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"The Offshore
Super Series (OSS) powerboat races came to Greers Ferry Lake for the first
time following 12 months of planning by three local chambers of commerce,
bringing 560 million dollars worth of racing equipment, 10,000 spectators,
and a significant area-wide economic impact. While the OSS Powerboat
Racing Association's Angel Fleet watched over the racers with their
medical staff deployed on the water and dive teams deployed onboard three
helicopters, it was the Coast Guard Auxiliary's job to safeguard the
waterborne spectator safety by maintaining a sufficient separation between
the racers and the spectators was paramount as powerboats were capable of
reaching speeds of 200 mph. The auxiliary team performed an
exceptional job, especially given the adverse weather conditions on Sunday
morning which brought winds gusting to 30 knots. The winds and water
depth combined to create whitecaps on the race course and made it a
challenge for spectators to keep their boats' anchors set during the
races. However, your 10 facilities were able to safely and
successfully monitor and control the hundreds of vessels surrounding the
6.45 mile course. This event was televised nationally, broadcast on
the internet globally, and seen by millions, which placed Greers Ferry
Lake, Ozark Roar, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the spotlight." |
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