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)

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="" />