[Ted Davisson]

Greetings From New Orleans ,
On the 18th. of April , the Str.'s Natchez and Delta Queen will engage one another in a traditional steamboat race here in the New Orleans harbor . From what I hearing from the Coast Guard the race will be a relative short one from river mile 90 LMR ahp to river mile 95 LMR ahp . This stretch of river is in the general vicinity of the New Orleans , General Anchorage and is in a fairly straight stretch of river . What will also make this race interesting is the fact that the river is expected to crest in New Orleans , at about 17 feet on the 16th. of this month and its anyones guess what kind of speed either boat will be able to make . I remember Capt. Harry Louden making some rather colorful and dispariging remarks , as only he could , one time about steamboat races in general and had something to do with a steamboat race being as exciting as watching a race between a pair of unenthused turtles . Its still unknown if the Coast Guard will close the river in this area and create what they refer to as a " Safety Zone " , so as to elimenate other vessels and traffic in general from navigating in this area during the race . Also , its my understanding that the purpose of the race is part of a fund raising project for the famous New Orleans , St. Louis Catherdral located in the heart of the French Quarter . To the best of my recollection the Str. Delta Queen has never , ever even come close to honestly beating the Str. Natchez in a " fair " race but as I am also sure many of you are also aware that the term " fairness " is seldom used or even thought of in steamboat races ! May the best boat win !!
Smoothe sailing !
Ted Davisson