Subject: Boca Chita Key, Sail In When: March 14-16, 2014
I would like to announce a sail in, from Miami to Boca Chita Key National Park Key & back. The concept is to have both beach catamarans and 30+foot sailboats go to Boca Chita Key over the full moon weekend mid-March 2014.
The reason for the two types of boats is the 30's will support/bring the beach cat crew’s clothing, camping gear (or on boat), friends, food & beer for the weekend. The 30's will sail to Boca Chita National Park on Friday evening and get a spot in the harbor, and the beach cats sail to the island’s beach on Saturday morning, and return to Miami Sunday.
I currently have five 30+ foot sailboats going, four from Miami YC, and six CABB beach catamarans. If there is enough interest we will turn this into regatta instead of a sail in. If you are interested please "like" on Facebook / or comment here. Sheet in, Max out, Chris Stater
-- Have You Seen This? --
Re: Boca Chita Key, Sail In
[Re: sail7seas]
#266610 11/01/1308:34 AM11/01/1308:34 AM
>where does it start? MYC? Hobie Beach? Anywhere?< Most of the big boats are at MYC, and the beach cats can rig at MYC or Hobie Beach.
>How do you reach out to the non-racing sailors for this potential "Godzilla Floatilla?"< There will be plenty of room on the big boats, any suggestions? Facebook? I will be assigning big boat to beach cat via email.
I would like to get a bunch of beach cats to turn this into a regatta starting from Hobie Beach off Virginia Key. I currently have five 30+ foot sailboats going, four from MYC, and six CABB beach catamarans. a 42' & 49' cat condomarans, and a 31' trimaran.
Re: Boca Chita Key, Sail In
[Re: sail7seas]
#267010 11/15/1309:46 AM11/15/1309:46 AM
besides Facebook being for queers (which I need to change my avatar to reflect..) I think you're on the right track.
I think if any of us knew how to effectively reach out to the non-Catsailor devotees and the cruising classes, we'd have huge turnout to events like that which you suggest.
Crap, I didn't even know about the Marco Island regatta this weekend... only until the friggin' paper mentioned it. ooof
Undate, This this event will used to model / build the infrastructure for a sail from Key West to the Marquesas Keys, using the same sailboat/beachcat format (distance 20-25miles x 2). The course would be sailing east of the Mule Keys to the Marquesas, and return west of the Mule Keys for the trip to Key West. I am going to check with Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, if beachcats can launch there.
We (looks like 15-20) will use marine VHF channel 72. To the beach cats bring a signal mirror, and flash three times, pause…, so we can see you from BC? Things I have learned about Boca Chita, and what you should know.
Boca Chita is only 18 Miles from MYC. It is a 3 to 4 MONOhours sail on flat water in the bay. It is a great place to R&R at the beach, enjoy the clear blue green water around the island, catch a few brew ski’s, mask and snorkel, or sail one the variety of beach cats we will have there. Sands Key next door has a magical pelican lagoon.
If you are lucky enough to be planning the moonlight sail and arrive late and do not find a sailboat in the harbor to raft up with, Plan B is to raft up just west of Lighthouse and sleep under the stars. ( I did this 2 weeks ago)
The beach cats will be leaving on Saturday and the Park Ranger said no beach cats on beach but up on grass is OK, means cat tracking the boats about 50 ft. A couple boats have volunteered to bring the beach wheels.
There were no Mosquitoes last weekend, I expect this time of year for the winds to be high enough and temperature low enough for no bugs.
To get a spot in the harbor, I have been told you have to leave Miami in morning. My guess is there will be enough sailboats from our group that we will be able to raft up in the harbor. Park rules allow only 2 boat deep to raft up off the wall.
An overnight docking fee of $20. Use of one individual campsite is included in the docking fee. Register at the automated kiosk next to the edge of the harbor.
To get to Boca Chita steer 195-200 degrees from Rickenbacker Causeway until you get almost due west Boca Chita. There is a lighted buoy, and make a left turn to Boca Chita.
You can safely take in 5' draft at MLW, just stay between the 3 sets of buoys. The shallowest part, just over 5' MLW, is just east of the final pair (between the last pair and the harbor entrance).
Fires are permitted only in the provided grills. there are no facilities in the island, no cafeteria, no shops, no nothing. You must bring everything AND take away everything you brought including your garbage.
Please feel free to ask or add suggestions, Sheet in, Max out, Chris
Re: Boca Chita Key, Sail In - Second Annual
[Re: sail7seas]
#276386 11/23/1406:16 PM11/23/1406:16 PM
Boca Chita Key, Sail In - Second Annual March 6,7,8, 2015
First Annual had three beachcats, three monohulls, and two trimarans. Same format, and I will work on better communication for the Second. The format works, sailing to the beach around Boca Chita to the East side was not an issue, boats were cat tracked up off the beach to the grass per Ranger request, and room for 20+ beachcats. If you are interested, or have have any questions please PM me.
Re: Boca Chita Key, Sail In - Second Annual
[Re: sail7seas]
#277423 02/02/1507:41 PM02/02/1507:41 PM
Boca Chita Sail In - Second Annual March 28 & 29 for BeachCats March 27 - 30 for Monohulls +30' Boca Chita is approximated have way to Key Largo. The 30's will support / bring the beach cat crew’s clothing, camping gear, friends, food & beer for the Saturday night. The 30's will sail to Boca Chita National Park on Friday evening and get a spot in the harbor, and the beach cats sail to the island’s beach on NE side, Saturday morning, and return to Miami Sunday. Currently we have an Allmand 31, Catalina 30, Columbia 8.7m, Hunter 32, Corsair 27. Hobie 20, a F18 and a F16, and Nacra 6.0 & 5.7.
Re: Boca Chita Key, Sail In
[Re: sail7seas]
#277432 02/03/1501:58 AM02/03/1501:58 AM
I'm definitely interested in this. Love to island hop on my Hobie 20 and I'm free that weekend. All depends on status of my crew. I'll check back! ⛵️ Tim
Subject: Boca Chita Key Regatta When: March 19-20, 2016
The third annual event sails from Miami to Boca Chita Key National Park Key & back (15mi each way). The concept is to have both beach catamarans and monohull sailboats go to Boca Chita Key
The reason for the two types of boats is the monohulls will support/bring the beach cat crew’s clothing, camping gear (or on boat), friends, food & beer for the weekend. The monohulls will sail to Boca Chita National Park on Friday evening and get a spot in the harbor, and the beach cats sail to the island’s beach on Saturday morning, and return to Miami Sunday.
Sheet in, Max out, Chris Stater Email: cwstater@gmail DOT com
Subject: Boca Chita Key Regatta When: March 11-12, 2017
The Fourth annual event sails from Miami to Boca Chita Key National Park Key & back (15mi each way). The concept is to have both beach catamarans and monohull sailboats go to Boca Chita Key
The reason for the two types of boats is the monohulls will support/bring the beach cat crew’s clothing, camping gear (or on boat), friends, food & beer for the weekend. The monohulls will sail to Boca Chita National Park on Friday evening and get a spot in the harbor, and the beach cats sail to the island’s beach on Saturday morning, and return to Miami Sunday. Please PM me for more information.
Sheet in, Max out, Chris Stater
Re: Boca Chita Key, Sail In
[Re: sail7seas]
#286066 02/22/1711:07 AM02/22/1711:07 AM
don't forget the trimaran fleet(s). I know several F-24, 27 and 31 sailor folks over there who'd probably enjoy the event. And you can pack a lot of stuff on those nets.
Send me a link to the event/NOR and I'll get it out to the F-boat forums