Alright, all you guys sitting on the fence! Come over to Gulfport for this regatta - here's why!
Helen of AHPC has made an incredble offer. Below is her offer to the winner of this year's T4.9 Nat's:
*****
Australian High Performance Catamarans is offering the "Come Sailing with us" Package as a prize to the best performing T4.9
Use of Taipan 4.9 at the Australian National Titles in Early January
03.
Accommodation for two people at the venue of the Australian National Titles. (Paynesville)
Accommodation for two people in Bendigo - Home of the Taipan - for up to 5 days.
The only sad news is to pay for their own airfare to Australia.
We are willing to work with the winner to assist in co-ordinating the
trip - Organising airport pickups, carhire, tours of "Downunder" etc.

****
All I can say is WOW! That's a helluva lot better than any old trophy!

Well done AHPC!!

I look forward to meeting one of our fellow Taipan Sailors from the US over here in Oz in January. The Aussie Nats would have to be the best place to go to learn how to make a Taipan go fast.

Rob Wilson
Taipan 4.9 AUS175.

Darn, I wish I had a shot at that prize. (This I will discuss with my Boss coming my next evaluation)

I will quite surely get my behind kicked mercilessly by the Aussie T's but MAN ! I was planning to go to Australia in the not to distant future (in 1 to 2 years) anyway.

But Micheal, I guess that a Charter Taipan is also included in the package, shipping a boat to and back my be quite a bit more than the airfare for two persons.

Wouter

I see that these nationals (offered as a prize) are well attended too.

I had a look at one of the F16 website articles the other day and was pleasently surprised to find that the Australian 2001 Taipan nationals attracted some 35 boats and conducted some 10 heats (Australian for races?) held in both light and strong winds.

By the way, Wouter, you've overlooked the second comment of the offer. There it is stated that the use of a charter boat is included.

Jack

The number of taipans at the 2002 Nats in Australia were closer to 50 sloops and a dozen or more cats.

Hey Mikes - If I come over are any of you guys going to make the Keys the next week? I am always last minute, but am thinking about coming over. Where is the best place to stay? I will have my wife and daughter - so nothing too sketchy.
thanks,
Chuck

The last I heard, the 3 Mikes were not going to the F16HP Nationals. I will, however, be at both events. I don't know anything about hotel accommodations other than the ones listed on the web page (http://www.angelfire.com/extreme4/gycracing/index.html)

Jennifer Lindsay
Taipan 4.9 #262

There is a Hampton Inn and a Days Inn on 34th street north also a number of places on St. Pete Beach all of which are about 20 minutes or less away. There is also a small mom & pop motel in Gulfport, Parkview Motel, about 5 minutes away.

Gordon Isco

Hey Chuck,
Speaking for myself, I will not be able to make the Keys.
But It sounds like it sould be a good Race. Definitly come
over this weekend for the Taipan Nats. I know there will
be at least 7 T4.9's here. I live on St. Pete Bch. and I checked
out the Sea Palms Motel. It's a small Mom & Pop Motel that was reasonably priced and looks well run. Located on the west side of the bay we'll be racing on and across the street from the Gulf of Mexico, so the Family can hit the Beach if they want. Also check the Race Web-Site for the Gulfport places. Hope to see you at the Race.

Mike221