Dear gentlemen, On the subject of choice of venue for our first National
meet, given that the Higgings Lake venue has been scrubbed, for very valid
reasons. I would like for you all to consider the following options, for
these diferent reasons: From Jan to April Florida is bombarded every 3 to 5
days with these cold fronts that bring blustery and cold wind from up north,
sometimes lasting as long as seven days, and bearing NW to NE winds in
excess of 20 knts , and temps as low as 40 deg, while this may seem tame as
compared to NJ , or Wa , this weather is not conducive to skiff sailing .
the N wind makes it imposible to sail a small skiff on the beaches of the
Fla east coast due to the Gulfstream northerly course, the wind and current
clash and the beautifull beaches become desolate cold places to sit by a
campfire at best. while the gulf coast is a better option, it is still a
blusteruy cold venue for those trying to thaw out from a bitter winter,
especially on the water.These fronts usually peter out just south of Miami,
though the winds are are still fresh they dont carry the chill past Fla
bay, and since the archipelago turns west ward just south of the mainland
the wind does not affect the seas as on the east coast, due to the barrier
reef aprox 4 miles south of the Fla Keys , this protected body of water is
called Hawk Chanell, it lies east -west just south of Mia and goes all the
way to KW it is protected from the N winds as it lies on its lee shore
and it is flat , far out, warm sailiing. I know , I live here. One of the
prerequisites of our meet was that we neded a venue with nice beaches , good
wind and camp grounds , well this is it. there are three State parks that
fit these descriptions in the Fl keys, On mile marker sixtysomthing there
is Long key state park with all of the above , although a bit remote it is
awsome with campsites right on the beach among the palm and pine trees with
all the amenities , showers rest rooms and hook ups . then a few miles west
is Curry Hamock , one of the most pristine parks any where , it it is being
upgraded as I write , I went there this am and talked to the ranger and it
should be up and running by Dec 04, with all amenities and beautifull and
private sites it lies at mm55., then further down the archipelago around mm
40ish there is Bahia Honda state park, this is fenomenal, with a beautifull
views and also all the amenities, and a decaying steel picturesque tall
bridge that dates back to the 1920s, cool place. the mile markers are the
distance from Key West, so all these venues are just a short drive to
Margaritaville. A must see for any Parrotheads in our ranks and many many
attractions and good restaurants and bars , for our families. While it may
seem a bit biased this is my opinion , and me and my wife Cynthia would
welcome you to our house for a pre regatta party if you would choose any of
the aforementioned sites as we live in Cocoplum beach, Marathon, , mm 54.
Although as i said I am a bit biased I guarantee all these comments , for I
have lived here for most of my life. I will send all the brochures to Bram
for his determination. I hope to see you all this winter . Whereever we
shall meet. The SOLOCOCOLOCO is almost finished and i cant wait , although
the mast seems a bit TALL . As bram always says " Keepthe sawdust flying ,
and take care of your fingers, you'll need them" Pepe
This is the Swift Solo mailing list. For unsubscribe instructions,
visit here: http://catzooks.com/swift-solo/
|