#miami audio visual

[lunissystemsinc]

The best AV solutions are here by Lunis Systems. We offer you every essential business need that allows you to have virtual conferences, including audio and video conferencing. We present the best in the industry and are giving you top-quality installation and aligned services.

[doesnotloveyou]

ngl the first time i saw the lights swimming over the wet black hood of the daytona and phil collins dropped the beat in a scene otherwise devoid of sound i was legit aroused. it was sexy as hell. i didn't know any tv show much less one from 1984 could do that to me but um yeah

[freshthoughts2020]

(THE CORNER® | OPEN MANUAL AUDIO VISUAL)

[lacefuneral]

we know kim hates pinball but he does like sci-fi novels, board games, hardcore music, and fantasy TTRPGs so what kind of arcade or radio games do we think this man would play?

would he hate cabinet games as an entire genre?

disco elysium's computers aren't really based in visuals so much as the storing and transmitting of data via radio waves (instead of internet) and being able to print out this data, but that isn't to say that you could not program a rudimentary screen. lights that turn on and off. maybe a pong-type deal. not to mention the existence of "video" (cassette? reel?), photographs, and audio reels implies the possibility of a Full Motion Video game. so that's two possible directions.

kim kitsuragi is like. i fucking love the hotline miami soundtrack. would be awesome to drive to. hate the visuals they are ass. hate moving around my guy made out of dots to shoot dots at other dots. wish they had the budget for video. i also hate that i have to go to the fucking arcade to play it.

[thelensofyashunews]

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR CARDI B IS HERE WITH HER SECOND RELEASE OF THE MONTH “ENOUGH (MIAMI)”

GRAMMY® Award-winning, Diamond selling superstar Cardi B is here with her latest release “Enough (Miami).” The blazing track is a street anthem in the making and the perfect record to kick off the spring break season. “Enough (Miami)” is accompanied by a high-octane companion visual (directed by: Patience Harding) and comes on the heels of Cardi’s earlier release this month, “Like What (Freestyle).” Prior to the release of “Enough (Miami),” Cardi released a viral teaser that now has accumulated 27.5M+ views, 4.5M+ likes, 44K+ comments, 231.5K+ favorites, and 9K+ creates via TikTok and still growing quickly.

Both records serve as the follow-up to last year’s iconic collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos.” Prior to “Bongos,” the pair released the historic and viral sensation, “WAP.” “WAP (Feat. Megan Thee Stallion)” affirmed Cardi B as one of Apple Music’s most popular artists of all time, earning the platform’s highest-ever debut by a female artist as well as the fastest song in Apple Music history by a female artist to peak at #1. It also went on to go #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #1 on rhythmic radio and peaked at #2 on urban radio. “WAP” also won Favorite Song - Rap / Hip-Hop at the American Music Awards and won Best Collaboration and Video of the Year at the BET Awards. It was also nominated for Collaboration of the Year at the American Music Awards, nominated for five categories at the MTV Video Music Awards, and nominated for Best Music Video at the iHeart Music Awards. The visual has now reached over 523M views and the audio now has over 3.2B streams. 

Cardi B is among the most significant musical artists of all time, regardless of genre, gender, or generation- all accomplished in less than a decade. Some of her accolades include the most #1 singles (5) on the Billboard Hot 100, the first lead artist to top the Billboard Global 200 with an album that has sold 100M certified units, the most diamond-certified songs (3) by the RIAA, and the most songs with a billion streams on Spotify including the most-streamed female rap album. In 2023, Cardi is staying quite active with her feature in a Beats By Dre ad last May and her collaboration with Whipshots saw a new flavor release for the fall: Pumpkin Spice. Cardi and Offset also appeared in McDonald’s 2023 Super Bowl Commercial, announcing the first-ever celebrity duo meal.

[davidisen]

Music Safari Miami, February 2024

Hamilton de Holanda and Gonzalo Rubalcaba were going to record an album at Criteria Recording Studios in Miami. I had to be there.

The first step was development of the material and rehearsal at Gonzalo's house, with his big Bosendorfer.

Two monsters shook the earth.

The next day the scene shifted to Criteria Studio E.

Carlos Alvarez, recording engineer, was in charge.

It's weird being in a big-studio control booth - the visual separation from the double glass is profound. But the hyper-real audio presence defies that fact.

Some songs required take after take.

Others were amazing after only one take or two.

Videographer Dani Gurgel worked hard to document the recording session.

[studiosoflo]

Are you looking for Audio Visual and video Production Equipment Rentals in Fort Lauderdale, Miami or South Florida? We are here to help you get the most affordable rentals for the same. We offer top-quality types of equipment and essentials.

[f1]

F1 Arcade set to open first United States venue at Boston Seaport

F1 Arcade, the world’s first official F1 simulator racing and social experience, has announced that it will open a new venue in the United States – at Boston Seaport – in early 2024. Following a successful start to life for the flagship London location, which has welcomed more than 8,000 fans since opening late last year, Boston Seaport will be first to bring the concept – which combines best-in-class food and drinks offerings with cutting-edge sim racing equipment – across the Atlantic. READ MORE: F1 Arcade venue offering fans the ultimate racing-themed experience set to open in London It is set to be the first of many venues in the US, as part of a plan to establish more than 20 permanent locations in America over the next five years. The Boston space boasts an enormous feature cocktail bar, several F1 circuit-inspired ceiling chandeliers and race telemetry wall neons, along with a set of high-end private rooms which can be combined to accommodate up to 200 guests. This feature is currently not available because you need to provide consent to functional cookies. Please update your cookie preferences F1 Arcade: Racing for all Multi-award-winning mixologist Peter Vestinos will deliver a carefully crafted drinks menu featuring Champagne cocktails, local craft beers and an imaginative non-alcoholic category. And the globally inspired food menu will be developed by an accomplished chef team, focused on using fresh, local ingredients from a scratch kitchen with refined hero dishes such as Seabass Ceviche and Wagyu Beef Burgers. More than 60 simulators have been designed especially for the F1 Arcade venue, each equipped with motion and audio-visual effects to fully immerse guests in the sim racing world. SAY WHAT?! Alonso watches some TV and Russell has hidden talents in the best team radio from Miami Motorsport Games’ RFactor2 racing simulation platform allows guests to choose from a variety of racing modes and compete against each other individually, in teams, or as part of all-venue racing formats, while different modes are available for all ages and abilities. “Formula 1 is enjoying significant growth globally, and we are constantly innovating to ensure that we are bringing the highest quality of sport and entertainment to new and diverse audiences,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1. The London venue has already welcomed more than 8,000 guests “F1 Arcade does exactly this by putting our fans behind the wheel of bespoke racing simulators, so they can feel the thrill of an F1 car first hand, coupled with a premium hospitality offering to match our world-renowned paddock. “The success of the London venue so far has been incredible, and we are excited to see the F1 Arcade project continue to grow as it hits the US, starting in Boston.” F1 NATION: All the chat and analysis from the Hard Rock Stadium paddock – it’s our Miami GP review Adam Breeden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of F1 Arcade, added: "Opening our first US location in Boston marks the beginning of our US roll out. “Formula 1’s success globally and particularly in the US paves the way for F1 Arcade to continue to thrill fans and importantly, also non-fans with our unique racing experience in a beautiful, high-energy environment with the very best hospitality and service.” via Formula 1 News https://www.formula1.com

[rosssamanchuk]

Ross Samanchuk of LucElectric LLC and Services

Ross Samanchuk is a co-founder of LucElectric LLC, a Miami-based company specializing in luxury smart home systems and custom lighting design. Along with his business partner Sergey Holovchenko, Samanchuk has positioned LucElectric as a leading provider of integrated smart home technologies. Their services range from architectural lighting to home security, motorized shades, and advanced audio-visual installations. They are known for delivering personalized solutions, including eco-conscious lighting and smart home systems tailored to clients’ needs, which have been used in high-end properties.

LucElectric LLC is a Miami-based company specializing in high-end smart home systems and custom lighting solutions, co-founded by Ross Samanchuk and Sergey Holovchenko. The company caters to luxury residential, commercial, and yacht projects, providing tailored services that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Here are key details about their services:

Core Services:

Smart Home Systems:

Home Automation: Full integration of smart devices including lighting, climate control, security systems, and entertainment for seamless automation and control.

Security Systems: Advanced home security solutions with features such as motion detectors, surveillance cameras, smart locks, flood sensors, and remote monitoring​

Climate Control: Automated systems for efficient heating, cooling, and air quality management, improving comfort while reducing energy costs.

Custom Lighting Design:

Architectural Lighting: LucElectric designs eco-friendly, human-centric lighting systems that align with circadian rhythms, combining adjustable color temperatures and smart controls. This service caters to both interior and exterior environments, including landscapes and luxury yachts​

LUTRON Lighting Control: LucElectric partners with LUTRON to offer smart lighting management solutions that enhance energy efficiency and extend lamp life, ensuring a perfect blend of elegance and functionality​(

Motorized Shades:

LucElectric provides premium motorized shade solutions that combine aesthetics with automation. They integrate seamlessly with smart home systems to control natural light, providing privacy and energy efficiency.

Audio/Video Installations:

The company offers advanced audio-visual systems, including invisible speakers, 360-degree acoustic setups, and home theater solutions. This includes both indoor and outdoor sound systems designed to deliver an immersive experience​.

Project Approach:

LucElectric LLC manages projects comprehensively, from discovery and design to installation, testing, and post-installation support. They emphasize personalized service and innovative design to meet client needs, ensuring a premium smart living experience​.

LucElectric has earned a reputation for working on high-profile projects, including the integration of smart home systems for rapper Rick Ross’s Star Island mansion​.

Follow Ross Samanchuk for more updates!

[skaddy111]

Capture Your Moments with OSSS Videographers: Miami’s Premier Choice for Event Videography and More

Welcome to OSSS Videographers, where we specialize in capturing life’s most cherished moments through expert wedding photography, top-notch music production, and creative event videography services. Our mission is to provide you with exceptional visual storytelling that preserves memories, celebrates love, and enhances your events. Whether you’re searching for "wedding photography near me," "photography near me," or "music production near me," OSSS Videographers is here to meet your needs with professionalism and creativity.

Wedding Photography Near Me: Capturing Your Perfect Day

At OSSS Videographers, we understand that your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life. Our team of experienced wedding photographers is dedicated to capturing every special moment with artistry and attention to detail. If you’re looking for “wedding photography near me,” look no further. We offer a range of wedding photography packages tailored to your preferences, from traditional posed portraits to candid shots that reflect the joy and spontaneity of your celebration. Our photographers use high-quality equipment and innovative techniques to ensure that your wedding photos are both beautiful and timeless. We take the time to get to know you and your partner, so we can capture the essence of your love story and create stunning images that you will cherish for years to come.

Photography Near Me: A Wide Range of Services for Every Occasion

In addition to wedding photography, OSSS Videographers offers a broad spectrum of photography services for various occasions. Whether you need professional portraits, family photos, or corporate event coverage, we are your go-to resource for “photography near me.” Our talented photographers are skilled in various styles and techniques to accommodate your unique needs. From elegant portrait sessions to dynamic event coverage, we provide high-quality images that capture the essence of your special moments. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and deliver results that exceed expectations. Trust OSSS Videographers for all your photography needs and experience the difference that a professional touch can make.

Music Production Near Me: Crafting Your Sound with Expertise

In addition to our photography and videography services, OSSS Videographers also offers comprehensive music production services. If you’re searching for “music production near me,” we are here to help you bring your musical vision to life. Our team of experienced music producers and sound engineers works with artists, bands, and content creators to produce high-quality recordings, mixing, and mastering. We offer a range of music production services, including song composition, studio recording, and audio editing. Our state-of-the-art studio is equipped with the latest technology to ensure that your music sounds its best. Whether you’re working on a new album, recording a single, or producing music for a video project, OSSS Videographers has the expertise and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Miami Videography: High-Quality Video Services for All Your Needs

If you’re based in Miami or planning an event in this vibrant city, OSSS Videographers offers top-tier Miami videography services to capture every moment. Our team of skilled videographers is experienced in creating high-quality video content for weddings, corporate events, and personal celebrations. When you choose us for your Miami videography needs, you can expect exceptional service and stunning video footage that brings your vision to life. We use the latest video equipment and techniques to produce videos that are both visually impressive and emotionally engaging. From beautiful wedding films to dynamic event highlights, our Miami videography services are designed to meet your unique needs and exceed your expectations.

Event Videography Near Me: Documenting Your Special Events with Flair

At OSSS Videographers, we offer expert event videography services for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a private celebration, our team is ready to capture every detail with creativity and professionalism. When you search for “event videography near me,” you can trust us to provide exceptional service and high-quality video content. We approach each event with a fresh perspective, using innovative techniques to document your special moments in a way that is both engaging and memorable. Our event videography services include everything from full event coverage to highlight reels, ensuring that you have a beautiful record of your event that you can look back on and share with others.

Get in Touch with OSSS Videographers Today

Ready to capture your special moments with the best in the business? Whether you’re looking for “wedding photography near me,” “photography near me,” “music production near me,” “Miami videography,” or “event videography near me,” OSSS Videographers is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services, discuss your needs, and schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you and helping you create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

[lunissystemsinc]

Lunis System is an audio system installation company in Fort Lauderdale Call for any of your audio visual service needs. https://lunissystems.com

[johnnymarkssh]

Video Production for E-Learning: Creating Engaging Educational Content

E-learning today has become one of the powerful education tools with the world going digital. Video production is at the core of this development. An experienced video production company presents academic content in a way that has great engagement and viewership, leading to better learning and retention. Here is how effective video production can boost your e-learning.

Increased Engagement

Among the main benefits of using a video production company Miami for e-learning is that it borrows interest from the students. A video can engage more than an item of text. Its compelling visuals, dynamic animations, and clear audio explain issues complexly. 

Also, engagement captures interest; hence, more students stay to complete courses, with just a few dropouts, which are improved learning outcomes.

Multisensory Learning

Well-produced instructional videos can feature visual demonstrations, voiceovers, subtitles, and interactive elements, all of which support various learning styles. 

A good educational video incorporates demonstrations, voiceovers, subtitles, and interactive units that bring satisfaction to a wide scope of learners. This multisensory approach ensures that more students can grasp the material, regardless of their preferred learning style.

Consistency and Quality

Hiring a video production company guarantees that the quality is consistent throughout all the educational videos. Professional producers will have the knowledge of producing videos in such a way that they are creative yet technically accurate. 

It maintains a professional image for any educational institution and ensures all students get the same quality training and education.

Scalability and Flexibility

Video production companies can adapt and update scalable content according to the customers' needs. This becomes very helpful in the case of e-learning materials, where the course content may change with time. 

The videos can be edited according to new information, scaled up or down based on different educational standards, and even be re-purposed for other courses—all this is achieved without re-recording the entire thing.

Interactive Elements

An experienced video production company can add interactivity to educational videos by including quizzes, polls, or even clickable links that viewers can use. 

Such interactivity can change passive viewing into a truly active learning process, in which viewers feel they are participants in the subject matter being presented to them. Interactive videos are also able to provide on-the-spot feedback, which can help students measure their learning or decide where they need to improve.

Conclusion 

Integrating video production into e-learning is highly strategic because the quality of educational content is significantly enhanced. This will not only enhance the learning experience for students but also enable institutions to sustain their competitive edge in a dynamic sector such as education.

[thelistingteammiami]

Cipriani Residences Miami

Located on floors 62 and above, these 74 exclusive homes, including six penthouses, form a rarefied aerie of privacy and gracious living. Residents of The Canaletto Collection enjoy sweeping views and exceptional services ranging from a dedicated global concierge to upgraded finishes and bespoke furniture artfully curated and designed by the renowned firm 1508 London.

To live in Cipriani Residences Miami is to enjoy those signature service standards first established at Harry’s Bar in 1931 and perfected through four generations. Individual tastes are indulged and needs are anticipated with an intuitive understanding of when and where their attention is required.

BU I LD I N G OV E RV I E W

• An elegant 80-story tower with a curved cascading

glass façade

• A collection of 397 residences, including exceptional

penthouses with private pools

• Resident-only dining services by Cipriani

• Sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the Brickell skyline,

and Coconut Grove

• 24-Hour staff trained by Cipriani

D ES I G N TE A M

• Architecture: Arquitectonica

• Landscape: Arquitectonica GEO

A ME N ITI ES

• Exclusive private entrance with lush landscaping

and elegant porte-cochère

• Dramatic lobby leading to two banks of high-speed,

touchless elevators

• Signature private dining experiences by Cipriani

• In-home dining and 24-hour catering services

by Cipriani, exclusive to residents

• Private dining rooms available for reservation,

catered by Cipriani

• Elevated resort deck with two swimming pools,

a blissful outdoor spa, poolside cabanas, and

a beautifully landscaped sun terrace

• Poolside food and beverage services catered

by Cipriani

• Holistic spa with sauna and treatment rooms

• Luxurious residents’ lounge for special events

and intimate gatherings

• State-of-the-art fitness center

• Golf simulator

• Pickleball court

• Private salon available to be reserved for

personal beauty services

• Screening room with cutting-edge audio

visual equipment

• Serene and spacious residents’ library

• Engaging children’s playroom

• Elevated four-level wellness center and lounge

overlooking the Brickell skyline

• Pet-friendly community with dog park

• High-speed internet access across all public areas

• Electric vehicle charging stations available

• Air-conditioned storage rooms

RES I D E N C E FE ATU RES

• Generous living areas with ceiling heights of 10 feet

• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and windows

with magnificent panoramic views

• Terrace access from the living room and primary

bedroom of every residence

• Gracious walk-in wardrobes in every primary bedroom

• An exquisite selection of flooring options included

• Direct elevator entry for select residences

• Eat-in, open kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry inspired

by Cipriani’s renowned style

• Top-of-the-line appliances from Wolf Sub-Zero, including

cooktop, integrated refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler,

and dishwasher

• Primary bathrooms with grand, stand-alone bathtubs

and glass-enclosed showers; vanities with premium

Italian cabinetry, imported stone tops, back-lit mirrors;

separate room with water closet

• Spacious laundry rooms with full-size washing machine

and dryer, with a utility sink in most residences

• Individually controlled, high-efficiency central

air conditioning and heating systems, with linear

diffusers in main areas to ensure seamless integration

• Innovative smart technology infrastructure that enables

home automation

• Intelligent interface system for essential building services

such as concierge, valet, and security

S E RV I C ES

• Designated Director of Residences

• Cipriani Residential Concierge

• Residential services including plant care,

and away-from-home maintenance*

• Pet-friendly community with pet grooming

and walk services available*

• A luxury house limousine service for convenient

transport within a three-mile radius*

• In-residence spa treatments*

• Personal training services*

• A secure, covered garage with 24-hour complimentary

valet and optional self-parking in assigned spaces

• 24-hour security guards and controlled building access

Photo Gallery

[rentroreventflorida]

Rent For Event Florida

Audio visual equipment rental service

Rent For Event Florida is a full-service AV production and equipment rental company specializing in audio, video, lighting, staging, LED wall, and pipe and drape solutions nationwide. Our turnkey AV services are available in all 50 states to give our clients fail-safe events. We are a team of passionate AV designers and engineers who are dedicated to making unforgettable events possible. From weddings, birthdays, conferences, TV production, charity events, and more – name it, our AV expertise will bring it to new heights.

Contact Info-

Rent For Event Florida

Location- 5553 Anglers Ave #101, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA 33312

Phone- +1 305-317-5469

Email- contact@rentforevent.com

Website- https://rentforevent.com/miami/

Business Hours- Mon - Fri: 9 am–8 pm | Sat - Sun: 9 am–3 pm

Payment Methods- Cash, Check or Major credit card

Owner- Igor Vlasenko

Find On:

Google- https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfRaEf9ewLt8LVWZ8

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/rentforeventla/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rentforeventus/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEiBP1Oya9r6SCXyp6_x9Gg

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/rent-for-event-la

TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@rentforevent.com

Yelp- https://m.yelp.com/biz/rent-for-event-miami-miami

[watching-pictures-move]

Movie Review | L.A. Takedown (Mann, 1989)

This is obviously nobody's favourite Michael Mann movie, but despite not being a hardcore Mann-head (nothing against the guy, I just haven't really dug in past a certain point), I did find this interesting to consider within the context of his career. This is obviously in the shadow of Heat, and you can see embryonic forms of the latter movie's iconic scenes rendered in a crisp, televisual style. But there's a fair bit of Miami Vice in this one's DNA, and I'm not just saying that because I've been obsessed with that show for the last few months. I mean, even the title plays like a response to that show. (If you must know, I just finished the entire series a few days ago. I suppose I should write something about the finale, but in any case, our long national nightmare of me bringing up the show at every opportunity is finally over... NOT!) 

You get a neon-tinged nighttime driving scene like the famous "In the Air Tonight" montage from the pilot episode "Brother's Keeper", although the music choice here, Billy Idol's cover of "L.A. Woman", is a lot more on the nose. (I do think this movie makes better use of it when it recycles it towards the end, accentuating the verve of the final showdown.) But the visual style, with the extra dark interior and nocturnal scenes and sunburnt daytime scenes, brings to mind the look of the not particularly beloved (but still worthwhile, in my opinion) fifth season. Apparently Mann shot this unusually quickly, and he's understandably unable to give L.A. the same curated sense of visual identity he achieved through the extensive location scouting in Vice, but there is an interesting squarish sense of geometry to the movie. Obviously some of that comes with the realities of architecture (buildings and their fixtures only come in certain shapes), but the rigid angles extend to the screen composition and even the action, which is often captured either perpendicularly or directly aligned to us. Despite the relatively bloodless confines of network television, the violence here has a real kick.

And with Vice's casting director Bonnie Timmermann involved, you unsurprisingly get a season's worth of great character actors packed into this. Best is Xander Berkeley as Waingro, playing his character like a more deranged Bruce Willis. Worst, surprisingly, are Scott Plank and Alex McArthur in the Al Pacino and Robert De Niro roles, respectively. Obviously when you're put up against two all time great actors, it's hard to measure up, but you can just look at the coffee scene here to see just how much they come up short. Plank is doing a lot of the shouting that I assumed was Pacino's contribution, and absolutely not pulling it off. Especially bad are the shouting matches he has with his wife, played by Ely Pouget from "Junk Love", who despite her valiant efforts, is given nothing by Plank to play off of. While I haven't seen Heat in some time, I remember the relationship stuff being the worst part, and that's definitely the case here. I should note that the copy I watched on YouTube dropped the audio for a few minutes late in the movie, but it was during these boring ass relationship drama scenes, so I probably didn't miss much. At least when Crockett or Tubbs had bad luck with women, Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas could pull off the material, and there were often wild and highly entertaining twists to boot, like in "Definitely Miami" and "Little Miss Dangerous". 

Apparently NBC offered to pick this up if Mann replaced Plank as the lead, which Mann refused to do, so it never went to series. I respect Mann's loyalty to his guy... but Plank sucks and NBC was right to want to replace him.

[betopandiani-mar]

The ATLANTIC 1000 – An extreme Catamaran Race

Iron men plastic boats …. Sounds good doesn’t it. Good race marketing or fact?   As with most things the only way to dispel the myth and cut through the dogy doo is to get out there, get wet and see for your-self. For many years Catamaran sailors have challenged themselves by racing up the east coast of the USA on small catamarans. In previous years the event was called the Worrel 1000. This year is it was called the ATLANTIC 1000.

The ATLANTIC 1000 is a 1000 miles race which runs from Islamorada, an island in the Florida Keys, to Kill Devil Hills Beach in North Carolina. The event is divided into two 500 miles races with a rest day in between. The first half is called the Tybee Island 500, and the second half is called the Outerbanks 500. The event is open to production sport catamarans with a maximum length of 20 feet and is billed as one of the toughest around.

It is having always been a race that I have wanted to do and my sailing partner Roberto Pandiani - with whom I crossed to Antarctica on a beach catamaran in 2003 – shared that desire too. The race requires intensive logistics as it moves northwards and is therefore an expensive operation.  A good partner was needed, and we were appreciative of the continued support of SEMP TOSHIBA - a company that manufactures audio visual goods in Brazil.

The final month was frenetic with activity as we pulled together a shore team, bought a boat and prepared it for what lay ahead. Our team comprised of Fernando Bocciarelli – technical support/pusher, Thomas Scheidt – photographer and brother of Robert (6 times world champ in lasers) and Patricia Kirschner – shore manager, press liaison and logistics. We chose to sail an Inter 20 manufactured by Performance Catamarans in the USA. This was the choice of most of the top teams, so we figured there was no point in doing anything different. The Inter 20 is a boat that has its weak points and so our boat preparation was focused on avoiding breakages. The race is judged on cumulative time over each leg.

Tybee 500 – The start is on Islamorada which lies about 75 miles south of Miami in the Florida Keys. Our rental car resembles that of an African bus - bar the chickens and goats – but we are brimming with people, gear and spares, nonetheless. Our arrival in the boat park shows that we are poorly equipped compared to our competitors who in true American fashion have big mobile homes, massive walk-in box trailers and sizable shore teams complete with babes in bikinis. We spend 2 days gleaning as much as we can from the boats around us and even get to go for a practice sail the day before the start.

As Islamorada does not have a beach, we are given our only ‘on the water’ start of the 1000 miles. Tactically the first leg is not very taxing – sheet in, get out on the wire and 6 hours later – get of trapeze when you hit the beach in Hollywood! Sounds simple until you try it – My logbook entry on Day 1 sums it up.

‘No body was designed to hang in a harness for hours on end pulling on sheets until they had holes in their fingers. Equally it was not designed to do stomach crunches for 6 hours a day while a saltwater fire hose blasts into your face. Yes, any romantic notions you may have about this race turf them to one side – is about pain and endurance ‘

It was a shock to the system to say the least – 90 miles on a close reach - we were exhausted – frankly we wondered what the hell we had let ourselves in for - another 900 miles of this were difficult to imagine.

As always, we had lots to learn, and some glaring issues needed to be resolved – our harnesses were completely inappropriate – fine for round the buoy racing – but this was long distance racing at another level. Another was our eyewear – wrap around sunglasses just weren’t good enough and lastly our mast set up needed some attention. Some directed questions and a snoop around the boat park revealed our errors.

Le Mans starts off the beach provide a great spectacle and are fun for the sailors. Each team is allowed one ‘Pusher’ that is permitted to push you though the surf until the last line of breaking waves – a good pusher is worth his weight in gold and Fernando, who was close to 2m tall and fit as a fiddle soon became the envy of the other teams, as we consistently got away to excellent starts. Our glory however was generally short lived as the more practiced teams would inevitably grind us down. It was a little frustrating to be honest – and the solutions to the problem were not immediately obvious.

After some adjustments to the rig and our gear, our general speed, comfort and control of the boat improved but time on the boat was the essential ingredient to improving our teamwork. It was hard work for everyone. The ground crews were tireless. Check in, check out, load, unload, fetch and carry - drive. Boat work was another monster that would raise its head inconveniently at the end of long and tiring days.

At the skippers briefing of leg 4 we are informed about the “no sail’’ zone around Cape Canaveral. “It’s a national asset and we will protect it as such”, I wipe the sleep out of my eyes and look at the Major in his camouflage uniform. “Don’t think that last year’s gun shot was a welcoming signal – be warned!”  We nervously lead the fleet for the first 15 miles around the Cape – expecting a projectile to come whizzing through the main at any moment – we escape unscathed - our victory for the day.

Going into leg 6 (the final leg of the Tybee 500) we are 5 seconds off “Team Oz” in 3rd position - hard to believe after 400 miles of racing! We have been making steady progress each day and so far, have scored a 6th, 4th, 3rd, 3rd ,3rd. Team Tybee Island and Team Castrol are locked into a battle for first and are well ahead. Our challenge for the day is to make the podium for the first half.

Now in the state of Georgia we are faced with sandbanks, mangroves and shrimp fishing boats as obstacles – quite different from the endless beaches and high-rise buildings of Florida. So far, we have had good steady breeze at 15 knots from the east. Today is hot and humid and the breeze is light and fluky. We enter a massive battle with “Team Oz” as we sail upwind in the fickle conditions. The lead changes several times as a large thunderstorm slowly approaches. My logbook entry captures the excitement of the finish as it was still written with adrenalin in my veins….

Team Oz leads the pack, us in second – Howard’s Pub in third. Team Tybee and Castrol are a way back. Eventually the wind gets to us. The breeze goes from 10 knots to 25 knots in a few minutes. The sea is still flat, and we take off on a huge double trapeze reach – probably the fastest I have ever been on a small catamaran. Roberto and I are both on trapeze and the boat is just flying. We start to drive in underneath Team Oz. I am nervous as there are shallows closer to the coast. I shudder to think what would happen to us (and the boat) if we were to hit a sand bank at 25 knots. The first few miles are adrenalin pumped – after that – all we want to do is finish. My hands are killing me. Sometimes the waves wash my feet off the boat, and I am upside down with my head dragging in the water. We are on the absolute limit – it’s all or nothing. Any mistake and we would be upside down and the race would be over for us. Drama behind us as team Howard’s Pub capsizes in a big gust!

As we approach Tybee Island it’s difficult to see where the finish is. We are committed to a lower course than the others and heading up would just loose us ground. Ahead of us lie shallows and breaking waves. We decide to just go for it – we need those five seconds. We dodge the beakers weaving our way between them – one nearly capsizes us. I see the finish just after the breakwater. Team Oz gybes down to us – we cross just in front of him. We gybe and surf in on a wave fully pumped and cross the line ahead of Team Oz to register our first win of the event. I whoop with delight. Team Oz finishes 3 seconds behind us – a nail biting finish. The beach is crowded, and everyone is cheering. Man, it feels good.

It was and incredible duel between us and Team Oz – after 90 miles of racing we finish 2 seconds apart! - Not enough to secure the third position but great to win a leg ahead of the 2 top teams. Team Castrol arrives 4rth in that leg and pull off a spectacular capsize coming down off a wave into the sand. Their ground crew drags the boat across the line on its side. The thrills and spills of long-distance racing – it’s awesome.

Team Castrol wins the Tybee 500, followed by Team Tybee, Team Oz and us Team Semp Toshiba in 4th.

Outer Banks 500 – After a relaxing day in the old city of Savannah we are back on the starting grid – we get pole position as we won the last leg of the Tybee – that is to say we are the northernmost boat in the line up. We wait poised - the last minute seems to last forever – we are sweating the sun cream off our faces – dressed to kill in the sweltering heat – the breeze is barely 4 knots.

We start on port for the first time – which quickly tells you its 80-mile upwind leg! Later up the track the breeze fills in from the sea at 15 knots and we set off on a tough reach in choppy conditions. I am barely managing to stay on the boat – doing somersaults on a regular basis. We are 25 miles from the finish when a load crack sees our leeward rudder shear off. Thank goodness we have two. We limp into Isle of Palms dejected and disappointed.

Leg 8 to Surfside Beach - starts with another frantic paddle through the surf. Our first headland 3 miles away takes 3 hours to reach. At least we are not in the trapeze – it’s a lot less painful! No rest for the wicked however and when the breeze backs, we are double trapping on a close reach with the spinnaker up. 18 Miles to Cape Romain – how I wish I had a cleat somewhere. We dodge the sand banks and breakers and set up for another 18 miles still on the same tack. Now I really need a cleat! The next waypoint is a submerged jetty which we clear by blind faith in the GPS. We crack off and single trap the last 25 miles to finish 2nd behind Team Tybee, redeeming ourselves somewhat after yesterday’s breakages.

Leg 9 to Wrightsville Beach – where the Wright brothers made their first historic flight starts badly with the spinnaker halyard pulley jammed on the wrong side of the mast. We are unable to free it and our spinnaker sets poorly – it remains unresolved for the first 20 miles. We drop back to solid 4th and are not having a good day. We play follow my leader through the shoals off Cape FEAR and work hard to catch the 3rd boat. We get ahead by taking the shore as an option. 300 meters from the finish however we capsize in the last gybe of the day. Fatigue is setting in and motivation is taking a beating. This race is far from over!

Leg 10 to Atlantic Beach – is a 60-mile run, straight line. We hug the coast initially and then later when the breeze establishes, we make the 50-mile dash across the gently sweeping bay. Team Tybee have replaced their skipper due to an injury. Brain Lambert winner of the last Worrel 1000 is at the helm and we are happy to hang with Tybee and pull away from the fleet. We finish 7 minutes behind them and are slightly disadvantaged by the dying breeze at the end of the day.

Atlantic Beach marks the start of the OUTER BANKS the string of thin barrier islands that give the second half of the race its name. The barrier islands are in places only meters wide and enclose a large mass of water known as Pamlico Sound.

Leg 11 to Ocracoke Island – launches us towards Cape Lookout 15 miles away. It’s a tight double trapeze spinnaker reach, and we take an early lead. Roberto at over 2m and 89 kilos is worth every ounce on the wire. As we approach the Cape, Team Tybee capsizes to lay the point. We round the Cape in lead. Tybee however are quickly back in the hunt and around the corner we have great sailing in flat water as we hug the beach.

Dramas for some of the other teams as Team Chesapeake break their pole while dropping their spinnaker. Later Team Accelerated Chaos (I love that name) capsizes and one of their crew gets separated from the boat. Team Chesapeake goes back to fetch him and returns him to the boat. Great seamanship and they get a time correction.

We maintain our lead and when the wind dies, we go offshore and pull away from Tybee - who gets left in a hole. Spirits are high when they disappear from sight, and we still have breeze. Soon it is time to gybe back towards the coast and finish. As we converge, we see Tybee starting to appear and to much swearing they cross in front. We finish 2 minutes adrift from them in our closest finish ever. 

Ocracoke Island is a quaint place which during hurricane season often gets cut off from civilization because of damage to the bridge that connects it to the mainland to the north – access from the south is only by ferry. It was here in a secluded bay that the British apprehended and killed the infamous Captain Blackbeard. Our guesthouse the oldest on the island was aptly named Blackbeard’s Lodge and came complete with a full-sized sculpture of the captain in the reception hall.

Leg 12 to Kill Devil Hills – the final leg. The shoals off Cape Hatteras are one of the most dangerous navigational hazards on the eastern seaboard of the United States and extend up to 7 miles offshore. Here the warm Gulf Stream from the south meets the cold Labrador Current from the north. Over 2300 ships have been sunk here. Passing the Cape is always an unknown, as it is never the same. Sandbanks move with very storm and sloughs or passages are a function of the tide. It was with measured enthusiasm that we set off towards the Cape.

The breeze was steady at 15 knots from the southwest and a perfect single trapeze spinnaker run to the Cape, saw us sail away from Tybee and take the lead. The Cape approached and its massive black and white lighthouse loomed over the sandy spit. Breakers and sandbanks extended offshore as far as the eye could see. Local knowledge says that there is normally a passage close to the beach. Contrary to every instinct we head for the shore. As we approach, I see a seagull perched on a sandbank directly ahead of us. There is no avoiding it, as we are committed to our line – so we dive to pull up the daggerboards and go just for it - bag up and all! For a moment I think we not going to make it as the boat starts to slow down and load up – but then we are released! Whew! - that was close – we gybe just meters before the beach and take a rollercoaster ride through the haystacks of jacking waves - dodging fishing lines from the hoards of fisherman that line shore as we go.

We hold our lead over Tybee until Oregon inlet about 15 miles from the finish. A massive thunderstorm has been brewing over the land and as it approaches the wind dies. A 180-degree windshaft sees our lead disappear in a puff and we are unable to recover as the wind fills in from the sea. We are not happy as we were hoping to repeat our last leg win of the Tybee 500. We finish 15 minutes behind Tybee in the dying breeze. It felt like the longest 15 miles of the entire race.

We secure second in the Outerbanks 500 and Overall - second in the Atlantic 1000. Our total accumulated time for the 1000 miles was just over 71 hours.  Believe it or 2 days later Roberto and I hoisted the sails again and completed the last 300 miles to arrive in New York.

Texto Duncan Ross.