Edward R. Cozzi

Let's require LifeLine type life preservers, EPIRB, VHF radio, Distress/Flare kit, First aid kit, Fresh drinking water, a Type IV throwable PFD and a full safety inspection of the fuel and steering systems.
There will be some attrition on the course, but we can stack the deck in our favor.
We can ask non-racers to be available as rescue and tow boats.

If we choose Ft. Lauderdale-to-the concrete ship off South Bimini, to West Palm and then back down to Port Everglades, turn around and go back to West Palm, then back to Port Everglades, we will have crossed the Gulfstream twice. If we do this in the summer, the chances are the seas will be relatively flat and the smaller boats will have a good chance. If we do it in the winter, it should be a real test of man and machine. In winter a North wind kicks up the Gulfstream and could postpone our race a few days.
These are just some idle thoughts open to discussion.

CBR

Coming back to the U.S. will be a hellfire of customs hassles. I envision one way OUT of the U.S. I think that may be enough stress on people's boats and knees also, even in the late spring/summer.

The larger course idea sounds interesting, but I don't like the idea of running along the U.S. coast and chopping up scuba divers and kayakers. Running from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale or Palm Beach always freaks me out with all the divers, buoys and kayakers out there these days.

One way across the stream is enough for now. If that works out, a round trip would be next, followed by a larger course as per your suggestion. In my life, KISS always works best.

Edward R. Cozzi

I understand. These were only suggestions and certainly open to discussion. We're still a long way from a finished product, but we need to stimulate ideas from as many interested parties as possible. I plan to help in any way I can.

thedonz

If there's anything i can do please let me know as well. by the way this is jr not sr as sr is very but very busy. but if i (jr/23) may help in anyway to brng the 70's and 80's back please let me know. i live in the area yall want to do it in

jr mike

CBR

Allright, here is the latest on this....good progress is being made, and I will update you folks in January where things stand. I see no reason why this won't work. Looks good so far, glad to see more and more expressing interest.

I appreciate the offers of help from all, which you may regret giving early next year. <gg> So far no need of it, but before and during the event you bet you will be called on.

Hey, even before I have seen the 2nd season Miami Vice DVD set, we WILL bring back the 1980s!

Cheers,

Chris

thedonz

That's what i want to hear once again any help i'm here anything for the 70's and 80's to be present and me one day race how it use to be.

jr Mike

Top Banana

[QUOTE=Edward R. Cozzi]Let's require LifeLine type life preservers, EPIRB, VHF radio, Distress/Flare kit, First aid kit, Fresh drinking water, a Type IV throwable PFD and a full safety inspection of the fuel and steering systems.
There will be some attrition on the course, but we can stack the deck in our favor.
We can ask non-racers to be available as rescue and tow boats.

Ed

Excellent way to go...may I suggest another item that we were required to carry back in the "old days".....A quick inflatable fourman life raft.

When you start crossing the Gulf Stream, even with a bunch of safety boats volunteering to help out, a boat can go down fast. The racers are much better off in a raft than in the water with life vests on.

We (banana boat co) are just getting ready to come out with our 24 footer again. Our plans were to do the 28SS next, BUT.... if this program of yours takes off, I will put the 28SS on hold and bring out our 35 footer set up just like the picture shows....with a new design race fairing rather than the old style windshield.

We still have the original race layup as used back then.

Reckless32

Hmmm, sounding now more like a cross-Atlantic excursion than a fun run...

CBR

Geez, please don't start changing boat production plans on the basis of something I expect to make happen, but can't guarantee!

It is interesting that you would revert back to an "old style" boat for this event. I also expect "old, heavy" boats will put many new designs to shame crossing real seas. There is nothing better than a big heavy weight to pound down the seas. Lighter may be faster, but you are going to shake and break alot more! I also believe step designs, while great in smooth water, will lose almost all their advantages, and perform worse than straight V hulls in heavy seas.

My guess is that the winning boat in heavy seas would be an old style straight V with new "modern" FI motors. Not a cat.
In light, maybe moderate seas, the cats would win.

Edward R. Cozzi

[QUOTE=Top Banana]Are You Charley M.?