Sometimes I think we get a little too serious about all this.

I like Frank Roderick's philosophy with "Frankenboat". So I'm proposing a "run what ya brung, finish where you finish" fleet. No numbers, no scores except order of finish.

This would make the discussion at the bar after the race the focus of the weekend.

Me, "Frank, I really whacked your butt today! (If I beat him at all)"

Frank, " Yeah, but you spent three times as much money!"

Me, "Okay then, rich guy. Your buy the beer!"

Or. Mike Burley, "I beat you with a H-16."

Me, "Yeh, I get hungry when I'm depressed. Buy me a burger,"

There is that race already, Macho Man

What happened to that race this year???? No news at all, before or after

...and the Mini Macho which was two laps of C and C (clearwater-caladesi).

Results:

spin,

1. Mike Catley- Ali Mims M6.0

2. Dennis Bedgood - John Fondrk I20

3. Mike Richardson M6.0

Low Port,

1. Hans Geissler GF16

2. Rey Johnson G5.7

3. Steve & Jeannie Fisherkeller D20

High port.

1. Bob Barton N450T

2. John Hoopes - Kristen S. H16

Hey Pete,

How about GYC (terra ciega) to Ft. Myers? What's that, about 80 miles?

Should be a reach/spin run under normal conditions.

I don't know what that bridge clearance is at GYC, but it's a drawbridge anyway...

Also, what VHF channel do you use to hail drawbridges?

No clue. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> What I really meant was an actual fleet at the existing regattas. Lots of folks don't like competing, but might come out for a party. Lots of folks watch parades, but don't march in the band. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

btw- the guy at Edison Sailing Center mentioned a local distance race. Saturday from ESC to Ft. Myers beach, Sunday would be the return trip. If anyone is interested, let me know. I'll float it past him.

I would guess it's about 25 miles one way.

Navigation stations such as draw bridges and locks/dams are hailed on channels 16 or 9. 16 being the usual channel. The lock/bridge master will inform the vessel of his status and plan for the vessel to pass. I've locked through SEVERAL times and it's not a big deal to get the lock/dam master to get you through... some times you have to wait in line and let the big boys go first.

Pete, what you are describing is the difference between Dunedin and Gulfport, only 20 miles apart but a world of difference "culture" wise. Gulfport is very active race-wise and has lots of fancy board boats. Dunedin is very active rec-sailing with lots of beachable centerboard and boardless boats. At Dunedin they don't run many triangle races because the locals won't race triangles, preferring steeplechase-like distance races around islands, over shoals, and a required stop at a beachfront bar. Shallow water but no bridge problems. They are the Noah's Ark of beachs, two of every type of beachcat. Every race is "run what you brung". Expect to get beaten by some old boat with an even older skipper. (I mean Hans, not you, Catman).

And I'm all for a Dunedin to Ft. Myers run. Longer, shorter, anything you like. How about next weekend? Safety gear for that long of a sail would be....extra beer and a map to all tiki bars along the way. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

David:

Is you cell T-Mobile? Is so call me.

Doug

It's an idea, but I'd need just a tad more planning! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />