Most participants come from Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia, but others come from as far as Boston and Minnesota. Several young teams are in the mix, including a high school team from St. Mary's County and two teams from the college.
The Donnybrook, which set the record of six hours and nine minutes in 1994, will be looking for another trophy, though uncertain wind conditions may make this year's race slow, said Muldoon, of Washington.
The Rock Lobster, captained by John Kriz of Leonardtown, has placed as high as fourth in the seven years he has been in the race.
"It's going to be a challenge," he said. There are some "very, very seasoned sailors" in the race.
The Doghouse, anchored next to the Rock Lobster several hours before the race started, also featured a crew from Southern Maryland, including the captain, Dan Shannon. It placed second in its class last year.
"You have to be at the top of your game for a long time," he said. "All of the tactical challenges, we like."
But most others are just out to have fun on the bay and a good time at St. Mary's College. Baker expects his boat, Tandem, to arrive between midmorning and early afternoon. He joined the race again five years ago after a decade-long hiatus.
"It's like a bad habit sometimes," he said. "I'm not good at other things; my knees are shot, so I can't play tennis. ... I've always had a fascination with boats."
"I just want to do it as long as I can," he said.
karen.shih@baltsun.com
