Wind from the WSW 20 with gusts much higher!!!

3 races and lots of flipping.
20 Tigers and 38 16A's

lots of rum and a truck full of Heineken!!!!

Break...More to follow

Congratulations guys! You've set a high bar.
Next time the wind will be a bit more cooperative.

Thanks Bob. The wind speed and temperature where to close together. Good food,good parties and lots of people help.
...And a wedding

Hmmm? Problem with the link Pat posted. Try this.

http://www.fleet204.com/06M30.shtml

And - Thanks to everyone who came. You all made it great.

Thank you fleet 204. You guys are the best.

204...204...204

What a Blast!!!!

For those of you who missed it this year - was a great time despite the weather. The Wedding Friday night truly made for a unique MCxXx.... Thanks to all who brought a boat - Come again and bring a friend <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

92 boats! Congratulations guys!! You have certainly set the bar very high for other race organizers...

In an effort to not have "Radio Silence" after the event as Rick has put it I will try to do some reporting. We had 10 US states represented along with our Peurto Rican and Canadian friends. Thursady night was spent picking people up at the airport and the girls having a bacheloret party.
We all joined in later and were up way to late. Friday had the distance race go off nicely and Friday night was the wedding of Rob Jerry and Darcey. They enetred the room under crossed hot sticks. The wedding was short and was the first time I was at a wedding that you drank beer and heckled througout the ceremony(and it was OK). Saturday had the big wind with 3 races in very difficult conditions. I was on the beach, you could feel a gust on the beach and then count as it hit the fleet and watch the boats go over. Saturday night was the usual Rum Squall and dancing. Sunday again had big wind and was to cold to send people out in. Breakfast went right into serving lunch and the trophies then a post regatta party at my house for the locals and anyone spending the night.

Those that were there can add in your two cents.

Thanks for all those that came out inspite of the weather and hope to see you next year.

OK, here's some of the visuals from Saturday:

Cold Puerto Ricans in a blow:


And that's at the protected part of the lake.

A photo that Bob would just as soon not see:


Both photos are courtesy of Mike Walker.

Zooming in we see a boat over in that 1st picture - that didn't happen much. [image]http://www.fleet204.com/test/images/m30c.jpg[/image]

what an awesome regatta, and the wind looks nice and fresh!

Good stuff...are we ever going to see summer in NY state this year??
Pat - what were the biggest challenges with the organization of a 92 boat race? Wanna share some of the backroom discussions?

After so many years with a core group of people doing their part it comes together pretty well.
Barb Caster and Sue Korz are this years co-commodores.
They did the oversight. (I cook hotdogs)
I looked in our booklet and came up with 41 differant committee's listed. That means 41 people in charge of a committee.
So lots of help makes it easier.
Some of the key positions:
NOR/Registration, Website, Welcome committee, Booklet,Friday Party, Breakfast/Coffee, Saturday Party, Saturday Dinner, Sunday lunch, Parks & Permits, Entertainment/DJ, Race Committee, Chase Boats, T-shirts, Trophies,Sponsorship,Scoring,Beach Captain,Jury,First Aid,Beer/Soda/Water/Rum,RC Lunches,Marks & Tackle, etc. etc.
When new people come in we try and "encourage"(railroad) them into doing a committee with the help of a more seasoned fleet member to make sure they know the counts and have a reasonable budget to work with while not feeling intimidated by the whole thing. At the fleet meetings each committee is discussed to be sure it's being handled so there are a minimum of surprises(there are always still surprises)(think Rum in Clevland).So most items are out in the open as far as what is happening.
My feeling is that you give out a t-shirt, provide plenty of food and drink, nice trophies and a place to dance, people will keep coming back. We try and really show appreciation to the volunteers to keep them coming back. There are a lot of people that don't sail that help with this regatta.

Thanks Matt for posting my pictures! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> http://www.portcredit.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=20

I was the PRO for this event. As usual, Fleet 204 had top notch equipment that ran flawlessly for the event. All marks, boats, etc. stayed put during the 33 knot blow.

Just before race 1, the boats started out. At that point,I measured a sustained 28 knots gusting to 33k. Just to make a point, wind about 25 knots will blow you off your feet.

Race 1 was the heaviest air race we had. Nice Tiger trap at C mark that blew over all the Tigers. Too far for good pictures.

By race 3, the wind had dropped to the high teens. Only 1/3 of the boats started (check the results on the 204 web page).

Sunday looked a little better wind wise, however, there was a cold front coming through with more wind. At 10:30, it was decided to not race as the temparature was going to drop another 10F degrees and the wind was going to increase.

(As the PRO, I'd rather have you complain to me on the beach rather than have to talk to the Coroner). Overall Saftey is a must.

However, this is a MUST attend event and run by a very well oiled machine. If you can, make time to come next year. You won't be disappointed.

Fleet 204 - You Rock!

Michael Walker
CYA Senior National Race Officer

p.s. The pictures on the web site are for viewing only. If anyone wishes full resolution copies or would like to publish them, please contact me directly at [email]walker_photo@portcredit.net.[/email] All pictures are digitally signed.

It is too bad that Matt posted a picture that is actually out of focus. I can do better than that... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Mike

Yeah, but that's the one that shows how hard it really was blowing.

And it's one that won't show up in the Hotline.

You got me back by putting the one of me on your website that has the trap wire running up my nose.

Liza wants everyone to know that she told me to duck long before this happened.
Damn skippers!

How many folks are sailing with helmets these days? (I know catsailing is one of the original "extreme" sports.)

204 puts on a great event!

Over 90 boats is a nice increase over past years. This is WAY more than a regatta. If you have the chance... go!

The only comment beyond that?... bring the right gear! San Diego boy's gear is not enough when it gets cold. I could see my breath sometimes!

Oh yeah and... congratulations once again to Rob and Darcie!

Congratulations to Fleet 204 for putting on another world class event. I'm glad Susie and I made the trip over. If it's any consolation...the CRAM guys here in MI had snow during their event at Higgins Lake on the same weekend. All the best to Rob and Darcie as they start a new path in life. Matt Miller - a little advise from a former Californian...MadCatter means a DRYSUIT with Thermacare heat wraps. At least you'll be warmer than wearing two wetsuits.

Is the rum still M.I.A.?