NAMSA/Tradewinds Midwinter Open Cat Nationals,
and A-Class Classic just before.., and the F18HT World Cup after Update
Important notice to everyone planning to attend the above event(s) – THE VENUE HAS BEEN CHANGED! If you are attending any or part of these events, this may affect your decision as to accommodations.
As most of you know, Rick and Mary have sold Rick’s Place, our motel where the the events have always been held. That property is no longer available to us for events (at least this winter for sure).
Only a week ago we found a new venue for the these events and the Wave Nationals and Wave Seminar, and just last night, Oct. 15, we received final approval for its use.
The new host facility is the Elks Lodge at Mile Marker 90, bay side. It is in the town of Tavernier, still on the island of Key Largo only 14 miles south of Rick’s Place. There are three very nice little motels very close by, and several other motels/hotels within a very short distance.
You are going to love the Elks Lodge! It should have been a yacht club! It has a huge, grassy lawn with beach launching and plenty of room for trailers and cars. Down at the beach is a chickee hut (pavilion) and two huge barbecue grills. The lodge itself has a big meeting room and a small meeting room, and plenty of restroom facilities. They have a restaurant-style kitchen and the ability to provide any kinds of meals we want.
If you have already made reservations to stay in the vicinity of Rick’s Place, you may want to cancel them and get reservations at a place closer to the regatta (and seminar) site. Here are the places we suggest. All have been alerted about the sailing events that will be held in their area, so tell them you are coming to the sailing event at the Elks Lodge.
MOTELS:
Island Bay Resort, Mile Marker 92.5, bayside. (Closest to the Elks Lodge).
Phone: 305-852-4087
Website: www.islandbayresort.com
They are directly on the bay and have 10 units and a very nice little sandy beach that could accomodate several boats.
(THIS IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR WAVE WEEK BECAUSE THEY ARE CLOSED FOR VACATION)
Bay Breeze Motel, Mile Marker 92.4, bayside (160 Sterling Rd.) (Next closest to the Elks)
Phone: 305-852-5248
Website: www.baybreezemotel.com
They are directly on the bay and have 19 units, ranging from $69 to $139.
Coconut Palm Inn, about Mile Marker 92, bayside (198 Harborview Dr.) (3rd closest)
Phone: 305-852-3017
Website: coconutpalminn.com
They are directly on the bay and have 18 units, ranging from $99 to $129.
Tavernier Hotel, Mile Marker 91.8, oceanside
Phone: 305-852-4131
They are not on the water and have 19 units, ranging from $54 weekdays to $68 weekends
Conch-on-In, Mile Marker 89.5, bayside (103 Caloosa St.) (3 miles south)
Phone: 305-852-9309
Website: www.conchonin.com
They are on a canal and have 8 units ranging from $49 to $109, depending on size, time of year and day of week.
Popp’s Motel, Mile Marker 95.5, bayside (3 miles north)
Phone: 305-852-5201
Website: www.popps.com
They are directly on the bay and have 10 units, ranging from $99 to $149, but will give you $10 off during event periods.
CAMPGROUND:
America Outdoors, Mile Marker 97.5, bayside (5 miles north)
Phone: 305-852-8054
Website: www.aokl.com
They are directly on the bay.
* * * * *
How to find the Elks Lodge when you are driving south from Miami:
It is at about Mile Marker 92.6, bayside (right side when you are going south). Right before you get to the Lodge, there is a Circle K convenience store/gas station in the median between north and southbound lanes. Immediately south of that Circle K is a Dairy Queen, also in the median. The Elks Lodge is across from the Dairy Queen on the bay side of the highway.
Event Schedules:
Jan 14-16 -- Coconut Grove Sails A-Class Invitational
Jan 16-18 -- NAMSA/Tradewinds Midwinter Open Cat Nationals
Jan 19-21 -- F18HT World Cup Championships (Tentative)
Thanks,
Rick