The shortcut to Avalon

It’s like the Indy 500, only on water. The Catalina Water Ski Race starts in Long Beach, where skiers rip toward Catalina Island at speeds of 85 to 100 mph. “From the breakwater it’s a straight 26 miles all the way to the harbor at Avalon,” says Todd Haig, 25, of Redlands, four-time winner of the Catalina speedfest. “Usually you can’t see the island on the way out, and you can’t see home on the way back, which makes it interesting.” Haig became the world champ of water-ski racing June 18 by winning four of four rounds at the Water Ski Racing Championships in Hunstanton, England. In the 57th running of the Catalina race Saturday, Haig hopes to break the course record he set last year of 50 minutes, 43 seconds for the 62-mile round-trip course. A victory would put him in second place for most wins, right behind Chuck Stearns of Long Beach, the race’s all-time leader with 11 wins. At the race, boats 21 feet and shorter will get the green flag at 8:53 a.m., followed by green flares at 9 a.m. for bigger boats. The winner takes home a trophy and bragging rights. Spectators can best catch the action from the West Coast Long Beach Hotel at 700 Queens Way Drive and from Avalon near the casino. Call (909) 463-3069 or go to www.catalinaskirace.com.