The weather was slightly overcast but clear to race, as participants started 52 mile open ocean race at around 9 a.m. Saturday. They left the Long Beach Harbor between Islands White and Grissom, zoomed to Catalina around the Avalon buoy and then back to the finish line in front of Queen Mary.

The record for this 73-year-old annual event, termed by organizers and fans as “The Greatest Ski Race in the World,” was set in 2015 with a time of 45 minutes 31.39 seconds pulling a water skier at over an average speed of 82 mph.

Todd Haig and his team celebrate after crossing the finish line to win the men’s open class, during the 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, “The Greatest Ski Race in The World” Saturday. This year participant numbers were lower than past years due to overseas COVID-19 restrictions, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Todd Haig waves the checkered flag after winning the men’s open class during the, 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, “The Greatest Ski Race in The World” Saturday.  Photo by Stephen Carr.
A Long Beach Fire Department boat sprays water during 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, “The Greatest Ski Race in The World” Saturday. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Boats and water skiers during the start of 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, “The Greatest Ski Race in The World” on Saturday. 
Photo by Stephen Carr.
Boats and water skiers blast off at the start of 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race. Photo by Stephen Carr .
Boats and water skiers race through the harbor at the start of 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Boats and water skiers during the start of 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, “The Greatest Ski Race in The World” Saturday. This year participant numbers were lower than past years due to over seas Covid-19 restrictions, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Todd Haig poses for a photo after winning the men’s open division during the men’s open class during the, 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Boats and water skiers prepare before the start of 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, Saturday, July 24, 2021.Photo by Stephen Carr.
Boats and water skiers check in before the start of 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Photo by Stephen Carr.
The Long Beach skyline provides a backdrop as attendees and water ski teams prepare for the start of the 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Amy Threlfall celebrates with her team after crossing the finish line to win the women’s open class, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Attendees and water ski teams before the start of 73rd annual Catalina Water Ski Race, “The Greatest Ski Race in The World” on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Photo by Stephen Carr.