The Great Texas Catamaran Race will be only the second annual off-shore beach catamaran race along the Texas Coast ever. Starting in South Padre Island and finishing in Galveston, the race will cover approximately 350 miles along the Texas coast over the Father's Day weekend. The race will be conducted in four stages with each stage starting and ending on the beach!
Schedule:
Thursday, June 17, South Padre Island to Mustang Island State Park (91 nm)
Registration 7-8:30.
White Flag at 10 am – ETA approximately 6:00 pm
Friday, June 18, Mustang Island State Park to Matagorda Beach (91 nm)
White Flag at 10 am – ETA approximately at 6:00 pm
Note: Limited accomodations in Matagorda, beach camping is advised
Saturday, June 19, Matagorda Beach to Surfside (50 nm)
White Flag at 10 am – ETA approximately at 3:30 pm
Sunday, June 20, Surfside to Galveston (25 nm)
White Flag at 10 am – ETA approximately 1 pm
Awards at 3 pm
Boats: The race is restricted to production beach catamarans between 18-21 feet with a maximum 8'6" foot beam. In addition, due to the distances the boats will required to carry a spinnaker. US Sailing base rating numbers will be used for handicapping the boats. Awards will be based upon total handicapped time. Only one set of sails will be allowed during the race except for replacement due to significant damage.
Registration: Only experienced sailing teams will be allowed to participate in the race due to the potential danger of the race. (Sailors may be required to submit a sailing resume to prove experience.) Registration covers race fees only (excludes food, beverages and T-shirts). Fees as listed below:
$99 by Feb 21, 2004
$150 by April 1, 2004
$200 by May 1
$250 after June 1
Starting sequence for the first day will be determined by order of registration. (All registrations received before Feb 15 will put into a draw to determine initially starting order.) Send Registration Fee to PI Sailing at 4002 Ave C, Austin, TX 78751. (Request an e-registration form from Steve Piche at [email]
[email protected].)[/email]
Warning: This race is to be conducted on small craft on the open ocean. Severe weather, accidents or equipment failure could lead to potentially dangerous or lethal situations especially along remote ocean areas such as those encountered on this race. In addition, no support boats will be provided to aid sailors in need of help. Therefore, sailors must understand the significant risks associated with the race and only participate if they accept these risks. Safety equipment including VHF, GPS, flashlight, cell phone and safety lines will be required to participate in the event. As a condition of entry, sailors will be required to sign a release. Waiver, required safety list and race rules will be made available by April 1.
Hosted by PI Sailing. For more information see
www.pisailing.com or contact Steve Piche at 512-206-0729
