EC2012 - Decision to make. « WaterTribe Forums

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EC2012 - Decision to make.

(10 posts) (7 voices)

Started 9 years ago by DragonSlayer
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DragonSlayer
Member
Hey,

Just pulled into Diego Garcia after a 97 day patrol, 140 day deployment. In mid March will be heading back again.

I've been pretty set on doing the race this year and have invested time, study, and money. A good friend from DC who cannot make it to be a partner anymore told me I should reconsider going by myself (first time), and spend the limited time I have with family maybe going boating with kids other places.

Three reasons given to me:
1. without a partner race will take longer.
2. I will never get back missing a week out of 8 weeks home with family.
My wife mentioned to me this morning (evening her time) that she would be more comfartable with us driving down and watching everyone take off etc. To me that is kind of worthless versus being in the race.

Any thoughts or suggestions, or should I look for someone else to go?

Later, Edward

ecgossett@gmail.com
Posted 9 years ago #
Scareman
Member

Do the Ultra Marathon. One day of paddling on the front-end will allow you to have a traveling vacation with family.

Drive down the coast and vacation with your family while scouting the course for another year when you are more available stateside.

Then on Thursday or Friday, cross Florida Bay with some of us. At Key Largo, enjoy the festivities and stories as people finish and congregate at the Bay Cove on Saturday.

This is what I recommend for any first timer traveling with a family.

MOST importantly - do not give up if you are paddling. If things seem really bad, sleep on it and finish that leg.

Scareman

Posted 9 years ago #
DragonSlayer
Member

Does Ultramarathon support class 4 boats?

Posted 9 years ago #
Scareman
Member

If the craft is seaworthy, if you are capable with the skills to use the required gear, and if you have the skills to command your vessel in headwinds, dead calm, tides, and tailwinds - then I believe Chief will welcome you.

My understanding is that any boat that is classed can compete in the UM, EC, or UFC.

Gotta go through the Chief though!

Scareman

Posted 9 years ago #
CrazyRussian
Member

Just make EC a family vocation.

Rent a room at the start for prestart activities, room at Choco for two-three nights so your family can wait you there and finally room at Key Largo. Your family can follow you on a shore. You will see your family almost every day and they will feel involved. Also they can help checkpoint managers; there are always some small tasks to handle.

Just make sure you don’t get anything bigger than kisses from your family to stay within Watertribe rules

Posted 9 years ago #
Chief
Coastal Vagabond

All classes are encouraged for the UM just like the other challenges. Just remember that you will have to drop your mast and row at Grande Tours. You have to launch off the beach at the start without assistance. But all that has been done many times by similar boats.

Posted 9 years ago #
Meatloaf
Member

If you need a crew for a Class 4 Sailboat on the Ultra ... I'd be happy to work with you on that. I have many many many years of small and big boat sailing/racing from round the bouys to trans ocean. Let me know.

Meatloaf ...

portas@aol.com

Posted 9 years ago #
PaddleDancer
Member

My idea for you is to spend your time with family by volunteering to Captain CP2 in Chokoloskee. A room is provided for the few days and you'll get to see everyone come through. There's a post on the Forum from Chief regarding needing volunteers. Nice thing about CP2 is there is a bay on both sides that you can paddle/play in between racers. Little beach to hang out on and the Havanna Cafe is within walking disastance for great coffee and breakfast.

Posted 9 years ago #
SandBagger
Member

While I appreciate the value of time with family, if you do still want to sail the whole EC I am available to crew. I'm still mulling over a better configuration for my sailing canoe and won't have it ready in time. Wish my Watertribe record was better than 0 for 2, but I do have lots of sailing experience and have sailed most of the waters of the EC course, Florida Bay being a notable exception. By the way, how are things in DiGar these days?

Tony

Posted 9 years ago #
DragonSlayer
Member

SandBagger, : :: I just signed up for the shorter UM which will work out nice for family etc. If you want to do that with me I'd be happy for crew!

PaddleDancer, It would be fun to be at CP2, but already signed up for UM. If Chief still needs volunteers I would be happy to head that way, I have leave for 10 days.

DGAR has been rainy as usual, this is my 4th or 5th time out here in 2 years. DGAR has restriction on not being allowed to go sailing in 16knots or greater of wind due to one of the deep sea fishing charts capsizing 5 months ago and a Master Chief, CMDR, and charter captain all drowing. On the bright side I just got some cheap t-shirts made at the MWR T-shirt factory with my boat name and CS17 logo, as well as crew so the kids will have shirts.

- Edward
http://cumberlandsound.blogspot.com

Posted 9 years ago #

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