OK. excellent.

Just as long as it does not rain as much as this year !




Probably a question for MarkP, but are there any chances of similar discounts as per last time at local hotel(s) ? I also might consider camping this time of year ? Any options with this ?

Will be booking the time off tomorrow ! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What is all the "secrecy" and "official website" about. The official forum (here) is surly where everything happens?


Mumbles, 51°34'21.82"N 4° 0'1.80"W,

http://www.mumblesyachtclub.co.uk/
http://www.mumbles.co.uk/

Now this looks like a nice place. Perhaps I can manage to convince my wife to come along. Any 'F-16 sailors wife club' establishing soon? Phill, have you broken the news to Terri yet?
There might be a ferry going from close by here to Newcastle, and it looks like it's just about 500km from Newcastle to Swansea. No more than an easy day of driving then, if we survive all the maniacs driving on the _wrong_ side of the road <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Looks like a protected launching area. What is the wind and weather usually like in august?
Are the hotels and campings crowded in august?

No "secrecy" at all. This might be the 'official' forum but all official class business and notices are on the official Formula 16 website.

This forum is just somewhere for you guys to gas. If you want to be informed of what is really going on rather than rumour and speculation you need to check the website. Simple really. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Sure John, no problem with that. But why not just say "GC 2008 at Mumbles, more info on formula16.org". Then there would be no followup with "oh it's at *****". It is just poor communication and gave me the impression that the location should not be mention here. Which I tought was ridiculous and triggered the first line of mye message. That was all it was to it.
Further, we would all go to the class website anyway to read the full information. My point is that this forum is one of several strong selling points for the class and this should be buildt on further. This is the place to reach most of the class, this is the place sailors visit daily or weekly, this is where you spread information and create enthusiasm for the class. This is in short our social network, which really is the glue in any class. Official business and official class information belongs on formula16.org. No argument! The forum on the other hand is quite a lot more than "rumour and speculation" and a place to "gas" as you say. I think the forum is so vital for the class that it's status should be entered in the class constitution.

Not meaning to be a nag and an butt about this John, and it's not all directed towards you or Hans and what you wrote. It probably sounds a lot worse than intended as well, but this is something I feel strongly about. I dont know any other class with a forum remotely like what the F-16 class have got here, and to re-iterate, we need to keep it as good as it has been, and is, or make it even better to succeed.
That is probably enough time on the soap box for today.. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Ain't that the truth, Rolf !

I'm with you all the way on this

Wouter

I may be wrong, but I seem to recall that an earlier version of the class rules actually identified the forum as the channel for official class communication.

No objection to the current arrangement, but as a matter of convenience I agree it would be nice if official notices were posted here as well as the class website.

To any one thinking about coming to Mumbles then from a relatively independant point of view, this place is one of the better venues, great social life for the sailors and partners ( always a winner ), good sailing in relatively sheltered waters, relatively easy launching despite the large tide, but for me the most important thing, the locals enjoy your company and want you to be there, unlike a few places I have been. Should be a great event, certainly the events already held there were real treats for everyone. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I holidayed on the Gower Coast aprox 8 years ago.

I vowed to go back and explore some ruins and watch a game of rugby at Cardiff Arms Park.

Not sure where Mumbles is in relation to all that?

I spoke to my wife about my intention of attending next year.

As long as it's financially viable, I intend to be there.

TJ

do ya think they'd let me check my boat at the airline counter and strap the mast to the side of the plane?

It sounds like "the right spot" for the event. The only thing that I can see against it is that the whole place is full of "NEW AUSTRALIANS" he he he haw haw (OR WE SOMETIMES CALL THEM "POM'S")
That's alright though, in between sailing we could probably instruct them in the proper way of playing cricket or rugby???

How did England not score a point against South Africa!?

South Africa cheated - they were playing rugby and England sent their soccer team !! HE HE HE HE GUFAW GUFAW HA HA HA. It's not really funny, more a little sad. Oh if Beckham had only stayed at home and just sent his skinny wife to the USA instead things may have been different.
A bit like turning up for a gun fight and only bringing a knife.
I have heard the English rugby side refered to as being a penny short in a pounds change when it comes to international competition? (not that there is anything wrong with that if "playing the game" is more important than winning)
Unlike the KIWI's who could't care less about winning - they just never want to lose!!!

because we were crap !

quote "because we were crap !"

Now Now they weren't that bad, they do show promise of things to come - come the year 3000 - besides, every country out there have been in a similar situation in the past (hang on, scoreless??? isn't that some sort of a record?)

Hi Tony
Mumbles is like the Gateway to Gower, have a look at the attached Google Earth image. Our Club racing takes place in the Bay in the bottom right, and our annual Gower Cat Challenge race's first leg is to Oxwich then back to Mumbles then across the Bay to Port Talbot which isn't shown.
In my opinion it is definitely worth revisiting and competing in the F16 G.C would be the icing on the cake.

Rolf;
Newcastle to Swansea would take roughly 7hrs and we drive on the proper side of the road!! its the foreigner's and especially that Napoleon guy who happened to be left handed which confused the issue.
The dates of the G.C have been chosen to coincide with our School Holidays, Tides (which will be Neaps) and the Clubs other commitments. So to answer a few questions: Booking Hotel Reservations early could save money and disappointments. I will speak to the proprietors of the Carlton Hotel soon (Christmas time) as last year they did offer discounts to Regatta Competitors. There are a couple of Campsites near Mumbles but not within walking distance and a lot of Campsites on the Gower Peninsular. However, if the Mumbles Cricket Club aren't holding an event at the same time then it might be possible to arrange Camping at their ground which is only a 10 minute walk from the Yacht Club.
The wind and weather is variable? but the Sea temp in the Bay will be around 16degC. The prevailing winds are South Westerly so the waves in the Bay are tiny. Only on an Easterly do things get interesting including launch and recovery if you choose the wrong slip (ramp).
As for bringing partners? They are more than welcome as long as they don't impede ones drinking habits <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thank you Mark, all good to know. Wife gets the "mal de mer" just from swimming in a swimming pool, so the boys can take the car and trailer on the ferry while she comes on a plane.

About bringing partners and significant others, I was thinking more about things to keep them and the kids occupied with while we enjoy ourselves?
Staying in a hotel sounds expensive. A camping with cabins usually is more affordable, and acceptable for the family. Biking up to 10km's is OK, or arranging transportation otherwise. Would be best to stay close to the rest of the gang tough!

About the wind.. I suppose the lows bring a nice supply of wind with them, but do you get thermals on sunny days? Land and sea configuration looks like there should be a nice breeze during sunny days? Just trying to convince myself that the sailing will be good..

Oh, and driving on the left side of the road looks positively dangerous. Every time I try it, drivers coming the other way go bananas with their horn and headlights. I am certain it must be something wrong about it.. I know the police are very much against mixing drinking habits with driving, but it might explain why you insist on driving on the left side :-)

Rolf

You could always try this place :http://www.clynefarm.com/
Sailing at Mumbles is worth the effort of getting there without a doubt and it's a very friendly club - just hope you have an interest in local pottery.....

He'd have to get to the front of the fleet first!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Fat chance of that, you veterans will have to show the way <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Besides, all prizes end up in a cardboard box in the basement anyway, according to demands from the wife. Not a nice fate for local pottery. But I might be interested in the pottery in the pub..