Any last minute advice from old hands?

It's just like any other regatta. Sail fast, sail smart, and win...

-Mike

When in 9th, cover 10th.

(also try to pass 8th)

Think big and nail 7th.

Shoot, if you're in 9th take a flyer, you may end up 6th.

John the Area D Rep says: Double-check your US Sailing memberships (skipper and crew). Make sure your entry form is filled out right. Double-check your class rules - the only class rules waived for the event are the wind restrictions some classes have. All other requirements are in force (e.g., Formula 18 safety equipment <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />). If you 'skip' a class rule or two, you could be protested by another competitor.

John the outgoing chairman who gets to sail in the event for the first time in a looooooong time says:

VAAAHOOOOOOOOO!

Tough fleet - remember that you might have different characteristics than the boat next to you on the start line. In a mixed fleet, it took me too many times to learn a hard lesson on the M4.3 - there is NO WAY you can be aggressive on the start line with Nacra 20s when you're on a 14-foot boat! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

See you there -

experience says... Take a flyer take a 10th. There are NO slackers in an Alter Cup fleet. Every mistake moves you back. You move up when those in front of you make mistakes.

Those boys and girls in this fleet won't be sailing to the wrong side of the course and the flyer won't pay in this crowd.

So it's a single start? What if 100 boats show up?

100 boats in the single start is what will happen. You couldn't determine one winner if you had separate fleets.

Sorry, was thinking Alter Cup, not Alter Cup qualifier. Qualifier listen to what everybody else said but stay somewhat conservative. If you make it to the real event then sail really, really conservative. (i.e. cover 10th)

DUDE!! That would be sooooo cooooool! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yep - one start, one course. I expect that individual fleets will be scored as well (F16s, F18s, A boats looks like for sure), but it is the overall winner that takes the big prize - a seat at the adults' table. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

What are the hotels over there? Anyone?

We're staying at the Best Western, 6200 Gulf Boulevard, St Pete Beach, FL, 33706-3716. My wife says it was the best she could do for price and location. Never stayed there before, so who knows what we'll find? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

There was a lenghty discussion recently, I'll try and find the link.

There is a Hampton Inn at 1200 North and a Comfort Inn at 1400 North on 34th Street. Approximately 15 minutes from the site.Have never been in either one, but those are the closest major brand motels.