Ok...I'm about a week and a half away from dragging 2 I20's to florida for the winter, and one of the races we were planning on is Steeplechase. However, I was just told that several of the locations usually involved (I'm a rookie...don't know!) are no longer there (hurricane dammage??) and when I checked registration there are only 2 boats currently registered.

Anybody else planning on going or know what's going on??

JL

Yeah I am going, how about you! See you at Carlisle?

The venue is the same. The Resort where we launch was supposed to be under construction in the front, but not where we launch, for new condos.
However, nothing has even started yet. The place to launch is Gilberts Marina, just before the Jewfish Bridge on the right side.
Rick

Hah....so you're a bit of a smart a**...good...we'll work well together!!
Yep....Carlisle is first up...Stank is supposed to crew for me there. It's sounding like there will be a good turnout for Carlisle. I'm just a little worried about Steeplechase. I have to set flights, figure out logistics, get the boat(s) there from Clearwater, etc...

JL

WAAAAAAHHHH! My hobby is sooooo hard to accomodate! I'm going yachting and I don't have a thing to wear!

Somebody had to bust your nutz on that one, Joe. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

For the Steeplechase, Gilbert's is still renting rooms. They have not yet started construction on their new condos. Phone is 305-451-1133. Price range is $69-$99 a night during the week and a little higher on the weekend.

Ok, Ok....I really just want to know if there's going to be more than a small handfull of boats competing??

Smarta**!! And Brian calls you the "talent"!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I just got back to Key Largo after being in Ohio all summer, and I was amazed at the progress they have already made on the new, high-level bridge over Jewfish Creek. I don't know when it will be done; but when it is and the lift bridge is eliminated, that will open up more possibilities for where to start and end the Steeplechase.

Could make the race even more interesting if Jewfish Creek can actually be part of the course. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> for instance, I can see the race starting and ending at the Upper Keys Sailing Club, with Jewfish Creek just being another of those frustrating channels you have to get through. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

"Paddle Biatch!"

aaahem...Sorry...I'm just practicing. Frank and I will be there on his blue 20.

Possesion is 9/10ths, Jake. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Good luck, guys!

Hi Joe,
Normally we get between 30 and 45 boats for the event.., and mostly very good sailors. It is a great course and a beautiful sail in the Fabulous, Windy Florida Keys.
Rick

Dave and I will be there on the Infusion. Done it on the 18HT, done it on the N20. Time to go F18. Any other F18's up for it?

-Mike

Loyd and I are toying with the idea, however we have a boat to fix first. I checked last years results and there didn't appear to be any F18s. Is that normal for that event? Is there a NOR somewhere with more info? What is the distance per day?

For the NOR go to the catsailor.com home page, open the drop-down site index, and scroll down to Steeplechase.

As I said earlier in this thread, Gilbert's Motel, which is really the only viable launch site, is still renting rooms. It is not listed in the motel list in the NOR because supposedly they were going to stop renting rooms early this year. Phone is 305-451-1133.

If you rent a room there, I think launching is free. If you don't stay there, they will charge a launching fee of $20.

The distance is about 50 miles each day. I did it on my F18 two years ago and it is easily doable on an F18 ... it's a great run full of tons of spectacle of the Florida Keys. I've been dying to do it again and wouldn't hesitate to do it again on an F18.

One word of advise - expect the first year or two of this race to be a learning experience for the territory and tactics.

The new bridge will be great for spectators if the boats get to fly through the resorts.

We'll be there on an F18. Never done it before. In fact, haven't done much distance racing period and looking forward to it. Want to get a taste of it before Tybee next year. Is there a list of recommended safety gear somewhere?

Nothing much required for the Steeplechase. Food, water, VHF, cell phone,a couple of paddles, and charts. Day one is straight forward, and day two can be tricky.

Looking forward to seeing you down there.


-Mike

I can be available to crew for the Key Largo Steeplechase on Dec 9 and 10.
I will be camping, have room for extra tent if needed.
PM me here or 1design or Jerry(at)teamairwolfe.com.

I believe the race traditionally requires an anchor onboard as well. We carry one of those 4 or 7lb folding anchors and a bag of nylon rode.