Miami - Key Largo accomodations

Hello,

Trying to get the time off work to do the Miami-Key Largo race, but wanted to see if anyone had any recommendations for a place to stay the night before.

Not familiar with the area at all so I don't want to do what I did at a previous regatta and stick us in teh ghetto...

Thanks!

I think we have stayed within a mile of the site (on the mainland) in a reasonable hotel across from the park/mercado there once or twice. Perhaps a Holiday Inn? It had protected parking which I liked and the rooms weren't too bad...

Remember, there should be a reasonable selection of hotels since the cuise ship industry is heavy there, and folks need a place to crash before/after their trips...

Or ask one of the locals. I've shacked with some nice sailing folk there who were generous in offering couches or floors...

Are you going one-way or the round-trip down and back route?

there is a residence inn by marriot in coral gables that is only about .5 miles from us sailing center, CRYC, BBYC, and shake-a-leg miami. It isnt too expensive if i recall correctly.

Thanks guys. I like the residence inn option.

The beach cats launch at Miami YC correct?

Jay, I'm hoping to do the there-and-back "round trip" route.

That round trip option tends to make the logistics much simpler. And the bar at MYC isn't crowded on Saturday like it is pre-race evening....

Most cats launch at MYC but it is few miles from the club to the race start line with 2 bridges to pass through. Some of the other cats will launch from Hobie Beach which is located along the Rickenbacker causeway.

Is it possible to setup there the night before? What about trailer storage and security there?

Im not sure about overnight setup at hobie beach. I know there is no security and there is very limited parking. Im sure someone on here does know though.

The hobie beach thing wasn't my first choice in setting up, as I think the security is a bit lacking and it is a popular hangout for non-sailing types.

Yes, the MYC is a bit further away, but we never missed a start. Even if the wind dies, there's usually a sailboat willing to provide a tow on their way out there under power... It's not like we really slow them down....

We have launched from the public ramp at MYC and the one at Coconut Grove in the past two years and we certainly felt better about launching at Coconut Grove. We also have an outboard on the boat (Corsair S750 mk I), but it was just a little closer to the start line.