Most likely. Seems the only time I am ever in front of you is when I am crewing for you.

We're still trying to figure out where Jake got that extra gear.

Rotomolded boats don't break as often, do they? Sure, the rally may take 4 days to cross (either direction), but they won't break....

I sold my 20. He's your problem now!

Are you gonna do it in a Bravo?

I would think the type/size of chase boats would be more of a problem than the type of cats to use -- if the ocean is rough, it can be a lot more difficult and dangerous for powerboats than for sailboats.

Everglades 290cc

I disagree. A boat that will not be able to keep up will be exactly that, a chase boat. Chasing the whole way.

You took the words right out of my mind.

Maybe Rick's "Super WAVE" design

Looking into doing the race and might I say that the list of potential boats to use does NOT include a H-18....

IMO, speed is safety to a point. The longer you're out there, the more chance of something going wrong.

How many chase boats are needed and how many cats are expected?
I see that there will be boats that finish fast and boats that lag behind. You will need several chase/rescue boats. There has to ba a boat taking uo the rear to insure (ensure)complete safety. I think at least 3 power boats, 1 to watch the front, 1 to watch the middle and 1 to watch the last boat, all with cameras to document the action.

Eric with the differences in speed; specially some boats from another I dont see what you have brought up happening, NOT one bit.

I hope this image opens up the big issue.



If I am wrong someone by all means correct me.
If anyone runs into trouble even the chase boats, I am sure they will call the Coast Guard, its a massive area. Once 1/3rd of the way down regular VHF-FM radios will not have the range necessary to reach Key West. Maybe a good sam can relay the message north bound. Once Key West gets the distress signal, it will most likely launch a Helicopter from Miami (its a 45min flight from Miami To Key West then we have to refuel add another hour) that's 1:45 before we can actually start heading your way. By this time the SAR controller will have a search area. We launch a Datum Marker Buoy to track current. Once we get the information we might be able to have any idea where you are. If not consider the amount of square mileage required to search and area.

Maybe they will launch a C130 from Clearwater, its an hour flight, once they find anyone if they actually find anyone they will relay to launch a Helo (look at the second paragraph)

Draw up your own conclusions...

The image was done to scale with a Google maps, LXI Master for vector squares and finished off with Photosop CS3 cropping and painting the squares. Do not put a ruler to your screen because it will NOT measure out.

That is more or less 3,450 square miles, the darker blue. Subtract that we cannot get any closer than 10 miles from Cuban shores.

Cuba does not have a Coast Guard as capable as the US.

Hopefully those who are doing this race fully understand what they are getting themselves into with this crossing.

I'm not going...... Steeple Chase is enough for me

I still want to go, C'mon.

I have the off-shore experience, skills, equipment, money, time off, etc.

PM me, or
Todd_Sails@yahoo.com

Todd Bouton

Wait a minute...I just read this thread where a few people were arguing that a N20 was safer offshore than a TheMightyHobie18. That might be true, but lets put it in perspective.
No beach cat would even rank as 'safe offshore sailboats' due to their open configuration. Robi, correct me if I'm wrong. Most boaters die from exposure, therefore, even a 1978 Santana 22 would be infinitely 'safer' than the nicest brand new F18.

The safety ranking would look like:
x)
x)somethng with a cabin
x)
x)
x)
Then waaaaaay down the list, almost at the bottom next to the kayaks and faaar down from the Santana 22...
x)
x)
x)
x) N20
x) TheMightyHobie18
x) Kayak
x) open canoe
x) kiteboard

My point is that on a safety scale the TheMightyHobie18 and n20 are not that different.

j

This may have been posted before, but it is a video that was made of the KWACS doing one of their trips to Cuba on Hobie 16's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjP8nbIhXOQ

If the organizer of the Cuban Run wants George Bellenger's phone number to ask him questions, send me a private message and I'll give it to you.

George has made five crossings to Cuba, mostly solo, so he knows the waters well. He also has had quite a bit of experience with the government agencies involved.

P.S. As you watch that video, keep in mind that waves never seem to look as big as they are in either still photos or videos.

The last time Bellenger made the crossing was 10 years ago, so he doesn't know if things have changed as far as government regulations. But one thing is certain -- the Gulf Stream hasn't changed.