Jet skiers rejoiced with the long-anticipated return of the 72nd Catalina Ski Race Saturday, July 24.
Like most major events and gatherings last year, the aquatic race was postponed because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The morning began with a boat parade between Island White and Island Grissom. Then the race kicked off at 9 a.m. by Long Beach’s oil islands. More than 60 skiers and boaters embarked on the journey to Catalina Island’s city of Avalon before returning to the Queen Mary.
Spectators flocked to the waterfronts in Long Beach and San Pedro to watch as the jet skis and boats departed.
As the the only regularly scheduled open-ocean ski race, the event attracted competitors from all across the globe.
The daylong event was set to close in the late afternoon, with an awards ceremony at the Hotel Maya Esplanade.