Fun Run, Marco Island - Key West - Nov.9-13/06

[gene stokes]

Beautiful performance boat, you must be in heaven in it. I stayed in the Hyatt in Sarasota at the last poker run and attended the events-Did not have my 42 fountain. We plan to be in the October event. If you want to trailer up, I have (3) acres a few miles from the 11th street Ramp (next to Hyatt) to store your boat-No charge. I will look for a gps, but will be relying on your lead until I get used to navigating.

[Bobthebuilder]

Originally Posted by gene stokes

Beautiful performance boat, you must be in heaven in it. I stayed in the Hyatt in Sarasota at the last poker run and attended the events-Did not have my 42 fountain. We plan to be in the October event. If you want to trailer up, I have (3) acres a few miles from the 11th street Ramp (next to Hyatt) to store your boat-No charge. I will look for a gps, but will be relying on your lead until I get used to navigating.

Thank for your generous offer of trailer storage Gene. It was a problem at our last run there where the cops informed PRA a half hour into the drivers meeting that they were going to start towing the trucks and trailers. Delayed thing for over an hour while everyone scrambled. I will keep your offer in mind but I usually run up to Sarasota on day before the run with a few of the Ft Myers / Cape Coral boats and back on the day after.
Not to worry about the navigation to Key West. Just stick with the group. I figure over the years have done about 50 trips down and back. There are two ways depending on wind speed and direction. Straight shot across the Gulf from Marco is fastest of coarse and is 100 miles [ 2 hrs.+/- ] or run down the coast and across Florida Bay to Marathon, then run along the seven mile bridge then cross into the Hawk Chanel and along to Key West. That takes 3 hrs plus usually a stop for a bite to eat.
My thoughts right now are on the trip down we go to Marathon, take a break there then to Key West and straight shot it back on Monday.
That way those doing the trip for the first time will experience both routes. The weather of coarse could change our plans but we will deal with it so it is safe for everyone.
Bob

[gene stokes]

sounds like a great plan. Where would we watch the races? From land or boat?

[Bobthebuilder]

Originally Posted by gene stokes

sounds like a great plan. Where would we watch the races? From land or boat?

Im my opinion the best venue for watching the races is land. Lots of great vantage points along the seawall. There is a charge to watch from the outer mole which is in the pit area but a great spot. Also good spots at Ocean Key House, Pier House and the Hyatt as the boats come into the harbor make their turn and go back out.
The problem with watching from the boat is bobbing around on the boat for several hours without a break as they close the harbor to all boat traffic. Once you are out there, you are there for the day.
Bob

[gene stokes]

We are going to the ocean key house tomorrow-have a timeshare there for over (20) years. I agree to watch from land is better, but did not know how far out they raced. I'd like to get a good vantage point and will be trying to get some tickets to some of the race events (dinners, etc).

[Bobthebuilder]

Just an update as Nov 9th is coming up fast.

We will be joined by Red Reynolds in his 50' Nor Tech Vee out of Sarasota as well as Sam and Joy Maye in their 42' Fountain out of Cape Coral.
Weather looks good. Seas 2' or less; winds 5 - 10 knots out of the Northwest.
Anyone else coming ? Where did you go Jene ?
Bob

[captnate]

Bob see you in Key West, We decided we should take the party boat instead of the fastest boat, so we can get a head start on the party, might need help off the boat when we get there!!!

[Bobthebuilder]

See you down there Nate. We are ready to go. I will call you after we get settled in. Make sure you don't peke early !!
Bob

[captnate]

That's what she said!!!