Joey Gratton Memorial New Year’s Day Fun, who ran his 24-foot Skater catamaran. “By the time we got back, the whole bay was foggy. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Sarasota Bay still socked in at 4 p.m.”
Enjoy more images from yesterday’s Southwest Florida happening in the slideshow above.
Some participants in the casual happening returned to the docks early. Others stuck it out and had lunch at various waterfront restaurants.
“In the end, it all worked out,” said Chris LaMorte, who ran his 36-foot Skater. “And we got some time in the Gulf in some two- to three-footers, which I always enjoy.”
For Vermont’s Brian Hoar, who is in town for the week with his wife, Sandy, and their Statement Marine 360 catamaran, the low-visibility conditions were just part of the experience.
“We stated in beautiful sunshine with lots of amazing boats, and the craziest fog bank rolled in by the time we got to Anna Marie Island,” said Hoar, who is one of the founders and organizers of the Lake Champlain Poker Run. “Many of us stopped for lunch on Longboat Key and had great food and service. Overall, it was a nine out of 10 boating day.”
Editor’s Note: Look for a report on today’s Joey Gratton Memorial New Year’s Day Fun Run later today on speedonthewater.com.
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