This is the problem with putting this * on the forum. You get about 1000 different ideas from the sailors, the conversation veers off topic and then someone gets their feelings hurt along the way. Its like *ing herding cats.
Chuck might have rubbed people the wrong way at times but at least he had the testicular fortitude to say
this is how we're doing it, take it or leave it
and I think in a way, that was probably for the better. I know he asked people for ideas along the way, but it took a single-minded director to get the damn race started.
**** if we used the forums to figure out how we wanted the race to go, we'd start in Islamorada, go around in circles in the Keys for days, sail to Tybee, where the race would start officially, take a stop in the Chesapeake bay, then finish in Maine somewhere. The boats would range from Hobie wave through USA 17 with a crew member requirement of X+2. It would take place over 3 days unless a sea turtle sees his shadow on the morning of the 2nd day and which case it would go to 9.5 days with a provision for a rain delay day.
Larry, I'm interested in your race. I don't know if I can make it this year but I'm definitely interested.
The only idea I'd like to add to this whole mess of a thread is that you name the race
The Flesh Torpedo 300
With the legs not being a straight line two people could start and finish each leg. By using a points system you only need to write down the sail numbers as they finish. The finish line only needs to be a line between two points. The boats do not have to finish at the beach. Leg 1 around black water sound thru the cut out around nest key and end at the sailing club on button wood bay. Lunch. Leg two out of the bay to a turning mark somewhere in the Florida bay and end up at the park in Tavennier. The next Day two legs that end in Marathon. Marathon to Key West Bay side. Key West to Marathon Ocean Side. Marathon to the Islander with turning mark running around the lighthouses and back to the shore. Last legs Islander to Jew fish creek thru anglefish. Plan each sail with breaks for lunch.
Back to the original topic, I would make a real effort to give the 300 a go. Maybe the people who actually show up to that even could establish some credibility in their thoughts on what should happen next.
Where as this thread might seem like a mess, it is good for the brainstorming phase which is where we are at. It is also good to see which ideas draw interest and which ones do not. There are always a lot of tangent that arise but that is a small price to pay for the nuggets taken. Thanks for the input!
What are the politics involved in sailing to the Bahamas? Is a visa needed?
I'd be interested in a
stay in each other's sight flotilla
, not a chance I'm going solo.
I'd be interested in doing a 300 mile race. Time and more than that Money would keep me out of a 500 or 1000. I did the Tybee years ago. I enjoyed it but spent a lot of money doing it.
Agreed. I believe there was an earlier post referencing what it takes to actually get a race
approved
by various officials (USCG, municipal marine patrols, other gov't entities, etc).
And to Pete, I believe you do need a full (not cruise ship card) passport but maybe not a visa to Bahamas unless you plan on staying beyond a certain timeframe (or plan on working while there)?
I have a contact in the Bahamas Tourist Commission. He said that if we arrange the race, he can have customs come to us.
We pre-cleared customs for the Newport to Bermuda race. I highly recommend doing the same. We will still need passports on the boat, partly so we can return.
I'd definitely be concerned with a 2 day weather window, that will be tough to manage. We could wait a year for the right window! Lots of other details with liability and insurance (blah blah IMO but this is lawyer-centric 21st century america). I highly doubt you could get event insurance for that race, I know my boat insurance runs out 25 miles offshore but I'm skeptical you absolutely cannot get insurance offshore. Will it be worth it $$ wise? Maybe not.
If there was flotilla I'd likely do it as a bucket list item and not be inclined to pay anything that wouldn't land me in jail.
What I would pay for is room for my junk (that doesn't sound quite right) on a motor vessel that was following along for safety and convenience. For me to do this it has to be a party!
Sailing across the stream on a beach cat is worthy of a bucket list even if I'm not racing.
I would sign up for a race across to the Bahamas and take the chances with getting a decent window.
David Strickland an I have discussed participating in whatever Larry and Crew get together. While I haven't discussed the Bahamian run with him. I feel fairly certain that we would be in for that.
I mean, seriously, we will surprise you I drum drinks and Conch fritters are at the finish line..
I'm pretty sure that my insurance agent would be willing to get me any insurance that I care to pay for.
A Bahamas runs is about 60 miles correct?
well thought out. It surely would be fun.
The underwriter looks at the design limits of the beachcat: Coastal only (can't remember the classification)
But yes, I'm guessing if you looked hard enough, someone might be able to write a (very restrictive) policy for a nice chunk of change...
Why not the Tiki and
rent
out some space for others on it?
That's a thought but not a very adventurous one. You have to remember the Tiki design has circumnavigated and done a round trip crossing of the Atlantic in a single season. Plus it's slow.
http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthr...
http://roryandcookie.blogspot.com/
53 miles due east of Miami
A Bahamas runs is about 60 miles correct?
I'm buying a liability policy just for Wetafest, $250.
A liability policy for you or for the entire event organization? That's really expensive if it's just for an individual participating in one event.
and easy to miss in less than optimal weather conditions...
Thank goodness for GPS and lighthouses... But being becalmed in the gulf stream for more than a few hours can add lots of extra sailing distance to get back south to Bimini.
Guess you'd probably need navigation lights, too, in case it gets dark.
One boat.
You're getting ripped off. $1MM liability and collision coverage in the entire continental united states for my F18 costs about $230/year (and yes, that includes sails).
Waterbug, I know it can be unaffordable to get insurance for going offshore, in any vessel. The solo ocean racers very rarely have full hull coverage, especially the mini guys. But the insurance exists, it's all about how deep your pocket books are and if a total loss on your vessel is recoverable for you.
The biggest thing to look at is the insuring agreement and territories coverage applies. Policies are written on the exposure, and where that exposure would occur. Of course the issues of international waters and foreign governments are a whole other issue.
I've had Progressive for years, now they're telling me they don't cover racing.
I haven't bought the policy yet,it is for a new chartered boat.
I haven't bought the policy yet,it is for a new chartered boat.
I would check around. This is one area that US Sailing does offer a reasonable benefit. They usually have an insurance agency as a partner that will help with specific sailing related issues.
I have progressive coverage on my boats and they do cover racing...hopefully I'm not about to get a letter.
I think it matters who answers the phone. I'll call Progressive and pursue it in greater detail.
I have state farm, and had my agent check with their underwriter. I'm betting the underwriter is the same, and they do cover racing. Another difference is my boat spends hurricane season out of hurricane territory. Not sure how that affects the rates. YMMV.
What is liability insurance like now for regatta organizers? I recall this being a sticky point for the Tybee 500 and part of the entry fee, plus part of why these races are tough...
State Farm here covers the C2 for $16k plus 100k liability for about $185yr. Funny thing thing is that liability only on the Hobie 16 was a little more expensive. State Farm covers racing for sail boats.
They seemed mostly concerned about how and where the boat was stored.
I haven't bought the policy yet,it is for a new chartered boat.
They explicitly told me they did cover racing, and it's who I'm insured with on the A and F-18 for 4 or 5 years now. I've had other comp. tell me that and change their tune, but since Progressive paid on a mast last year with no question, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.