Right, you are taking a comfortable approach (who wouldn't?) to the event, whereas I'll bring a 18 year old crew desperate to sail. Wife and kids stay at home, so no need for a hotel. Tenting and cooking is very nice if you have the right gear, routine and is used to it. It's not for everybody..
You could probably knock off some of the cost (or increase them, like the food&drink tab), but hotel-food-drink and the ferry is hard to get around if you have to bring the family. Thanks for the setup. Looks like your cost for going to this even is larger than what my F-16 platform will cost to build.