Catalina Island Fun Run...July 17th (day after the Catalina Ski Race)
 

The Catalina Ski Race will be held Saturday July 16th and on Sunday, July 17th 2011 The first annual RDP (Riverdavesplace) Catalina trip will be in full effect!

Invitation is (of course) open to all. Come eat, drink and be merry with like-minded individuals...Scary to think there is such a thing!

Routinely the "Rum Run" Race is held on Sunday July 17th, however it is unknown if this years race will take place. If it does, then you just recieved an extra reason to go!

Itinerary as follows:

Sunday morning, those that are boating over shall meet at the Huntington Beach launch ramp at 10:00 am sharp. If anyone prefers to launch from Newport, Long Beach or elsewhere and wishes to join the group for the crossing, meet at the entrance of the Huntington Beach Harbor entrance, no later than 10:30 am. The group shall cross the open ocean and arrive at Avalon Harbor, Catalina. Arrival should be somewhere around 11:30 or so (depending on delays).

Upon arrival, use your VHF radio to hale the harbor master on channel 12 or call via cell phone 310-510-0535. Mooring spots are issued first come, first serve. July is the busy season, however there should be ample room. If you are planning on spending the night, be sure to inform the Harbor
Master once he arrives. If there is insufficient room inside Avalon Bay, you may be required to moor outside at Descanso Bay (just off of the famous Catalina Casino). Once issued a mooring can, and secured, telephone the water taxi at 310-510-0409.

If there is absolutely no mooring around the Avalon area, we can moor at Two harbors and take the ferry from Two Harbors to Avalon (Catalina Ferries offers ferry rides from Avalon to Two Harbors and back. They charge $22 one way, $19.50 for seniors and $17 for kids. Call 310-305-7250.) I don't foresee problems but as they say; Victory loves preparation!

More info on mooring here: http://www.cityofavalon.com/filestor..._July_2008.pdf

Once on island, our group will make their way to the infamous Descanso Beach Club. Just past the Casino, it's a small beach area with swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Lounging is also a favorite "activity." With a drink menu posted on a palm tree, a waitress will gladly bring you your
favorite cocktail which may include the famous "buffalo milks" or the "Descanso Destroyer" (heavy on the rum, especially the 151 floater, $7) out to a spot on the beach, the place is straight out of a Caribbean outpost. There are bands most Sundays which attracts big crowds. It's an easy enough walk, but there's also taxi carts that will assist you over.

After enjoying the good company of like-minded individuals while sipping copious amounts of libations and snacking on tasty treats for a few hours, those of you that choose to return to the mainland (via a DD!!) must depart before the seas kick up and the sun sets low on the horizon. For those of
us staying, say farewell to your fellow boaters that couldn't commit to the overnighter. Be sure to explain to them that they will for sure be missing one epic adventure! After saying our good-byes, those that are staying the night should make their way to their hotel of choice, to check in, freshen up and prepare for dinner.

The group dinner will be held at Armstrong's Seafood restaurant http://
www.armstrongseafood.com/ at 6:30 pm

After dinner, the RDP group can stumble over to the infamous Luau Larry's http:// www.luaularrys.com/ where the persistent punishment of our livers will continue!

We shall enjoy each other's company into the wee hours of the night and hopefully find our way back to our hotels in one piece.

Monday morning, be sure to grab a quick bite to eat and saddle up. It is usually wise to head back to the mainland before noon to avoid the winds and swell that routinely kick up in the late afternoon.

Hotel recommendations:

http://www.catalinahotels.com/Catali...ina_hotels.htm

On-island transportation (if you want to rent a golf cart or bike)

Cartopia Golf Cart Rental 310-510-2493Catalina Auto and Bike Rentals 310-510-0111Island
Rentals 310-510-1456

If you do not wish to boat over, you have two options?.

Option 1) (which I happen to personally love) is the Island Express Helicopter service. Be advised,
scheduling is specific so plan your day!
http://www.islandexpress.com/

Option 2) one of the various ferries across such as the Catalina Express
http://www.catalinaexpress.com/ports.php

Catalina Tours

http://www.catalinatours.net/?
event=calendar.selectDate&offerId=1704&fastFwd=1&s ubmit=Add+to+cart

Catalina Flyer

http://www.catalinaflyer.info/

Again, I would not recommend missing the beginning to what will surely be an annual event.

Hope to see everyone there!

For more information check here:

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forum...t=50674&page=4

This sounds absolutely awesome. I may have to take the Advantage over.


Darrell.

If anyone has an extra seat in a Skater or MTI, i'd love to tag along.... I've always wanted to run across the Pacific, in the open ocean, in a large catarmaran...!! So much fun!

Great info Tank!, as always!!.... I'll be there taking pics, for sure!!:drink:

??????????
Dude.... don't be skeered of the big blue.




Darrell

I think the Rum Run is on Sat, the same day as the ski race...

Hey Tank, how've you been, this looks like a great trip, won't make it this year, but as usual, we're there to watch the start! It's always incredible !
Terry and Alexa

Sunday's Run
 

Tank, do u know if they're expecting a good number of boats for Sunday's run?.. I was thinking of driving over Sunday morning, early, to check out some of the boats...at the ramp

Looks like there's only going to be a handful of boats and some people flying over or taking the big boat over.

I don't know how many will be launching from HB. Gary Smith is running his OL over with another OL, but I assume they'll run from his house.




Terry! Good to "read" you bro! I hope all is well. When are you buying another boat? Hope to see you guys soon.

Tank