J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum Events and Scheduling 2008 J/30 North Americans - Narragansett Bay Offer

Wind on the bay in August can be summed up like this. Prevailing winds from the Southwest. Light in the morning filling in as the day goes on. Except... this is New England. If you don't like the weather just wait a couple of hours, it will change. 2 Weeks ago for Leukemia Cup wind was blowing from the North steady over 22 kts, gusting 30. Last weekend Sat winds 10-15, Sunday 26 August an ugly 0-8 (delayed the start of race by 1.5 hours). So expect to see anything from 0 to 30 kts, coming from any direction, with diurnal tidal currents (but Dennis already knows about that part...)

What if.....
Just wondering on the September versus August timing. BYC indicates that late August is better than early August to minimize conflicts the youth programs. I know some crews have teachers and students making August better than September, but some people find it easier to travel in September. Labor Day weekend is probably not good for anyone including BYC, so strike 30/31 August weekend. Maybe 22-24 Aug or 12-14 Sept to throw out some possibilities. Any preferences?

There are other logistics that I'm sure people want to know more about. I'll list some items here (add to this list if there are other items), and then go back and try and get answers:
1. Boat Launching / Hauling for visitors (Bristol Marina is next to BYC but has no affiliation with them, rates quoted $8/ft each way to launch/haul; $350 each way to step/unstep mast, trailers can be left at Bristol Marine during the regatta). I'll check other options on the bay too.
2. Lodging
3. Food & Party Venue (web site picture) http://bristolyc.com/bycindex.htm
4. Sailing Area options based on winds for the day. No problem for North-South or East-West courses. Transit time is 10 minutes to 50 minutes depending on area selected. All races in Narragansett Bay, not in Rhode Island Sound (transit time too long).
5. Loaner boats - we'll work this, but should be plenty available with 17 boats in the area.
6. Race Committee & PRO - BYC has a robust race program, and there are other clubs on the bay that we could draw people from. The race committee would work with the class during the organizational stage to make sure the race courses, distances, races per day and other expectations are understood well before the regatta.

Other stuff you want to know about?

Again - this isn't a done deal unless the class wants to do this, but could be arranged based on a go ahead from the class. Anything I can do to help find info for those who have questions, just let me know.

Bill

[This message has been edited by Rhapsody #348 (edited 08-28-2007).]