Finally, a bit out of sequence with today's other posts as I have not had time to get to them until now, are these pictures taken in the paddock early (07:45) this morning as Bruno Trouble was launching "Bruno's Buoy," which today got it's first-ever use in Cup racing (or any racing for that matter).


Bruno making ready for the crane to lift his invention into the water.


Last-minute adjustments underneath.


Being lowered into the water. The twin pontoons have been added since
the buoy received less than rave reviews from the Race Committee when
it was trialled earlier this year in Valencia. It was too slow to tow. The
pontoons should help. The helium-filled balloon and tether, that was fitted
to the prototype, has been eliminated when it was realized that an ACC
yacht passing close aboard downwind of it might hook the tether with
it's rig. That could ruin your day, to say nothing of the Race Committee's.


Just as it was launched, who should happen along but PRO Peter "Luigi"
Reggio. Above, Bruno is telling the photog how thankful he is for Luigi's
staunch support of this project since its inception. Peter returned the
compliment by saying how much he liked Bruno's shirt.