Greenhorn Regatta - who, what, how?

We've been discussing this topic for a while now and that is; how do you introduce new people to the sport? We've all heard that it's intimidating for people to join a regatta for the first time and I think they may be even more so true as our numbers slowly decline (at least in my area anyway). Most of the regatta warriors in our region are pretty hardcore racers as the casual racers are less likely to attend anymore. Our consistent caravan of sailors are veterans of Worrell 1000s, Tybee 500s, Steeplechase, or National Champions in one or more classes - but we rarely see new people at regattas.

We've had some discussions locally about how to bring new folks into the sport that we enjoy and we agreed that we need to try something...anything. If we're not trying something, we're not trying anything. We've talked about purchasing boats as a fleet to have boats for people to sail. We've talked about having test sail days for local communities. What will work?

When you get some folks there that are relatively new to racing catamarans, what kind of event do you do? Do you have a training session event? Fun Event? Distance Race? Training drills? Swap boats and swap skippers with the current fleet?

I think the target group already have boats of their own. From what I can tell, some of them have some pretty good equipment. Better than I do, that's for sure. Of course I race two bananas with a 4-poster bed at times, and love it.

This effort should focus on cat sailors who already have basic cat skills. This is a totally different project than trying to get non-sailors into sailboats or catamarans.

Buying boats implies a cash reserve, storage and maintenance issues, and ultimately a disposal problem.

Pick a time and place and I will be there Jake, if I am not on a trip.

Hi Jake,

Here's an idea, before my first regatta I was not all that into racing around marks. My reason for showing up the fist time was so that I could meet people with similar interest. And to a degree I felt intimidated by the "racer" thinking that he/she were on a different level and no longer discussed the things that I was thrilled about or I was wondering about. I now know thats not true, but those were my thoughts. Back to the racing around marks..... I was more looking for a distance race, and I'm not talking about Tybee 500 here. What I use to do, was race together with another cat to an island or similar a few miles away and once there reward ourself with some food/drinks. Thats what I was looking for on a bigger scale, 20 boats would be fun I thought. Sailing alone was never that much fun so another boat made all the difference, but sometimes if was hard to find someone that was able to sail when I was. So I looked for regattas, the more the merrier I thought.

One of my favorite things to do, was to race with a friend or two down the Indian River (inter costal in FL around Cocoa) to a restaurant 8 miles away, then race back with happy belly's.

Now after attending a few regattas I know thats basically what you do. But to a new attendee it's not that obvious.

So I guess what I'm saying is, a friendly 1h distance race with a purpose at the turn around point, maybe as simple as a your favorite brew. Then another hour back, and hey lets repeat it the following day. When all that's done you can throw in scoring based on Portsmouth number or similar to get you hooked on more advanced forms of racing, and they'll be on race course in no time wanting more.

Just a though, see you out there Jake.

Bjorn

I have yet to get my boat in the water but I think a casual thing like this sounds fun. It'd have to be local for me as traveling costs to much. My main intension with this is just to spend some healthy outdoor time with my boys.

Jake,
while our last attempt at the Round Lake Murray Race did not end so well, we were having a blast until the storm hit. So I agree with Bjorn, simple races to or around fun places is an easily grasped concept with no big worries of screwing up due to not knowing all the rules and regulations.

Well, I think we should a learning regatta for those who want to learn how to race. Those of us who have an idea of what's going on should crew for those who want to learn. I'm in.

We used to have a "low key" regatta at a local lake for 35 years. Two races (about 1 hour) around the 3 bouys on the lake. In between the races we used to go back to the beach and eat & drink, talk. Sorry to say that the lack of liability insurance left the guy's running it open to major issues if a problem were to happen. The regatta no longer happens.
Now days it is tough to get a few friends together to sail due to schedules and family.

Having an experienced racer crew for me sounds like exactly what I could use. I'm doing my first regatta as skipper in two weeks.

Cheers!
Bo - N20

A couple of weeks ago TCDYC put on a sailing seminar focused on new cat owners who wanted to improve their boat handling. We did a class room session on Friday evening, talking through the anatomy of basic manovers such as parking, tacking and gybing. On Saturday we did an "on the water" session, doing a series of drills to practice the skills covered in the class room. On Sunday we ran a fun distance race of around 18 miles from the dike to red fish island and back. Entry in the distance race was included in the seminar fee - a nominal $20, but we also opened it up to others for $10 and set off some fast spinnaker boats with experienced skippers an hour after the slow boats, started - so the newbies got to be in the lead for most of the race.

The whole event was very popular - with many of the participants asking us to run another seminar in the near future.

The idea of having a seminar focused on basic skills to provide a link into racing is something I'd been thinking about for a couple of years. Getting basic boat handling nailed is key to having fun on a cat - when tacking, gybing and righting after a capsize are a struggle its easy to be put off the sport on a single breezy day. We had 15-20 mph winds at time during the on the water seminar on Saturday, so capsizes were frequent, but with two chase boats on hand to offer advice on righting (and occasionally some extra weight to help out) folk were very comfortable in these conditions.

We set two buoys perpendicular to the wind for the first exercise, and got people to lap them. This gave them a chance to reach a little, but also forced them to tack and gybe.

The second exercise was on a windward/leeward short course - which helped people with more tacks and gybes as well as learning how to sail efficiently up wind and down wind.

We also got people to practice beach launching, parking and how to get out of irons and do a tack from a parked position. Before each exercise we did a briefing on the beach and during each one the instructors on the chase boats would bark advice and encouragement.

We also did a fish fry + bonfire social event on the Saturday evening which went well. All of us involved in the on the water coaching found the experience a lot of fun and very rewarding - a nice change from just tearing it up on the local circuit regattas.

Chris Green

Chris,
Wish I had had the N20 for the seminar.... I guess I'll catch the next one, but I'll see ya at Wayward Winds I suppose.

Cheers!
Bo

What do you think would motivate the person that has a boat sitting in their backyard, that probably hasn't moved it in 3+ years?

Boat & trailer part swap meet?

Sailing seminar?

Repair/tuning clinic?

There are some good ideas here but i feel there needs to be some more Dealer / Manufacturer involvement as well.

Why aren’t there more dealers, events, advertising, etc… I know it’s a tough business to turn a profit, but you gotta get the word out! If all these adventure sport / snowboarders saw advertising of someone flying a hull… I bet they would be interested…

How about Nacro / Hobie offer $100 prizes to skipper / rookie teams that win events? (if they do… then sorry)

This is my 2 cents and nothing more. Most if not all recreational sailors are intimidated by the racing scene. I know many ocean sailing beach cat owners that have never attended a race anywhere nor would they. My personal experiences with racing have been very mixed, sometimes positive other times negative. I know when I load up my boat to go race that I most likely will not return victorious. It doesn't matter which class I'm in as there are always more seasoned and better racers there. I go to support cat racing, period. I know that if I am not willing to support it there will come a day when its not available. I also realize that as the numbers continue to dwindle the hope of racing based on experience dwindles as well( ie: a,b & c fleets). I will still come when its convenient for
me and the weather looks good. IMO new racers are not greeted with the enthusiasm and assistance that they require. Few speak to the strangers and even fewer offer to help them set up and tune. Why is there not more effort made to explain the rules prior to the race? I know of 1 skipper in particular, good ocean sailor, that got so frustrated at a bouy race because he couldn't understand what was happening, that now is only interested in distance races. If its not beginner friendly, beginners will not attend. One bad event and its over, interest lost. Each and every race, and the way its handled, is critical. You can't afford to upset anyone if you wish the sport to grow.

Our local dealer (K.O. Sailing) is involved in supporting the sport. They provide raffle goodies for our regattas, carry our fleet cards and leaflets in their store and pass on our contact details to folk interested in catamaran sailing. They also organize an annual event to promote catamaran sailing to the public (called the "Cat Carnival") - where they demo new boats (the plastic ones).

As for offering cash prizes to new sailors winning events - I don't think it likely that new sailors will be winning events (too many grizzeled veterans in most fleets), plus I'm not sure it would provide a big incentive to get people into racing. I think taking the time to speak to new people who show up at events, and helping them to tune and sail better, as well as integrating them into the social side of things works well.

Chris.

You know, I think those are the biggest reasons why some people that are recreational sailors don't get into racing. We (as in us) need to be more open about it. I haven't done the racing thing in a while because of different reasons, but I like it and will do it again.

I helped a newbie one time by just following them around the course and gave them pointers as we went around the buoys. Well it wasn't a big regatta or anything, it was about 3 or 4 of us that set out some buoys and there were a couple of newbies. I didn't win anything that day and wasn't expecting too, but that person that I "coached" around the course really enjoyed it and said they learned a lot. They haven't been out since then, but they popped out a little one a few months after that.

After I did that, I told myself if I see a new comer to sport, I would do it again. I might not do well that day or that weekend, but if I can show someone that it doesn't really matter, they might be more willing to do the races.

We all like to win, but no one will win if the sport dies.


Anyway, just my humble thoughts on the vast universe of the internet. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Something that just popped into my head.

What about offering something to the most IMPROVED racer or the person that makes an effort but gets dead last?

I shoot sporting clays and one way that we have done prizes before was offer lessons to the person who has the lowest score. Of course, they have to show effort, not just goose eggs.

The Indy 500 gives the "Perseverance Award" to the car in the lowest position, but still running, at the end of the race. As a person who often got "scored in place" in one-design racing, it might give a little dignity back, after having the safety boats pick up the buoys as you round them, or before you get there!

I was thinking the cash incentive was for the Skipper... to get HIM to bring a rookie...

The best "prize" would be the knowledge and experience gained by spending time with the guys that know! I don't need any awards to show up. I think that an event like the one in Texas--> sounds like a great idea. I don't know how many cat sailor there are in my area (Lakes Lainer, Hartwell etc.) but I would think that a pretty good response would gather 30-40 people if there was a way to get the word out. I would be very interested in helping out in planning but I don't know the people that could make this go.

Kent

Grab all your friends and bring them out.. there could be a good turnout with a little planning and if all the boats that just sit around the marinas actually came out. I think end of August/beginning of September would be a more wind-friendly time

Bjorn-
The Slip to Ship and Horn Island Hop races in Ocean Springs MS combine this- you race from the club out to an island where you finish, eat lunch and drink then race back to the club. Next day is a race around another island-
Laid back fun event!

Kirt <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I know that most of the sailors in this area would support an event like this....so HOW do you get the word out? I can coordinate with my club on Keowee so we would have a clubhouse to have some off the water sessions, bathroom/shower facilities, tent and rv areas, and we've got tons of islands to race around. How do I find the sailors that I've never met and don't show up to regattas?

One way I know to get the word out is ask the club secretary(or someone who has a roster) for names of people that have catamarans. That won't get the ones that have boats in the back yards, but at least maybe get the ones who day sail to come out. Make sure that the seminar is based on boat handling and not racing. Sure, they'll be racing involved, but not intense. Or putting a flyer on the bulletin board of the local sail shop. I know there are sailer's in my area that don't go to the local lake very regularly, don't keep the boat at the dry dock, but they do go to other places to sail. However, they do drop in the local sail dealer on a regular basis. So, a flyer there might not be a bad idea.

Those are a couple of ways that I know of to get the word out.

[quote I can coordinate with my club on Keowee so we would have a clubhouse to have some off the water sessions, bathroom/shower facilities, tent and rv areas, and we've got tons of islands to race around. How do I find the sailors that I've never met and don't show up to regattas? [/quote]

Jake, et al,

Keowee is the perfect place to do this. You are close enough to Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbia so that it isn't a bad pull for anyone.

The big questions are:

1. When?

2. Promotion.

3. Agenda....obviously heavy on FUN but still focused on intro to racing.

How about Fall Fever? just for fun.

Jake,

We could use a club skiff to take a gas grill and coolers out to one of the islands and race to the grub. All the grizzeled old racers who get there first have to fire up the grill and cook the burgers and dogs for the newer guys.

When we first started sailing beach cats the club I sailed with did that a lot and we really enjoyed it.

When i bought my first cat (H16) around 2000 there were thurs night races at the Dunedin Causeway.

My cat was getting new rigging and i went and rented a Windrider Trimaran. They rented them for $5.00 to help get interest in the sport/area/rentals.

I had no intention of winning... but i wanted to get on the water and refresh my sailing skills (it had been about 15 years since i sailed). Well the wind died, and i floated around for hours (not knowing there was a paddle in the trimaran).. but it was fun... and a good way to get interest going.

that was the only thurs night race i went to, and they dont do them anymore (i am sure for a lack of interest and evening wind)

Great idea - I'm all for it.

That is the best idea out of this whole topic. I like it!!!!!


Mike

We're getting a lot of new people chiming in on this thread (which is encouraging!). I can't tell where any of you are from...if you guys care to, could you fill out the location information in your user profile? If you guys are in or near the Carolinas, I would like to start talking about the timing and location of this event.

How about a notice to the area sailing clubs. There has to be one or two each at Hartwell and Lanier. I'm not a member but the Western Carolina Sailing club has a bunch of cats on the beach. Could Hobie help us out with a notice to dealers in the area? It might also be possible to get a small article written for the newspapers in the area. Let me know what help you need.
Kent

Next time I'm at the marina I'll see what info I can get on a few boats that just sit around but are in good condition.

Keowee would be perfectttt

There aren't many dealers close to here, but with a small tweak, I think that is a terrific idea! I'll work on a brochure/card that can be sent to the dealers (and the catsailor store if they feel up to it) all over the south east and ask them to include one with any parts shipments to the Carolinas, GA, and Tennessee. The brochure can point them to the EMSA site and we could setup a page specifically for this kind of event. Even if they're not racing, they still need parts from time to time!

I know the Western Carolina scene pretty well and most of those cats sitting on the property are part of the dead boat society. Most of those are folks that have grown out of cat sailing or don't care enough to put it on a trailer...but still worth chasing with some communication - might even convert a dingy sailor or two as well.

Does anyone know where to get a good deal on printing?

When I first started sailing I really enjoyed the fun events the Seacats would have in Columbia. They were casual weekends where we would gather at a member's house on the lake (they have their own island!) and have a planned distance race. The rest of the time was spent goofing around, sailing, swimming, "I'll race you to the island and back" sort of thing. Come to think of it...it was probably this event that really got me hooked on sailing even though I enjoy strict racing maybe slightly more now.

Throw in an old fashioned hull flying contest, and relay race (wasn't there a video of one of those from Isreal posted here recently), and you've got yourself an awesome day! Too bad it's so far for me.....I'd love to join in!

There is a printer that I use that is pretty reasonable I could get a quote if you have an idea about size and quantity.

What's EMSA? I know its not (found this on google)
The European Magnetic Sensors and Actuators Conference (EMSA)

http://www.emsa-sailing.org/index.htm

By the way Ding, I was getting caught up on my Sailing magazine reading, and lo and behold, who did I find in the centerfold of the June 2008 edition?

We are definitely not worthy! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Are you high-trapping there?

A bit, but it works for me, it's not like I'm running at minimum weight.

Ok, I filled out my info.

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Jake,
We have had several new people to the SEACATS family this year who I feel were intimidated by our boats and our racing histories. I have done a poor job the last several years encouraging these "greenhorns" to come back, but as things settle out in my life, Im hoping to have more time to do so. I have also been unhappy with the racing scene as it is, and hope that I/we can do something different.
The Outback Cup Regatta almost didnt happen this year not because of decline of racers(last year we had over 100 boats) but decline in Race Committee(3 seperate race courses is hard to pull off), and other volunteers. The save came when the suggestion came to either do a 1 day race, or some kind of distnce race. The final word from last nights meeting was to have a distance race on saturday, and some sort of bouy racing on sunday, but possibly the cats have 2 days of distance racing.

My proposal for the cats is to have 2 days of distance racing. saturday we could all sail to sandy beach~8 miles out, hit the beach and enjoy a cool one, and/or switch boats, skippers, crews, and "race" back.

Sunday we could either do the same or have our own fun race, be it a relay race, a funky bouy race, or just a fun distance race. WE ARE OPEN FOR SUGGESTIONS!

If some of you big dogs(Lennard/Pitt/Krantz could do a seminar on Friday, that would be cool too.

I think Carraba's cooking friday night, Outback steaks on saturday, plus beer and a band.

If any of you are willing to travel a little distance to join in, I will reserve you a spot in my RV at KSC so hotels are not an expense. If it happens to be a date that I can not attend, I will try to get the RV there for someone to use.

Dave, I like the idea of switching crew midway and racing back, skippers could draw crew names at the beach turn-around or crew could draw skippers.

a lot of A Cats now, might be a little harder to do some switching...But, I wouldnt mind trading

I'm working on the post card (5X8) and have a really economical printer (thanks to a referral from Tracie). I'm hoping to drum up a little sponsorship so we can maybe have two events a year in different locations to reach more people. So what do we call this thing?

a Fun Sail Program?
Greenhorn Regatta?
Newbie Noods?

Dave,

Do you have any contact information for those people? I'm starting a database so we can start figuring out what locations make sense.

Jake,

Call it a "Scavenger Hunt".

Entry fees are $50 worth of canned foods, new clothing, etc. to be given to the regatta's "adopted" charity.

Point-to-point race with scavenger items at each stop.

Sponsors donate items to be used on the scavenger hunt. Flags, coozies, floating keychains, water bottles, etc.

Special prizes for oldest boat, best decorated boat, best dressed crew, etc.

Open it up to canoes/kayaks, daysailers, multis, (depending on distance of the course) which would bring a lot of people who might be tempted to sail multis.

Maybe get the support of the local munipality or parks & recreation district.

Like I said earlier, the distance races appeal to me. Not as a replacement but an addition to the course. And if this enables attendees such as myself, access to more and closer regattas, because of less "overhead" in form of no real need for an official race committee, that's great.

I just want to be able to get together with other cat people and go sailing, and I feel many greenhorns feel the same way.

I think racing is just a logical, natural and desired stage after that.

I agree and think the only form of racing will be distance style. We can also do some handling drills and/or live coaching from chase boats if there is any interest in that.

Some distance style racing would be best, I agree.

Jake, just a quick thought about the inclusion of dealers like Nacra or Hobie that someone mentioned earlier:

As a semi-greenhorn who is returning to sailing, I find dealing with equipment and parts the number one frustrating problem. The sailing skills will come back gradually over time for me, I assume. It's not the sailing skills that's the culprit for greenhorns, IMO.

The puzzles with boats sources and sailing products and options are a pain.

Be nice if even just a parts supplier like Murrays would send a rep who sets up a table and explains parts options.

Just try getting the nearest Nacra dealer to the Carolinas on the phone.

If you are going to do a distance race, a reverse order start(Mugrace style) might be fun. Assigned times for starts and sign in sheet when you finish. Very little race committee needed. As far as swapping boats, 16's and 18's are easy, I think there is huge potential for damage on the spin boats and A cats. There is too much Lennardizing on these to be user friendly to inexperienced crews, and the A's are very different in rudder and mainsheet design. I can't even get my own rudders down. Maybe getting together after the race and doing a fun race with the more experienced skippers crewing on the less experienced boats would be fun and a learning experience, from both perspectives. I'll be there, Rick

Shoot... Krantz is AT every regatta. No need to get him on the phone when he's on the beach next to you, probably with a rumdrink not too far away <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Our fleet just did a 'Hobie Tune Up Day' with outstanding results! We advertised in the classified section of Craigslist and got a bunch of people that I've never met before out of the wood work. We had about 50 people show up!

We had these classes:
Rigging fast.
Rigging for racing.
Safety.
Racing (rules, marks, flags etc).
Righting.

Then, the idea was to get onto the water, pair noobs up with vets, run a race chasing them with the skiff. A lightning storm rolled through so only a few boats went out.

We got probably 5 new racers on the water, which is waaay better than doing nothing.

About 90% of my business is recreational sailors, the other 10% are racers. Most complaints that I hear from noobs or rec guys is that the boats take too long to rig, so we focused on demystifying rigging. We got a few of the new guys to rig their H16's in about .5 hour.

Then we worked on making the racing aspect a little less threatening.

Overall the day was a huge success. I highly recommend every fleet do something similar if you want to boost your numbers.

We had a BBQ and beach party mid day where people sat and hung out and talked sailing. Things we learned:

1)Print out some rudimentary racing rules/procedures, so that people can leave with something.

2)Get the more technical classes organized ahead of time. The racing class got a little long and confusing. Maybe run a race in the parking lot and have people walk a course or the like. The little manipulatives just don't cut it for some.

3) Make sure to not call it a 'Try a Hobie/Cat Day'. You'll just get people that want to show up for a ride. But, do welcome everyone.

Have fun!!

Exactly!

And isn't it more than just the length of time of rigging? I would qualify that some. It's confusion about the pieces for rigging and the unexpected additional pieces that sometimes make rigging easier (mast steppers).

No one likes to hear, "Hey, you bought the car, now let me sell you the tires."

**************

And who the hang is Krantz?

That was my next step to contact dealers to see how they might play a role - but most of them are too far away to expect them to travel to our neck of the woods for something like that. Besides, we easily have most of the answers to any part / rigging question within our fleet (we have David Lennard!) - I think an important thing to accomplish is to break down that perceived barrier between the guys that sail a lot and the folks that are new to the fleet so that anyone feels like they can ask those questions.

I know its a long shot.....but Charlies' got a shop in Myrtle and Charleston. He has as much or more to gain than any other dealer in our area. And lets face it, his raffles were always awesome. He has no one on staff now that is interested in planning regattas. Denise is a full-time mom now. His pockets are deep enough, his interest may not be.

Any thoughts on when or where Jake? My wife is nearing the end of treatments so this fall should be better for me to attend some races. And thanks for pursuing this type of event.

My thoughts are (and jump in if you have more thoughts), is to first determine where the people are that would participate in this program. To do that, we're going to put out a pretty significant outreach program. I'm building a contact database that is growing (there are a lot of people interested in this project!). Tracie Hawks (Virginia) has graciously offered up a donation to cover our printing costs up to 500 5x8 cards. I'm working on the card design now and hope to have it done within the next two weeks (I don't have much spare time at the moment).

My thoughts are that we'll setup an area of the EMSA website that the card will point people toward. Once there, they can quickly register themselves as interested in the event. After we have a few signed up, we'll figure out what location makes the most sense. I hope to speak with Charlie soon as I'm hoping he too can play a role in helping us get this rolling. Once we have the cards designed, we'll be reaching out to the dealers like Charlie to figure out how they would like to get involved. We're obviously going to need some more cash to cover mailings and I would like to have the events to be free to the people that are taking part in.

And you're right, this will help the dealers as much or more than it helps us!

Jake

We still need a name (important for the card). I want to stay away from the word "regatta" as it could be part of the intimidation factor...and it's really more than a regatta anyway.

I like the word "Rendezvous." <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

And I do NOT like the word "Greenhorn."

And I do NOT think any manufacturer name should be attached to the name of the event.

Some ideas:
How about Cat Tune-up Day
Hobie Tune-up Day
Ask An Expert Cat Sailor Day
Learn to Fly Your Hull Day

By the way I think that Keowee or Hartwell or Lanier would be good choices in this area. If you have access to a club area with a beach at Keowee that makes it easier which will make it better!

If you need any help getting anything done let me know

Maybe refer to it as a rally, works for the bikers. Maybe have a dealer/s there with parts, get the catreaper(Dan Berger) to bring a truck load of used parts. New boats to check out, maybe like a SE Catamaran Rally and Swap Meet.

But "rally" also refers to a type of speed-controlled race with checkpoints. Might cause some confusion.

Agreed - I also like Rendezvous...I like the thought of Rally, but I think Mary has a point...but on second thought, the definition of Rally really fits:



As for the location, I would need to go in front of the board but Keowee would be a fine place - we've got three beaches at the club, camping spots, clubhouse, committee boats, and marks. But again, we'll see where the most interest is and try to schedule it around that.

Jake,

If you need any help, let me know how. I can offer website type help.

Thanks - this is going to be a big task once we get things in place.

GODZILLA FLOATILLA

Bring anything (that floats) with a sail!
We'll help you get parts, tune it up, find crew, and enjoy the day...

Scavanger hunt/floatilla/raffle (whatever)

Or "Catzilla Floatilla"

even better ! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

but "Floatilla" makes me think of a regatta with no wind.

I must disagree Mary, rally in todays terms is no more than a gathering of people with similar interests. Motorcycle rallies, Car club rallies, even RV rallies. Motorcycle folks can participate in timed drags, burnouts, etc. but thats just a part of the experience. Most of them just show up and hang out, exactly what Jake is trying to accomplish. Throw in some fun races for the noobs and some more serious racing for the regulars, everyone is happy! Sharing and showing will go a long way. How to reach the masses is where I get lost. As most of the fleets have dissolved getting in touch with sailors is a difficult task. Maybe customer lists from the existing dealers serving our general area? Maybe the mailing list for Hobie and Murray catalogs?Maybe just post up on all the sailing websites and see who responds. EMSA is only known by the sailors that race in our area, most if not all local non-racers aren't aware of EMSA or the website. Many use the Hobie forums, this forum, sailing anarchy and the beachcats.

My choice is still "Rendezvous," like what the Corsairs do (did?), with a variety of events and activities for racers and non-racers.

Catzilla is kinda cool...or a twist on Lollapalooza ....Catapalooza? Lollapalooza toured around and went to different cities...kinda like what I see this event doing from year to year.

Rally works for me, so does Rendezvous

How about Rallyvous <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I like 'rally'

This is starting to stick on me:

Umm,

No. Total turn off. But that is just one persons opinion.

Catfest
Catjam
Catallac Ranch
Cat-O-Rama

I could go on but they will only get worse...

I'm digging it Jake.

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That's it. Enough discussion.

Now get on with the details Jake.

I'm glad that we have someone to make decisions for the group :P

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?

Yes, and David left me in the midst of the 2 hour dock anchor debate but was tolerant when I called him to lie that "we were up!" just because I was getting lonely. Thanks man. You would think we're the only people that own docks in the world...such a science.

Wait

Did you just call my wife a tramp Jake?

:P

Where do we send the cheddar!? The sign-up fee or whatever? Er, where do we send the registration money... There is one, yes?

Surely you shouldn't endure 3.5 hours of dock debate for nothing!

We're hoping to have no registration fee...but pre-sign up will be urged. We'll try to get something on the EMSA site this week.

Jake

I'm looking forward to this. Will you (Jake) be bringing the smokin' animals?
Thanks for your hard work!
Kent

Jake, I noticed that you put up a registration page for the Catapalooza. http://www.treystoneinc.com/esma/

Do you need help with anything that a novice can do?

BTW there's a typo at the bottom of the page "Are you brining a boat?"
Thanks again for your work to help people like me out.

Thanks for linking to the registration page! I'm sure we'll need some help. I'n currently in an internet black hole in Caseville, MI for the Performance Catamaran's NA's. Once I get back next weekend I will have a chance to review the registrations and start to build some of the plans for programs with some of our other local sailors.