The third day of ISR started with a pleasant surprise.  There was an error in speed recordings from the previous day, and we actually turned in 3.41 knots during one of our runs.  So the uphill battle of increasing velocity got a major boost before we even started racing.  Prior to the basin opening for activity, Dubs' Sub was selected to do some photograph lighting tests to prepare for the Friday group photoshoot (I took a photo or two as well).  We then immediately wheeled the submarine into the basin entry queue, and entered the water at 8:30am.  This gave us the opportunity to be the first racing submarine of the day!

Improvements to the boat made at the end of Day 2 proved crucial for racing today.  The first run clocked a speed of just over 4 knots.  The controls system was considerably more responsive, making course adjustments nearly effortless.  The movement of ballast weights gave the submarine a natural roll to starboard.  Once heavy pedaling started during the race, though, the propeller torque brought the submarine to equilibrium in an upright state.

The team was thrilled with the performance, and remained in the queue.  By noon, we finished all three of our race attempts.  The final two races of the morning posted speeds of 4.49 and 4.69 knots, respectively.  Our pilot was quickly becoming comfortable with the controls and was increasing his exertion with each race.  The team left the basin for lunch, and returned shortly to give the course another go.

On the fifth run of the day, there was a great deal of focus of pushing the speed to a safe limit.  The pilot gradually ramped speed until he reached the first time gate, at which point exertion was rapidly increased.  The final 45 meters had the pilot giving full exertion, while still maintaining a steady course.  Dubs' Sub crossed the finish line flying, and nearly escaped the Navy rescue divers once again.  We received our speed for the race, and clocked in at 5.076 knots. This makes Dubs' Sub the quickest UW submarine in eight years, and 2nd fastest overall.

The racing queue underwent significant delays at this point, with a multitude of submarines aborting their race attempts, and difficulties in submarine loading at the starting line.  Dubs' Sub was given one more opportunity to race at 4:30pm.  The dive crew set the submarine up at the start line, and notified the race coordinator that Dubs' Sub was ready to race.  There was a delay in starting, though, apparently due to a previously aborted race before Dubs' Sub.  While our pilot was locked in the submarine at depth, he experienced mask flooding (water entering the scuba mask), but decided to wait and get the signal to begin the trial.  It would be the team's last chance to be on the course that day, and the team wanted to improve on its previous mark.  Despite blurred vision, the pilot navigated the submarine through the first 45 meters, and through the time gate at a new record speed for this year's team.  In the final 45 meters, it became overwhelmingly difficult to gauge depth through the flooded mask, and the submarine began veering off course.  Dubs' Sub crossed the finish line just before skidding on the basin floor.

Some minor damage was experienced during the crash.  The underside paint experienced minor scuffing, and the lower control rudder post was bent upon impact.  The damage was minor, though, and mostly cosmetic.  The rudder will be worked on to still perform, but two replacement lower rudders were manufactured for just such an event.  The completed race, though, made Dubs' Sub 6 of 7 for finishing races over the first three days of ISR.  We have been very pleased with our ability to operate as a team.  Our four divers and two surface personnel comprise the smallest team to be operating free of assistance from other teams' members. 

Adjustments to systems will be made tomorrow morning, and we will then look to get back in the water and pick up on our success of day 3.  It is also our hope that we will switch out pilots for the first time, and put someone else in front of the propeller.