Next Global Challenge

Hi We all no the global challenge has just finished but where will the next one be? I was unable to attend the last one but are keen to go to the next one. So i have to plan way ahead as we all have work and family issues to attend to. can the proposed venues be posted so we all can have a say or has this already been decided? if already decided can you please let me no where and approximately when. thanks danny

I'm sure the F16 Governing Council will be making an announcement in this respect very soon.

Any chance of it being in the US?

USA would be great or Cancun Mexico. Was thinking more like Fiji, new Caledonia,Harvey bay Qld,or somewhere else it warm 25 plus all year round.

Lake Cootharaba, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

I would expect the next GC to be held somewhere close to a brewery and the larger fleets of F-16s.
We are still building a class, so to get as many boats as possible to a GC we need to think about strategy. Where are the boats and how do we make them attend is probably what the head of the class is discussing. This is my guess at least..

Just adding another option for the Global Challenge in any of the coming years.

Lake Como.

Greg Goodall had just been there for the F18 Europeans and he was very much impressed by the location and the predictability of the weather/winds. He thought it was better then lake Garda, a lake he knows from previous F18 and A-cat events. This too should be a place with 25 degrees temperatures or more during the summer time and that may well be why the wind is so predictable, it is thermal.

Also, as it is a lake there will not be much surf to worry about. Apparently the local lodging was inexpensive as well. This location may well be a good choice for the Global Challenge for any of the coming years. I'm sure alot of European crews (mostly UK, Netherlands and the area's adjacent) are willing to drive the extra miles to such a location.

For 2008 I think another "location" has been assigned already. I wonder why the GC hasn't publized the results of the AGM yet. Alot of questions floating around now will be answered by the info enclosed in this document.

Wouter

Not to start a big discussion, but I think we need to look at ways to maximize the number of boats competing. While Lake Como is a fantastic place, as the other suggestions probably also are, the question we need to consider is "how many will attend". An exotic place can attract some people, but in the end, the wallet, family and vacation plans are what decides for most of us. I dont think we should think people will drive a long way here in Europe to participate. Just look back at the discussion we had about how the brits could get over the channel as cheaply as possible for the 2007 GC.

When the class have large fleets all over the world, we can have the worlds in all kind of exotic places, but until then we should aim for 40-50 boats on the starting line. We will not get that many boats on the line unless we put the event in the middle of the larger fleets.

Personally while I like the beaches alot I also think we must really consider favouring lakes and well sheltered bays for future Global Challenges. Most often the winds can be handled but the seastate and surf can really ruin an event.

We had another taste of this last sunday. I raced on a Nacra F18 then and we had to sail the boat over from Zandvoort to a neighbouring club some 6 km to the north, near the long piers (jetties) of a major industrial harbour exit.

When leaving the beach at Zandvoort we hit a large breaking wave full on and I lost my sailing glasses and my life vest exploded to bits. The hit was sufficiently large to rip open my vest and take out large chunks of the lining (floatation). It also ripped open its zipper. When we got to the piece of water at the other club the surf was like that at a holliday camp. Rather low and mild considering the conditions. All because I was so well sheltered by the long piers to the north and west of the small man made bay.

With respect to lake Como. I also think it to be important not to have the GC at Zandvoort and say Mumbles all the time. That will not be fair to the other F16 sailors. Maybe we should go to Kiel, Carnac or other places like that once in a while. These are well sheltered waters. And Kiel is alot closer to the Norwegians, Swedes and Fins without being to far from us Dutchies and Brits.

Wouter

Agree, lets not go to Zandvoort every year. We have not had a GC at Mumbles yet, but alternating between two places is no good. But taking out some dividers and the Frapper F-16 map quickly determines the actual clubs in my opinion. Keeping travel time and cost down will probably maximise participation?

Kiel? If we are going to travel, there are lots of other places in Germany which I think are better but that discussion is premature. So far there are two Stealth F-16s in Sweden and two (or three) Ply Blades under construction in Finland. Norway will have their first F-16s the coming spring. Catering to these areas should not be a priority just now, in my opinion.

About surf and shallow sailing areas.. Me dont like! Knowing when to put on the brakes is a race winning skill, but I enjoy far more to launch in relatively safety and being able to go full out. We have been fast in large waves on the Tornado, so we have the skills for it, but I find it far more enjoyable to race on relatively flat water. To have flat water, you need deep water and relatively closed areas. Closed areas give the locals an advantage as they will know the geographical shifts, but still.. The venues selected must have enough wind, and not too much wind, and be sailable in most conditions. I felt really sorry for guys like Marcus who went to great expense to sail at Zandvoort and had too much surf and waves for sailing. I suppose all this are under discussion (but it would be good to know a bit more)

Tom and I discusses hosting the GC in the US in 2009 (thinking next years would be held at Mumbles??).

Our thinking was:

1. Where can we find a PRO to run a top-quality event
2. Where can we find a Club to sponsor the event for a week.
3. What location can we gain the most North America F16's
4. What location would be good for non-NA F16's.
5. What location has enough beer for the European's!

Some choices that we came up with are:

* Pensacola Yacht Club (pan-handle of FL)
* Lake Norman (Charlotte, NC)
* Chesapeke Bay (Maryland)
* Key Largo (FL Keys)

Tom is checking on PYC and a local PRO to see if they would be interested in hosting such an event.

I just finished racing (Juana's) which is 25 miles east of Pensacola and can say this venue is awesome! Protected inland sound AND Gulf of Mexico just 200 m across a road and sand dune to the south.

Any other ideas or suggestions from NA F16's for a location.

BTW, we didn't think anything west of FL would draw a good crowd as most of the F16's seem to be east of the Mississippi. Eric ... need to start building that fleet!

As always, the F16s get a lot of attention out here just not a lot of buyers/sailors...

In the open forum Wouter asked me:
"Hey Holger, next year a short holliday on the Dutch coast for you ? With boat of course!"
And with the discussion here about next GC I would suggest the Ijsselmeer in Netherlands with the marina Muiderzand.
I've been there this year for some holiday and there we have all: Best launching area I have ever seen, large catamaran club, flat open water at the Ijsselmeer, inexpensive and large camping area nearby. Unfortunately we had bad sailing weather at our holiday there, and I haven't sailed as much as planned but it is another trip worth! see picture...
Kiel in Germany has more facilities for yachtsailors than cat sailors and no other race for cat's than the Kiel Week, and there only for Tornado and F18.
Holger

Totally agree with comments above that we need to go somewhere where people can get to and to aim to maximise boats.

We also need to try and find places we can launch in most winds / tides.

If it is Holland again, the best choice would be Hellevoetsluis and combine with the Dutch A-cat nationals which are held there for some years with great success.

Why combine with other classes?

I don't want to share a F16 worlds with a big event like the F18 or A-cat nationals. Basically the RC will tread them as 1st class citizens and us as 2nd class citizens. We'll be getting the most run down bouys, the most crooked starts/courses and the least safety coverage of the whole event. We'll only be a sideshow. Why go through this trouble ?

Wouter

I agree, no partnering up.
How about at Pensacola Yacht club as Tback said? Protected waters, good, fairly consistent wind, great area.
What other area has had 5 blades at a race? (given 4 weren't "local" per se though)

Patrick
GYC has a nice growing fleet of F16s. The bay is very protected as well. As far as shipping, well you have the Tampa Port? (forgot the name).

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

just my point if view. Having the next challenge at the same place as the last i don't think is a very good idea. To grow the class it has to move around more exposure means more people interested then more people buy and join in.Having it close to a port helps overseas competitors get boats in and out. being warm means the wife will be happy and also makes the sell easier.Sure i would like it my backyard but i also think it should be whats best for the class.

Danny
Taipan f16

If I had a vote. . .

If it was today. . .

Juana's wins hands down. Reason's:

Protected water

Great access

Availability of housing

Just wondering how often are the G.C.'s planned? Every year, every 2nd year, every 3rd year or like the olympics every 4th year. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

If GC's are held every year I think this will reduce your numbers quite a lot, reducing return competitors due to costs and logistics.

A proposal has sent in to the F16 committee for hosting a GC in Feb/Mar '09 from Singapore fleet.

Venue proposed is Kuala Terangganu in NE peninsular Malaysia. They host the richest Match Racing event each year and have the world's first sailing stadium, 5-star resort and all the facilities that one needs for this. Everything is brand new, plus they are still expanding. It is a truly first class facility.

Did a match racing event last weekend there and the place is awesome. Choice of w/l's in a bay with flatwater, the ocean is a 0.5nm trip up a channel for offshore races, and option of passage racing to a number of different tropical islands. The beach is close by and stretches for miles.

In Feb/Mar the NE monsoon is in full swing which is typically 12 to 18 knots. Swell doesn't develop too much.

There are 18 Taipans, 1 Blade, and soon to be 5 Vipers in Singapore. So healthy fleet as a base for the event. Plus production of the Viper and Taipan is outside Bangkok.

So what do you guys think? Has all the elements to be a successful event.

I think that the most critical element for any venue is how transport of boats is arranged.

I'm a firm believer that the organising committee of any global challenge should make this their prime responsibility. We can not count on the participants themselves to organise for a grouped transport of boats to another continent. That just won't happen. Also because none of the international shipper like to deal with private persons, ask Robi and the others who tried to arrange for a container to Zandvoort. Only the organising committee of the event itself will have enough cloud (and size) to deal with a shipping company. They can arrange to ship all boats from different parts of the world using the same company; maybe then the shippers are interested.

Without solving the international shipping problem, the Global Challenge event will have a hard time growing into a truly world class event.

Another solution might be the arranging of charter boats, but that too is difficult to arrange and again only the organising committee will have sufficient cloud to make this a succes. Pretty much with charter boats one needs the full support of a builder in order to reduced the cost of damages to an acceptable level. I'll give an example :

Ripping and damaging sails is a major concern. The cost involved with making a new sail is not very high, but the retail prices are. If the organising committee can attract support by a sailmaker where he will offer replacement parts at costs then charter of boats become alot more attractive. It will also be a relatively cheap sponsor deal for this sailmaker, because he will not be spending actuall money just investing time and other resources like manpower and tooting. If a similar deal can be struck with regard to boards, fittings and hull repair then chartering board will become alot more attractive.

If the sailors are coming then the event will be a succes. I think this to be the lesson of the Zandvoort Global Challenge. So for the next events, more participants, even more succes.

Wouter

The idea of doing the GC every other year sounds good. That would give people the time to rebuild funds, more time to arrange the shipping, and less trouble getting a kitchen pass. Maybe as a class have the GC on odd years and then really push the contenintal (like north americans or Europeans) regattas on the even years and not run them on odd years. That way people do not have to try to do both in a year.

I would personally favour such a setup as Jody proposes.

There is no way I would do two major trips in one year (Europeans and the GC)

Wouter

We have an european championship as well? When and where? Now this really begins to look like a class <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It is called the Nations cup.

Wouter

As for the places to host the GC I would propose that for the first few times maybe do it around where the F16s are built. Some where in florida so Vectorworks could be involved. maybe in Aus when HPC gets the Viper out more. Think this could help grow local fleets like the Alter cup did. Charter the boats out for the event then sell them at a slightly dicounted rate. I think that slight discount helps people be more willing to spend the money as it does not seem so steep.

Perhaps we should re-market the nations cup? For some reason I had the distinct impression that the nations cup was some affair involving only the Netherlands and GB.

Chaps,

I think we will probably need to "tag along" with someone else next year simply as there is limited time to arrange it (most / all) the big clubs (and so well orgaised events) are booked for these kind of open events 2 or 3 years in advance.

Nations Cup was intended to be equivalent to a Europeans. In any case, there was never really any limit on which Nations might actually be involved.

At this year's GC we discussed having a 2008 event in the UK, either a Nations Cup or a Global Challenge, the only obvious difference being that a Nations Cup would last 3 days and a Global Challenge would be a full week, on the basis that whilst people might travel half way round the world for 5 days racing, they probably wouldn't do it for 3.

I understand that there will be an announcement shortly about a UK event for next year, once it's been cleared with the club involved.

Paul

Singapore in 09. Count me in.

Mumbles next year, very tempting.

TJ

I am kinda thinking the following

1, GC next year - UK ?
2, Fleets grow in the US, Aus and the Far East.
3, As local fleets grow, there can be "nationals" / Euro's / Asian champs / Aus / USA events Annually
4, Then move to a GC every other year.

For me, I cannot really afford (time and money) to travel "far away" every year and so would not be able to attend Aus / Asia / USA in following years.

Trying to balance a job in The City, a young family (that need a weeks throwing ourselves down mountains in the winter) and everything else it just getting difficult.

USA in 2009 could be handy for me as I've friends who have just moved to Alaska for 4 years and so could combine a trip to them with some sailing (and send the wife and Kids home first).



Difficult for us as a class to get the balance right, and I feel a GC every 2 years would be a good idea for a little while.

Jody,
Stealth Marine of the UK was the first fully optimised production F16 builder. JP has done a lot of work promoting the F16 class in the UK as has Matt Macdonald in the USA.
These guys have been actively working at growing the class.

I would like to see this acknowledged by holding the next F16GC in the UK and if we can get the numbers following that in the USA.

This is just my own personal opinion.

Regards,
Phill

The F16 Governing Council have been in negotiations with a number of possible venues for the hosting of the 2008 F16 Global Championship. These negotiations are nearly completed and the dates and venue will be announced within the next 10 - 14 days. Thank you all for taking such a high level of interest and we hope that we can count on your interest, support and attendance when the arrangements are finalised.

True support for the class, would be to see some national assocations start up.

TJ

Thanks for that info. Did not in any way mean to leave Stealth Marine out, I was just listing the ones of the top of my head as examples.
I was wondering what the average cost to ship a boat from the USA to Europe and back would be? How does this compare to the average charter price at an event?

Jody,
Good question.

The answer comes down to the number of boats being shipped.

You can get a lot of boats with their masts into a 40ft container to share the costs. If you can get enough people together you can bring the costs right down.

Either way it is probably cheaper than shipping boats from Australia.

Regards,
Phill

International logistics are always going to be an issue with trying to hold events with a lot of distant participation. The key is coordinating the shippment/travel. The more boats in a container the less expensive. With a little ground work this can even be subsidized further like they used to do with one of the Carribean races. It does mean planning ahead which is always an issue with Cat sailors

As the class continues to grow we will not be so dependant on having 100% particiaption just to get minimum numbers at an event, so bugeting time and money to attend events every year is not such a big deal.

At this years GC the informal discussion was around having 2008 in the UK and 2009 in the US. 2008 makes sense as it is a quick trip from Europe and the home of at least 30+ Stealths to try and get a base for the numbers. In 09, the US has a good start at some F16 numbers and the first National Organization. The issue we will run into is living up to the precedent for the level of the event that was set at Zandvoort. The Club, the volunteers and the facilities in Holland were great. With limited exception that infrastructure base does not exist in the US as the sailors for the most part have loose clubs.

I would like to set up a conference etc. with the current group of US F16 sailors to bounce around how we could put together an event of this type. It holds not only for a Worlds level event, but in trying to have even a National level event the logistics are pretty large. Having not only a good sailing event, but more importantly keeping it fun.

Where and when? The conference.

Give me a day or so and I can set it up....

Guys I used to import Gliders from the States and found the cheapest way of getting stuff across the pond was by sticking them in a trailer and bringing them over on the car ferries, some time ago but a big enough load lugger trailer would get probably 4 or 5 boats in no problem, just a thought

I'll try and talk to some of the F18 boys about how they did it when they went to Aus in Feb at the Grafham Cat open in a few weeks time.

Give me enough lead time and someone tell my wife to let me go and I'll be there
<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hopefuly it won't be the first time I actually race my boat!!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

The way I read this, there are 19 F16s sailing in Singapore, with another 5 on the way.

Is this correct?

TJ

That is correct Tony. We certainly have the biggest fleet of F16s. Plus with Taipan/Viper production in Thailand this will only grow.

So is there any interest in Malaysia hosting GC in '09 or another year? The location and sailing is fantastic. The weather is hot, the water warm.

Please not that Dec to March is our windy season. Outside this period it can be flukey due to our proximity to the equator. So moving months is not really an option.

Make an official proposal for the GC, they will decide.

Personally I'm fine with december - march, actually prefer it as that will mean I will have my boat back at the start of our European season.


Wouter

Sent proposal at beginning of the week, but no response or acknowledgement. Took it to here to canvass other opinions about the viability.

Dates work well for Eur/US in that it is your off-season. Plus Aussies have their Nats in Jan and can pack their boats up in spot at the end of the Nats. Taipan Assoc has racks already for the container.

And you definitely won't get those waves you saw in Holland...

! I like your proposal already !

Wouter

And as a sweetener, they generally get the locals to be your trolley dolly person (being politically correct).

Been at clubs at SE Asia where you sail into the beach, jump off the boat and head straight for the bar. Boat is taken care of. Quite decadent <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

oohh, that sounds like a plan!

G'day All,

I'm pretty sure at the AGM in Zandvoort, it was agreed that GC events would only be held where a local national F16 committee had been formed (and acknowledged by the Governing F16 council) with a F16 class constitution.

Currently I believe there is a Dutch & USA F16 committee with F16 class constitution. With the UK & the AUS committee's forming imminent.

John Alani might be able to correct/deny/update.??

Marcus

First of all my apologies to all for the delay in providing an AGM report. Work and exams seem to have kind of somehow got in the way!! Anyhow, exams now finished - so I'll get onto transcribing notes etc. into a report that will be posted on the F16 website.

In answer to Marcus' post above, it was indeed agreed by formal vote that the class will only hold International Championships in countries that have an established Class Association.

This currently means that only the USA qualifies. However. the UK and AUS NAs are imminent and the Dutch Association is not far away either.

The revised Class Constitution, Class Rules and Event Rules will be posted to the F16 website shortly after the AGM report.

Hi all,

certainly a event in S/E Asia has advantages for Aussies, even more so for those in the north, the last time this was proposed some sailors from Darwin (who are closer to Singapore than they are to southern Australia) showed interest also. But I would be very keen to see a association etc. organised first as I would not like to see it fall in a hole again. After all it was what prompted the first Global Challenge in Holland, when organising the one in Singapore wasn't running to schedule.

I come back on my remarks concerning Hellevoetsluis in the Netherlands (= catclub Hellecat) as a possible location. If other countries are not able or suitable this is a very good spot. For your information, it is not the Dutch A-class organisation which is organizing the Dutch Nationals. They are "only" guests of Hellecat who is doing all of the organisation. For Hellecat it will be no problem (they will sell more beer + have more money from subscribers)to have 2 startgroups and do the same amount of work for two parties that they otherwise have to do for the A-cats only. Perhaps the A-cat guys will be not amused if we "steal their wind". It is silly to think that we would have a lower status for the Hellecat-people. As far as I know they don't practice apartheid. For us as F16's it will be very luxerious, nothing has to be organized. I admit you have to pull the boat yourself onto the beach after sailing. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hi all,

I also think that organising a Global event 2 times at the same country is difficult to do.

I also think that the Zandvoort club proved that organising an F16 event on its own (and not joining another regatta) is possible at a reasonable price. Which is better in my opinion.

Gill

Dear F16 sailors,

PLease have a look at the official F16 website for more info about the GlobalChallenge 2008. All further information regarding this event will be put on the official F16 site.

Ohh, it is at *******, Mark P.'s home club !

Me like !

Wouter

OK. excellent.

Just as long as it does not rain as much as this year !




Probably a question for MarkP, but are there any chances of similar discounts as per last time at local hotel(s) ? I also might consider camping this time of year ? Any options with this ?

Will be booking the time off tomorrow ! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What is all the "secrecy" and "official website" about. The official forum (here) is surly where everything happens?


Mumbles, 51°34'21.82"N 4° 0'1.80"W,

http://www.mumblesyachtclub.co.uk/
http://www.mumbles.co.uk/

Now this looks like a nice place. Perhaps I can manage to convince my wife to come along. Any 'F-16 sailors wife club' establishing soon? Phill, have you broken the news to Terri yet?
There might be a ferry going from close by here to Newcastle, and it looks like it's just about 500km from Newcastle to Swansea. No more than an easy day of driving then, if we survive all the maniacs driving on the _wrong_ side of the road <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Looks like a protected launching area. What is the wind and weather usually like in august?
Are the hotels and campings crowded in august?

No "secrecy" at all. This might be the 'official' forum but all official class business and notices are on the official Formula 16 website.

This forum is just somewhere for you guys to gas. If you want to be informed of what is really going on rather than rumour and speculation you need to check the website. Simple really. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Sure John, no problem with that. But why not just say "GC 2008 at Mumbles, more info on formula16.org". Then there would be no followup with "oh it's at *****". It is just poor communication and gave me the impression that the location should not be mention here. Which I tought was ridiculous and triggered the first line of mye message. That was all it was to it.
Further, we would all go to the class website anyway to read the full information. My point is that this forum is one of several strong selling points for the class and this should be buildt on further. This is the place to reach most of the class, this is the place sailors visit daily or weekly, this is where you spread information and create enthusiasm for the class. This is in short our social network, which really is the glue in any class. Official business and official class information belongs on formula16.org. No argument! The forum on the other hand is quite a lot more than "rumour and speculation" and a place to "gas" as you say. I think the forum is so vital for the class that it's status should be entered in the class constitution.

Not meaning to be a nag and an butt about this John, and it's not all directed towards you or Hans and what you wrote. It probably sounds a lot worse than intended as well, but this is something I feel strongly about. I dont know any other class with a forum remotely like what the F-16 class have got here, and to re-iterate, we need to keep it as good as it has been, and is, or make it even better to succeed.
That is probably enough time on the soap box for today.. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Ain't that the truth, Rolf !

I'm with you all the way on this

Wouter

I may be wrong, but I seem to recall that an earlier version of the class rules actually identified the forum as the channel for official class communication.

No objection to the current arrangement, but as a matter of convenience I agree it would be nice if official notices were posted here as well as the class website.

To any one thinking about coming to Mumbles then from a relatively independant point of view, this place is one of the better venues, great social life for the sailors and partners ( always a winner ), good sailing in relatively sheltered waters, relatively easy launching despite the large tide, but for me the most important thing, the locals enjoy your company and want you to be there, unlike a few places I have been. Should be a great event, certainly the events already held there were real treats for everyone. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I holidayed on the Gower Coast aprox 8 years ago.

I vowed to go back and explore some ruins and watch a game of rugby at Cardiff Arms Park.

Not sure where Mumbles is in relation to all that?

I spoke to my wife about my intention of attending next year.

As long as it's financially viable, I intend to be there.

TJ

do ya think they'd let me check my boat at the airline counter and strap the mast to the side of the plane?

It sounds like "the right spot" for the event. The only thing that I can see against it is that the whole place is full of "NEW AUSTRALIANS" he he he haw haw (OR WE SOMETIMES CALL THEM "POM'S")
That's alright though, in between sailing we could probably instruct them in the proper way of playing cricket or rugby???

How did England not score a point against South Africa!?

South Africa cheated - they were playing rugby and England sent their soccer team !! HE HE HE HE GUFAW GUFAW HA HA HA. It's not really funny, more a little sad. Oh if Beckham had only stayed at home and just sent his skinny wife to the USA instead things may have been different.
A bit like turning up for a gun fight and only bringing a knife.
I have heard the English rugby side refered to as being a penny short in a pounds change when it comes to international competition? (not that there is anything wrong with that if "playing the game" is more important than winning)
Unlike the KIWI's who could't care less about winning - they just never want to lose!!!

because we were crap !

quote "because we were crap !"

Now Now they weren't that bad, they do show promise of things to come - come the year 3000 - besides, every country out there have been in a similar situation in the past (hang on, scoreless??? isn't that some sort of a record?)

Hi Tony
Mumbles is like the Gateway to Gower, have a look at the attached Google Earth image. Our Club racing takes place in the Bay in the bottom right, and our annual Gower Cat Challenge race's first leg is to Oxwich then back to Mumbles then across the Bay to Port Talbot which isn't shown.
In my opinion it is definitely worth revisiting and competing in the F16 G.C would be the icing on the cake.

Rolf;
Newcastle to Swansea would take roughly 7hrs and we drive on the proper side of the road!! its the foreigner's and especially that Napoleon guy who happened to be left handed which confused the issue.
The dates of the G.C have been chosen to coincide with our School Holidays, Tides (which will be Neaps) and the Clubs other commitments. So to answer a few questions: Booking Hotel Reservations early could save money and disappointments. I will speak to the proprietors of the Carlton Hotel soon (Christmas time) as last year they did offer discounts to Regatta Competitors. There are a couple of Campsites near Mumbles but not within walking distance and a lot of Campsites on the Gower Peninsular. However, if the Mumbles Cricket Club aren't holding an event at the same time then it might be possible to arrange Camping at their ground which is only a 10 minute walk from the Yacht Club.
The wind and weather is variable? but the Sea temp in the Bay will be around 16degC. The prevailing winds are South Westerly so the waves in the Bay are tiny. Only on an Easterly do things get interesting including launch and recovery if you choose the wrong slip (ramp).
As for bringing partners? They are more than welcome as long as they don't impede ones drinking habits <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thank you Mark, all good to know. Wife gets the "mal de mer" just from swimming in a swimming pool, so the boys can take the car and trailer on the ferry while she comes on a plane.

About bringing partners and significant others, I was thinking more about things to keep them and the kids occupied with while we enjoy ourselves?
Staying in a hotel sounds expensive. A camping with cabins usually is more affordable, and acceptable for the family. Biking up to 10km's is OK, or arranging transportation otherwise. Would be best to stay close to the rest of the gang tough!

About the wind.. I suppose the lows bring a nice supply of wind with them, but do you get thermals on sunny days? Land and sea configuration looks like there should be a nice breeze during sunny days? Just trying to convince myself that the sailing will be good..

Oh, and driving on the left side of the road looks positively dangerous. Every time I try it, drivers coming the other way go bananas with their horn and headlights. I am certain it must be something wrong about it.. I know the police are very much against mixing drinking habits with driving, but it might explain why you insist on driving on the left side :-)

Rolf

You could always try this place :http://www.clynefarm.com/
Sailing at Mumbles is worth the effort of getting there without a doubt and it's a very friendly club - just hope you have an interest in local pottery.....

He'd have to get to the front of the fleet first!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Fat chance of that, you veterans will have to show the way <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Besides, all prizes end up in a cardboard box in the basement anyway, according to demands from the wife. Not a nice fate for local pottery. But I might be interested in the pottery in the pub..

(How did England not score a point against South Africa!?)
Well our premiership is full of semi retired New Zealand, Islander and Aussie ex internationals who will play for a couple of years on next to nothing wages so much so that the young gun poms can't get a game to get experiance.

Couple that with any young gun pom will get lumbered with international duties and no club who is paying their wages wants to see there star player not available for weeks on end.

PS I could always call myself a Kiwi if they win coming from those shores. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Except that right at the moment the website seems to be down. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Who's your host? I often find the response time very slow.

Paul Warren is hosting it.

If the site is down then contact him personally. He solves any major issues within hours.

Wouter

Thanks will do.

Anyone want to help with an itinerary?

* What is the closest airport to Mumbles?
* Is there an alternate airport that might be nearer things of interest, then take a train to Mumbles
* Would I need a rental car?
* Wife wants to go to Ireland ... I see a Swansea to Cork Ferry ... is this worthwhile?

Any other ideas would be welcome.

Thanks.

A car to Ireland is quite expensive, especially at that time of year (Foot passenger is quite cheap). She (you)can also come in to Roslare (County Wexford)

http://www.Delta.com Check out Orlando (MCO) through Atlanta to Manchester, England. (MAN is the 3 letter for that airport)

Once in country you might be able to ride on one of the local airlines (Ryan Air) to Dublin cheaper than renting a car and taking the ferry.

Oh, and they drive on the other side of the road so be very carefull if you are driving, or when stepping off a curb out of the Pub! Lots of Americans get hit crossing the road looking the wrong way for traffic.

The closest Airports to Mumbles are Cardiff International Airport, Bristol Airport, London Heathrow, Birmingham and London Gatwick in that order. The ones nearest I would imagine would be the most convenient but probably the most expensive and flight times could be rather restricted as compared to Heathrow or Gatwick. Heathrow and Birmingham are about a 2.5 hour drive, Gatwick is a 3 hour drive from Mumbles. Trains are a possibility from either of the above airports but apart from Heathrow and Gatwick a Taxi would be required to take you to the nearest Train Station which could prove expensive for what it's worth. Therefore, if I was making the trip from the U.S I would probably fly to either Heathrow, Birmingham or Gatwick and then hire a car. As for visiting Ireland it really depends on how far you want to travel when you get there. A weekend in Dublin is fantastic but I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss out on the rest of the beautiful countryside and scenery especially around Cork and my favorite place, Kinsale (see attachment)