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IN FRONT:: HI hooke The quintessential windsurf trip is alive and wel l in the form of a high-gloss event called HIHO (Hook In and Hang On). HIHO goes off each July in the British Virgin Islands. The concept is simple: Find a large group of people who can't live without the speed fix of boardsailing, assemble them in a tropical paradise famous for strong breezes and decadent nightlife, organize some races and recreational activities dur- ing the day, host a party each night and make sure that everyone makes it to a bed, at some poi nt. Since its inception in 1979, professional windsurfers have made the pi l- grimage to HI HO, where they mingle with obsessed amateurs and rank beginners, creati ng a relaxed atmosphere that gives amateurs a chance to measure themselves against the best in the world. HIHO participants run the gamut from pros to green newcomers who take advantage of the windsurf clin ic before the event to prepare for the low-impact, recreational sailing offered while the racers duel it out each day. The participants are billeted on 38- to 50-foot chartered cruising catama- rans that sail from island to island . The cats are populated by family and friends of the racers, recreational windsurfers and folks who think a weeklong cruise through the British Virgin Islands with some hell-ra ising boardsailors would make a good vaca- tion . Make no mistake, the racing is keen, but the emphasis is on fun. Many HIHO veterans don't even windsurf; they just enjoy the festiv ities surrounding the event. Sai lors from 21 nations, islands and protectorates made their way to the BVI for HIHO 2000. The racing, which began in Virgin Gorda and wound its way t hrough the island chain, showed off the diversity of sail ing styles that HIHO is famous for. Day one featured short course rac ing off the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda, then on day two the f leet stretched out for some distance racing. The race began at Bitter End and covered almost 20 miles across the Anegada Passage to the flat desert island of the same name. After the race, the catamarans met the fleet at the finish and codd led the racers to prepare for the evening fiesta. For four more days the windsurfers raced, the catamarans pursued and the sailors enjoyed a well-organ ized , stream lined tr ip that kept everyone smiling.-Zack Leonard The 2001 race will take place in Tortola from July 1 through 8. Contact HIHO at 284-494-8304 or www.hiho-bvi.com/hihorace. 22