Ok we are clear on the plan B. There are options for the launch points. If we are going to plan B let's have a plan for plan B start point. Meaning all off us that have to go to plan B let's agree on a latitude to start from so we can still keep this a semi equal race. It can be a point where those that can't sleep on their vessels can camp and be ready at an agreed appointed time. We know the ramps I am just saying an an appointed second option inside route start point. The first time we went to this we used checkpoint one as the start point at 0700. This works fine but if any others have input chime in. DWM
Plan B start point.
(21 posts) (11 voices)-
danceswithmullet
MemberI launched at Indian mound the first plan B. It was an excellent ramp. There was some confusion but most boats started at 0700 sunday morning from the first checkpoint. Just trying to figure out a reasonable plan B start for those of us that treat this as a race. DWM
Posted 3 months ago # -
Tosa
MemberOur group (unofficial, two boats in Class 4) has pretty much decided that if we can't start Saturday morning from DeSoto, we'll start there when we can. We'd look to lurk somewhere in shelter behind, take off when the weather clears. We're interested in doing the whole run, not finishing first.
Tosa, Kapakahi, MateyThor, Argonaut
Posted 3 months ago # -
Coastie
MemberLots of great options discussed. We really don't race....we kind of just enjoy the adventure....and consider it a "gold medal run" when we finish.....but we certainly respect those WaterTribers in the race mode.
The Plan B key is: "you may launch anywhere south of Tampa Bay and north of Boca Grande when you have determined conditions are safe at your chosen location".....so what is best for your particular vessel and easiest for you to launch (with all the logistical challenges of relocating from the Ft DeSoto beach).
Actually, I don't think we'll go to Plan B. My favorite long term forecast site (myweather.2) has the winds ENE 8/13 mph for 0700 launch day. Of course, being a local, I know the forecast changes frequently:)
See you on the beach.....the drums are sounding louder:)
Coastie (Eddie) and ClamCounter (Josh)
Posted 3 months ago # -
SpongeBob
MemberCoastie and dwm I'm racing full on, been training all week not sleeping so I'll be really prepared! Trying not to eat or drink, never pee, lift weights or paddle all day in the hot sun with no hat in my dry suit. Yep I'm racing! Poodle walking puffers sleeping half the time!
Posted 3 months ago # -
danceswithmullet
MemberSpongebob are you coming to pine island before the start? I am in training right now on the ketch anchored behind Captiva. Weather is perfect now and had a nice offshore sail from Boca Grande to redfish pass. Brought my Minto dinghy for additional sailing and kayaks for mangrove trails. The rum drinks are actually bonus training since I don't drink on the challenge. Anyways hoping for a beach start. DWM
Posted 3 months ago # -
No Plan B
finished the last 4 years from the beach (paddling SUP) - don't intend on changing that this year. especially since I'm sailing class 5. I would say this, I'm not in favor of the so called optional plan b. If a person takes optional plan b they shouldn't stand on the podium if another has started from the beach regardless of when either finished. Unless you do the whole race, you'll never be certain how you would have finished and guessing or skipping part of the race is fine but you never know what would have happened so it's apples to oranges with those that did.
other than that, if optional is offered and you think you need to take this option, go for it. Just don't try and claim winning if others started out on the beach.
if plan B is requried of all, i'm more inclined to go with waiting and still launching from fort desoto even if that means i'm just a a tourist and no longer in the race. my trailer will be dropping me off on friday and heading south early saturday morning.
Posted 3 months ago # -
Bermudaboy
MemberConch, I agree partially with yah, but just for shits and giggles I'll argue against your point with the greatest of respect.. My understanding on plan B, was that it was to avoid the Tampa Bay crossing for Coast Guard and so Tribe was not flagrantly starting a SMALL CRAFT Event with a Small Craft Advisory in Effect and allowing the Race to start on schedule on other side of Tampa Bay in enclosed waters. So I think if youre starting from just on other side of T Bay your fine, as well if your weather holding, waiting for 6 hrs, a day or 2 days and leaving from Fort Desoto, you can still technically beat some wusssy who ended up quiting anyway, or someone that made it to the Key Largo finish line a day before you, after that left Saturday Morning from Manatee Avenue Bridge Boat ramp, by deducting your Weather Hold. So I do agree with you in spirit on that the Plan B start should be as close as you can start just on the other side...
Posted 3 months ago # -
My comment was more about Optional Plan B. If chief calls Plan B then I will respect that but last two years we have had Optional plan B which I am not in favor of. However I’m not the one who is responsible for the safety of the entire group so I respect that too.
Posted 3 months ago # -
SpongeBob
MemberDWM I may start at Pine Island with the rum drinks, sounds like a plan C. It's probably the only way I can beat non sleepers or auto pilot sleepers! Don't you relax inside and play video games the entire EC? Some of us actually feel the wind and spray!(I'm so jealous)
Posted 3 months ago # -
I have done 2 plan B starts and 1 beach start. Im not a racer, I'm a challenger who just wants to finish. That being said, for the racers, Conchistador's comment rings true. A beach starter should always trump a plan B starter regardless of the finish time.
I felt guilty doing a plan B start when others did a beach start. So to make things more fair, at least in my mind, I started my plan B starts at a location where I would and have been if I had started on the beach. Sort of a self imposed penalty. Example: If I traveled 3mph, it would take me 4hrs to get 12mi down the course, so I wouldn't start my race 'til 11:00. Again, I'm not a racer and don't (didn't) enter to place, rather to finish on a SUP.
Safe travels for those starting tomorrow
C-TJAM see ya on the beach in 2023 (NCC 2021)
Posted 3 months ago #
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