This is Jake's deal. His logo is well conceived and looks good. He has spent a lot of time on this. Let's support him and get on with the details of the event.

Thanks...that was carrying on a bit!

Not being a part of the organizing party, I admit I have no say in the matter, but why limit it to cats? Don't we want to encourage converts?

Invite the optis, sunfish, Flying bathtubs-oops- Flying Scotts, Laser radials, etc. Let them see for themselves what multis have to offer

That might come later if the first CATAPALOOZA is successful.

The whole theme from the start is about how to get current cat owners out on the race course. We are racers and want more boats on the starting line.

Converting half boaters to multihullers is really on a different page, although certainly a worthy endeavor.

This is as much about breaking down the perceived gap between racers and casual sailors as anything, in my opinion. We just happen to be cat people. If we try to reach out too far this first time, the logistics will be significantly multiplied.

It needs to be rather focused and simple, I think.

If you decide to make it around the US, I can volunteer to help you out to setup @ Gulfport Yacht Club in FL. You have seen what we have to offer, just let me know via phone call, email or pm.

Great thought - let us get this one going and we'll see if we can hand you a format to run with (or start one and we'll compare notes).

Just one quick thought could be to throw in a little caption under Catapalooza that catches the interest of everyone with a catamaran... something like..

Catapalooza
the epic reawakening of the catamaran community

Is that cheesy? I can't tell.

I love it! Now if I can just get these people to quit calling me and emailing me about the stuff I'm SUPPOSED to be working on.

Tell them to piss off

then they quit paying me.

I have almost, almost I say, gotten in touch with Mike Krantz with Layline. (He was getting off a boat at Chicago last time I heard.) If he returns my call, I am going to plug this to him.

I realize that the primary aim is to get the greenhorn community in touch with the vets, as Jake mentioned earlier, but couple of random thoughts:

First, most of the folks who are buying these cats are pretty smart folks (and can afford the outlay).

Most of these smart folks who are just getting into sailing would love to hear from a Trey or Jake about rigging or racing tactics. That is not something just dealers have to do.

So, it's not just introducing greenhorns to vets, but also a way to pass along a little knowledge that will probably spur some into cats and racing in particular.

Second, I personally would look forward to a day or two of casual sailing with some low-pressure workshops on rigging or racing tactics. All done with a little fine dining and enjoying the water and the sun thrown in.

Most marinas and even a few restaurants like these kind of events (I assume) because they get to sell stuff. Start it at a marina and sail to a restaurant and eat. Sounds like my kind of weekend.

I know Mike personally and am most certain Layline would help out. Most dealers would - it serves them well too.

Jake,

Any thoughts on dates yet?

that's coming very soon - we'll probably have dates and location nailed down next week.

Jaek

it's ON! I went in front of the Keowee Sailing Club board of directors this morning (naturally, I was last in a 3.5 hour meeting) and I had to make an executive decision on the date (since it was the only one available). The first Catapalooza is taking place on Lake Keowee the weekend of September 13 and 14!

Primitive camping spots and RV parking is available. There are hotels nearby too. We'll be providing a cookout on Saturday night and bunch of fun!

More details coming soon.

Good choice Jake....I can make it!

Send me the graphics so I can get the stickers made.

That's great Jack! I have the decal already designed but it's on my work computer. I'll get it to you tomorrow.

(we're doing commemorative decals).

Jake

Jake, showed GREAT self control as we sat and waited for our turn to speak. Lot of club BS. I have some club members who have volunteered to run club skiffs to be on the water for safety and help man the grills.

I hope to see a great turn out for this fun event!!

If me new tramp can get in before then I'll be there.

What's up with Kate?