This isn't a joke though, I really need some feedback. I really don't know if this is ridiculous or something beachcat sailors would be interested in doing.
I'm helping organize the Florida 300 that will run May 2-6, 2017 from Islamorada Florida to Daytona Beach Florida. Previously I've helped out with the Tybee 500 and earlier F300's but now I'm a board member of the OA (Organizing Authority), the non-profit Sail Series Promotions USA Inc.
We want to grow the race, and the biggest obstacle to entering a race like this is the need for ground crew. We are toying with the idea of advertising for independent ground crew for teams that have the ability to race but either just don't have anyone available that can tag along for a week, or are coming from very far away (Europe, the West Coast) so the expense and logistics of bringing extra people and a trailer is prohibitive.
What if I asked you to come to Islamorada, Florida May 1st with your suitable vehicle and trailer, and be the support for a team? Spend the week on a different beautiful beach each day? Islamorada, Key Biscayne, Palm Beach Shores, Vero Beach, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach.
All you would get for your efforts would be a free hotel room at each beach and maybe some per diem for food and gas. You could bring a wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/stripper for help and company, just make sure they understand the priorities of your "job" for the week.
Each team/boat needs at least one extra grown person taking care of them while they race five days straight morning till evening. The Team Manager, boat momma, crew chief, beach monkey, among other things could be responsible for:
- Pushing the boat off the beach at the start each morning
- Pulling the team trailer to the next stop, finding the correct place to park, and carrying beach wheels and other necessaries to the beach, sometimes this can be a hike.
- Waiting for their team to finish through the surf, fetch the beach wheels and help pull the boat up to dry land. (all the teams support helps each other with this when the beach is steep or the surf is big)
- The best team managers are ready with a beer and a sandwich for arriving teams.
- Deal with your teams nasty wet gear, put the boat to bed, do small/big repairs, whatever is needed so the racers can get something to eat and go to bed.
- Be on the beach early and have to boat ready to roll. Push it out into the surf and off to the next beach.
- Join in the big end-of-the-race party at Daytona Beach!
- Tell stories the rest of the year.
Please let me know what you think and feel free to pass this on through Facebook etc. to try to get more feedback. We have teams that could enter the race if this could happen but I have no idea right now if it's practical or not.
And if you are an experienced Team Manager please chime in with additions/comments to my list of responsibilities above.
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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN
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