Disregard the manufacturer of the Mid-Americas and look at why it was the best regatta I've been to...ever.
The venue was an entire campground reserved for the event. Imagine a halfmoon peninsula with a circus tent just off the camp road, all the boats parked beyond, centrally located between camp and shore.
Entertainment for spectators while the race is on?
Could not watch(spectate) race from cove, but lots of open space for soccer and what not.
Do you take your partners and family to regattas?
30% had family or significant others, some stayed in camp and read, some played with dogs and soccer.
Types of food ... hamburgers sangas etc. or perhaps bigger meals?
The only meal was Saturday night, grilled chicken breast, long grain wild rice, steamed vegetable medly, salad and bread/rolls (no complaints) all else on your own. Drinks (o.j., coffee, water, 7up, water, cola, water, capri sun, water, beer) were in abundance at all times (even on RC boats) to keep you hydrated or de-.
Types of prizes ... cash or trophies, perhaps lucky draws.
Etched glass trophies (first cabin stuff). Raffle tickets were sold for the big stuff and freebies given out so virtually no one went home empty handed.
Length of races short course or marathon
was your standard try for seven races
Two, in this case no wind on Saturday = no races. If you want a big turn out needs to be a two day deal.
You'd think with not enough wind for racing on Saturday would have been kind of a flop. Not the case, after dinner, the partying, live band, air brush tattoos and planet watching (thanks Billy for bringing your telescope) began. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Fleet 23 did a spectacular job at covering all the bases (lots of volunteers) and NOTHING seemed to create a problem...a very well oiled machine indeed. If they had a repeat scheduled for this weekend I'd drive the 500 miles one way again, no question.
