'2007 Round the Island Race

The race orgainzers are soliciting views and opinions about moving the date of the RTI race in fort walton beach/destin florida to memorial Weekend each year. The reasons are primarily for better consistency in the weather pattern,warmer,and usually better seabreezes,thus a more fair race for all and likely earlier finishes. in addition no potential hurricanes. Would follow same format and be hosted by the Fort Walton Yacht Club. Appreciate any constructive criticism ,ideas and thoughts.

Thanks! [color:"yellow"] [/color]

Makes sense to me. If there is generally more wind in May (haven't been paying attention long enough to really notice) then it makes sense. The issue of decreased risk of hurricanes is likely the best point.
Does this mean Juana's Regatta would be moved as well? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
p.s. is FWYC ever going to post the complete results from the 2006 RTI?

Mike,

If there is a down side I can't think of one.

Now what am I going to do with that sporty new paddle?

Ding

Mike,

Ocean Springs Yacht Club traditionally hosts the Slip to Ship regatta that weekend.

FYI.

Bob

Why don't they do it in January when the cold fronts come through? Water temp hovers in the low 60s. Everyone from up north would love to come down and sail. We are usually so close to shore it shouldn't be a safety concern, and we would surely finish quicker than the 21 hours it took this year. Maybe I am just a glutton for punishment and can't wait to get out there and do it again. We are sure to be faster... let me go find some wood to knock on.

-Rob V.
Panama City

Sounds like a great idea to me. Us out of towners might be more likely to make the trip with the extra day for driving.

Mike Hill

Steeplechase?

Sounds like a good plan to me.

The Chase on an 18... could do.

If the new/old launch site get's worked out that just might seal the deal. It would be really nice to be back at the old staging area.

Dave

and is held on Memorial Day. Don't do it on this weekend and screw over BOTH races. There are other weekends in Spring which would be appropriate.

Is there some reason why the Florida people have a grudge against OSYC? Y'all keep scheduling over or changing races held by OSYC: PBYC with its Patriot's Day (over Island Hop)... the GYA Champs moved, and now you're trying to run over Slip to Ship?

Shouldn't y'all try to consider other races already scheduled? for YEARS?

Think it would be good. Help make the trip easier with the extra day. Didn't know about the other races in the Gulf the same wkend. Maybe if they don't change the date some one could let me know of other regattas in the Gulf. It is a trip from Chattanooga, but would like to come and race on a long wkend.

Please do not schedule it for Memorial Day. Ocean Spring Yacht Club's Slip to Ship is a Memorial Day tradition 20+ years. We may not have our Katrina "modified" structure rebuilt yet, but we are still passionate about our sailing here in Ocean Springs. OSYC's Slip to Ship usual brings out about 50 boats and I would hate to see our close sailing communities divided. That would be a downside!

In sailing,

Ken Altman
"Kani Basami"
Nacra 5.8na

No grudge CCC,

From the grapevine, a BIG sponsor dictates that weekend over here.

Bob

There are downsides. Room rates and availibility for Memorial Day weekend in FWB would be hard to get and hard on the wallett! A lot more boat traffic...crazy idiots out on holiday weekends! Traffic also would be a bitch. Oh...and Bob. What have we become a bunch of whores to corporate money? Jesus, the rebel spirit of cat sailors has gone to hell if we let corporations dictate things. :(

If we have to choose between Slip 2 Ship or RTI on memorial day weekened then we will be going to OSYC for Slip 2 Ship.

I've done the S2S about 18 times and only hoped to do the RTI, this would seal that I don't get to do RTI. Two excellent races why conflict with tradition? I would also agree that the rates to stay and availability would be next to nil on that weekend not to mention the clog from pleasure boat (power) traffic because of the holiday.

I vote for OSYC and Slip to Ship.

Clayton
S27, H16

Mike

I would have to agree with the majority of the posts primarily due to the local factors on that holiday weekend. If you recall, we usually avoid sailing that weekend due to the number of power boats and jet skiis on the water. Not to mention the jacked up motel/condo rates and traffic in FWB/Destin, plus the general increased boat/recreation going on at the club itself. Also would strongly take into account the Slip to Ship as 20 plus years is a lot of history.

As far as alternatives (because I agree a different time of the year would be great) earlier in May might work out. No apparent conflicts, wind should be fairly stable out of the SE or SSW, and you could then try to get me after I kick your butt at the Mug Race.

Earlier in May you have the Mug Race and the T500.

Please don't schedule over Slip To Ship....it's great seeing all the Florida people there! Besides, if they're on 98 between Destin and Pensacola on Memorial Day weekend, the ground crew won't be able to keep up with their boats!

Jerome Vaughan
Clinton, Mississippi

Mmmmm, passing through Pensacola on Memorial Day weekend.....I'll stick with Slip-to-Ship.

t