I'm up for some winter sailing again this year. Thinking about doing the Steeplechase and Tradewinds races in the Keys. I did this last year and it was great.

With gas prices what they are. I did a little math unfortunately. I'm going to spend about $660 in gas round trip with the trailer to the Keys and back. That's a lot of dough not to mention all of the other expenses.

It just seems like a waste for a 1 and 1/2 day regatta for Tradewinds. Often we end up getting a bad day of weather anyway which can totally make it a waste.

I would propose making it a 3 day regatta. This way if we get a bad day of weather we can still get a good regatta in.

The park is a great locations. We really enjoyed the perfect place where we have it now.

We also need to figure out a way to not have so much time wasted between races. Last year I think we sat out there for 45 minutes in 25 knots waiting for the next race. That is really painful. I know they had the short mark for the waves. Could we have a short mark for the 16's so that we can all finish close to the same time?

I'm not complaining. I really appreciate the time and energy it takes to put these races on. I just would like to see this event grow and become a "must do" regatta for everyone.

They could make it 3 days extended over to Monday (Martin Luther King Day). Or just start it on Friday?

What say you all?

Mike Hill
Nacra 20 #1005