Bob,
Sounds like you are going to miss the great weather to the south of you. TBCSI is holding their St. Patrick's Day (Celebrate Early) at Dunedin Causeway for buoy racing in the Gulf this week-end to support Robbie Daniel in his quest for gold. This regatta is also part of the Hobie 14 Gold Cup One Design Series. There are enough early registrants to make a Hobie 14 class and they may even have their own start.
Coming this week-end--the regatta to support Robbie & Eric in their quest for the Olympics in 2004. There is a full week-end planned with something for everyone.
On Friday, for those who want to set up their boats early, Robbie has offered to make you part of his Friday practice day. He and Eric have been out every day practicing with the Swiss team. Both are sailing in the regatta, so they are the teams to beat. If there are enough interested people, we can gather at the Dunedin Brewery for a Friday night bash.
Saturday starts the serious racing. This is the least expensive regatta I have seen since the Hangover. Registration is 9:30-10:30, Skipper's meeting at 11:00 with class flag at noon. It looks like the Hobie 14s are going to make a class. We will also have a Spinnaker class if enough sign up.
We have scads of great raffle items this year at only $1 per ticket. Suncoast Sailing Campaign donated 2 gift certificates for a one day sailing seminar by Robbie on your boat. Ellie's Sailing Shop (where we all like to spend time and money) donated a gift certificate. Sail Honeymoon donated a Learn to Sail Package which gives you a good opportunity to learn to sail the Windrider 16 or get a friend or neighbor interested in sailing. JTF-Air is again donating the a/c maintenance and cleaning. West Marine donated many items, including a life jacket. For the gourmets in the group, Cricketeers and Blue Water Grill donated gift certificates.
Saturday night is the Bar-B-Q at Baywood Club House. The menu is hamburgers/hot dogs, home made pasta salad, home made baked beans, home made desserts PLUS a keg of beer from Dunedin Brewery all for only $10 per person ($5 for children under age 10). Robbie is giving a seminar at the Bar-B-Q and we will draw the tickets for the raffle. You don't have to be present to win the raffle because I will post the winners on Sunday.
Sunday continues with racing with great trophies at the end. This is your opportunity to show you support for Robbie & Eric. If you cannot sail come to the Causeway to help, buy lottery tickets, join us at the Bar-B-Q.
See you at the Beach.
