2nd straight deadly day at regatta on Lake Dora in Tavares.

[HRTV]

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/...vent-lake-dora

[HRTV]

in part from the local paper......
A day after a boater died at the Classic Race Boat Regatta on Lake Dora in Tavares, two other boaters were killed when their boats collided.

A spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified the two dead men as Charles Woodruff, 64, of Jensen Beach, and Dea Wiseley, 73, of Sun City.

Hill said Woodruff's boat, named "Buckeye Kid," ran over the top of Wiseley's boat, called "Shockwave," this afternoon.

"At that point, both of these men were ejected," Hill said.

Hill said that authorities don't know all the details of the incident at this time. The crash could be attributed to wave action, operator error or equipment failure, she said.

"There are numerous reasons why these things happen," Hill said. "That's why we aim to find out."

According to Joyce Ross, a Tavares city spokeswoman, the crash happened about 2:15 p.m.

"As far as we are concerned, every safety precaution was taken," Ross said.

Today's fatal crash was the second to mar the event. On Saturday, Mark Van Winkle, 53, of Stuart, was ejected from a Jersey Skiff during a demonstration lap — then struck by another boat and died, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Joy Hill said. The event was suspended for the day.

Three racers dead!

I'm so sorry for the families.

I'm sick beyond words, this sport has killed so many its hard for me to understand. I lost my best friend Brandt Hilsen in CSH and this is the straw that broke the camels back, I'm done with this ****ed up sport.

[Mark 32]

Another sad day in Tavares.

Still not sure if this was driving or health related. Outside boat appeared to have crossed over the inside boat, but that's all we could see.

[bill van steenwyk]

It's not only boats.............

In the same internet article Dan linked to, there was another article about 10, (that's ten) motorcycle fatalities in central Florida this weekend, probably because of the closeness of Bike Week at Daytona, and the amount of riders that event attracts.

Unfortunately, bad things happen to good people when any mode of transportation is being driven, ridden, or otherwise, and not always the fault of the person who was killed or in close proximity to the accident..

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Please let us not speculate of who or what was at fault. (All you are doing is guessing at this point) Show respect for the families who have lost loved ones. I will edit any speculations out of the posts for now.

Thank you hydroracer fans and Prayers to the families who have lost loved ones this is another tragic loss.

[joejohn44]

Omg

I knew both men who died today...both of them could be described as among the most talented in the sport...extremely sad....Godspeed, fellas....

[daveracerdsh]

So sad

My heart goes out to the families. Was this an APBA event?

[joejohn44]

My heart goes out to the families. Was this an APBA event?

This was not an APBA event...this was sanctioned by the Classic Raceboat Assoc.(CRA)

[sponsonhead]

Numb

I am so shocked from this news.

Rookie (Chuck Woodruff) was a recent friend of mine. I helped him get his racing gear together. His excitement and enthusiasm about getting back into Vintage and Inboard racing was contagious. He was a great guy and I am devasted at his loss.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the families who suffered losses....there's way too much pain to go around.

R-19

[AZ Outlaw]

My heart goes out to the families. Was this an APBA event?

http://www.classicraceboatassoc.com/

[tcf284]

These tragedies are just that tragedies ,that being said we dont just quit racing or being involved ,we tried to find ways in the future to prevent these things from happening .My thoughts and prayers are with the families and freinds of those who lost thier lives ,and we as a family of racers and fans of racing need to continue helping this sport stay competetive and be safer.

[HRTV]

My apologies to all for venting in my earlier post in this thread. My long time friend, neighbor and mentor Herb Gaskin's was at the regatta this weekend participating and this just hits way to close to home for me.

This is a tragedy that words cannot even describe. Having raced in the OPC category before capsules were introduced I know the dangers first hand still this is just hard to comprehend.

My condolences to all.

[KG4]

Prayers sent to the families of these great racers.I was going through some old vhs tapes not to long ago and found one from the inboard nationals in Dextor Oregon from the mid 80's.The Rookie was on there domonating his class and so was Dee.God bless them and there families and may God help them through this rough time. The VanDusen family.

[HRTV]

Family speaks out - 2 Martin County men die during boat race exhibition

http://www.cbs12.com/articles/boat-4...ce-winkle.html

[Stu Ford]

This is a terrible loss. I knew Mark and had met Chuck and Dee all great men. My prayers are with their families. Let us also pray for the rescue workers this is a very difficult time for them also. Sometimes this sport we love is also the sport we hate. Take care all.

Stuart