It’s the longest continuous offshore, open-ocean race in the United States. Also being the 20th anniversary, “Long Beach to Catalina and Back” or “LB2CAT,” is also the longest-running offshore race in the US, reaching back to the mid-1990s (that is with a short break in the mid-2000s for a couple years).
The 58-mile endurance sprint has riders racing to the Southern Californian island of Santa Catalina Island and straight back to Queensgate Harbor, Long Beach. And although the straightline course seems pretty straightforward, navigating the undulating sea state, ever-changing currents, and unexpected the elements can complicate the course in short time.
Almost exclusively the home turf of the PWCOffshore.com hardcore athletes, the LB2CAT brings out the Southwestern riders and many more from further beyond. For 2014, entries from Canada and Australia joined the ranks of over 30 racers willing to brave the open seas. Of course, The Watercraft Journal was there in person not only covering the race, but participating in it alongside Monster Energy/Factory Kawasaki racers Minoru Kanamori and repeating LB2CAT champion Craig Warner.
In addition to helping promote and present the event, the PWCOffshore.com crew edit together a video recap of year’s LB2CAT race. The DVD cuts between exclusive “eye-in-the-sky” helicopter footage, GoPros mounted on racer’s helmets, and pre- and post-race interviews. With a running time of nearly 80 minutes, the video documents the brutal offshore action in near real time. Commentators Ian Howard and Will Johnson provide the play-by-play with decent pacing and informative tips.
Surprisingly the focus drifts from Warner, who as not only a member of the PWCOffshore team, is also the front-runner for his fifth LB2CAT offshore championship, but hints at possible contention from Mike Klippenstien’s purportedly 90MH turbo-powered Yamaha FX SVHO and others.
Included in that group is fellow Factory Kawasaki racer Kanamori, who masterfully pilots his showroom-stock ’14 Ultra 310R into the leader position at one point, as Warner smartly dials back his turbocharged Ultra several times throughout the race. With a world record at risk, Warner opted to preserve his ski rather than risk a DNF.
The gambit paid off, earning Warner his fifth LB2CAT win, and third consecutive win to boot. Kanamori, who needed to stop to refuel half way back to the mainland, was bested by PWCOffshore.com’s own KC Heidler in the final seconds.
Post race interviews reveal the an equal mix of exhaustion and elation in the faces of the riders. The accomplishment of completing the LB2CAT is enough to be proud, and while some were clearly fatigued, almost dizzy with exhaustion, others were visibly charged and raring to return next year.
For those interested in participating in the LB2CAT next year, this is a “must buy,” if only as a training video. You can get yours HERE. And for those looking at polishing up on your offshore and rough water riding, we also suggest picking up the DVD for the many tech tips offered throughout the video.
