That area is kinda squirly, lots of shoals, and depending on the tides, some pretty serious currents.



Go to shore near the bridge. Intentionally capsize the boat on the bank, much the same as done on land to fix something at the head instead of dropping the mast. Float the boat on it's side and walk it under the bridge, it's only 2 cars wide last time I saw it. Walk the mast back up, as in righting the boat. Sail away.



It's been done.



Todd

I have talked to Scott Kee and am contacting Doug Hughs Re fleet 8 involvement and what it might look like in the houston gulf coast area. My goal is to make it challenging and to see if formula rules can be incorportated and see who shows up.

Todd



Racing a race where you have to drop the boat over to clear a bridge is not a very good idea. I agree it could be done but, its more like a bottleneck and I think the CG would be all over the event for purposely causing a navigational hazzard.



Other than that, its all good.



Steve

Steve,

Thanks for the concern. However, ever been to the San Luis Pass? The rare occasional OB fishing boat goes under that bridge. It would be no navigational hazard, and the bridge is only two lanes wide, one bridge.



Maybe you could bring on of these F22's?



Todd Bouton

n6.0 + chute and snuff

I'd be willing to try around Galveston on any weekend except July 4th (prior committments). Instead of racing, how about getting 8 to 10 boats or more and support each other. I doubt any one can organized a race in 4 to 8 weeks.



I suggest June 22.



John Howard

512 940-5646

I would tend to agree for a few reasons and that while possible, it might detract from the fun of the race and as a new feature of racing it would have to have rules that would be argued well into next year.

The race would be next year if the trial run works out this year I am going to sail around galveston this weekend and see who I can get to go with me off the beach.

Todd,



I have not been to the pass although I have run rough riders quite a few times. I just have nightmares about soeone thinking they can make it and ......... whack!!! Like I said I have not seen the bridge so that may not be an issue.



On the F22. Hope to have one of the designs in prototype form that we can use late this summer. I don't know if it will be in racing form (all new design, one of two that I know of) at that time but, could be interesting. Plans are to take a few of the boats on tour so people can see them.



Right now I think the schedule is for racing to begin in the 2004 season with builders building and teams preparing during 2003. It becomes more of an issue of building enough boats in a period of time for people to sail. The only 22 footer that falls close to the rule is the SC22 and there are not that many of them. The series would love to start with 30-40 boats on the line for the first season growing to a max of 50 on the line. I think this can be done due to the series guarantee to run for three seasons minimum.



Steve

I also like the 22nd. I can't do this weekend. If y'all are up, I'll check with my crew and see.



sail fast

Marc wants me to go this Saturday, 6/8, but in two more weeks, the 22nd, may be a better plan for around Gal. Is. for me also.(Actually for my reconstructed knee). Lets try the 22nd from TX city Dike.

Andrew Marc and Todd;



Sounds like the 22nd is the day. If you're at the Dike this weekend, you should mention the cruise to others. I will email some Houston friends to inform them.



My P-19 will be in Houston Friday night, and at the Dike Saturday at 9:00am.

I know some people that will be at Cat Alley this weekend, and I'll ask them to spread word around as well.



see y'all in a couple weeks

sail fast

The race sounds good. I have been trying to figure a way to enjoy West Galveston Bay. It has near perfect water to sail on with two exceptions: no beach access other than at the San Luis Pass area and VERY shallow water in the same area. I have fished the Pass many times. Several people drown there every year. Also, the high part of the bridge has long since become a beach and the main channel has moved to where the bridge is lowest. Lots of current, holes, etc. I don't mean to be a killjoy but Freeport to the Dike and back (or vice versa) sounds more feasible. Down the beach and up the ditch/bay. MHO

jgrady

P-19 #1115

The 22nd is looking like the day! This will be a group sail. Everyone responsible for their own, and of course everyone will be there for everyone. I think we should leave around 10:30 sat morn, june 22nd. Lets hope for good conditions and descent wind. It would be nice to have at least 6 boats.

Maybe jgrady can help us find the channels when needed!



Jgrady,

There is a race from west beach, starts at Cat Alley, and goes to the freeport channel bouy and back, all offshore every year called the TX Two Step.

I know of the 2 Step. I finnished right behind you on the 1st one. Umfortunately, I will be out of town that weekend. Let me know how it goes!

I'll be there, as early Saturday as I can, Not sure there is time to make a flag or a trophy But if I get creative in my shop maybe I'll come up with something fun.

We will be a the Dike at 9:30. Last I heard there are 5 to 6 boats. Probably be 10 by the time we leave. Can we plan on leaving by 11:00?

I was hoping to leave around 10:30, 11:00 is good too John.



My tide charts, current flows, etc, tell me it's a better idea to go the Bay first, return offshore. Check it out, we'll talk about the direction Saturday morning. Lets hope for the right range of conditions.



Todd Bouton

N6.0 +

I'll be there; I may even camp at the Dike Friday night.

Ok, guys ya'll talked me into it, actually been talking with Todd about this race/cruise for a few weeks. I'm in with my I-20.



I'll be leaving from the Port Arthur area around 6:30 and at the Dike around 8:30. The start is going to be around 10:30??? See ya'll there.



Keep posting more info for us out-of-towners......



Mike Cole

I-20 #483