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Commentary: Will Sunny Isles Survive?
Fingers crossed, http://speedonthewater.com/commentar...s-survive.html.
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Originally Posted by Matt Trulio
(Post 3436730)
Fingers crossed, http://speedonthewater.com/commentar...s-survive.html.
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It's a great event, in a great location, run by great people. It just needs that "something" to get it over the hump.
I can remember a few years ago Desert Storm was a "West Coast event full of little lake boats". That was the opinion of the east coast "Big Boys". Then a few of them got together and made the trip. Other than this past event, it's been a MUST DO ever since. SIB needs the same kind of Catalyst event. Not sure how to get it, but it needs to happen. |
The poker run entry, was $450. Plus extra crew at 100 bucks each.
so a party boat of captain plus 3 is $750. Plus dockage, hotel, food, drinks, gas, getting there. So, it's a $3,000 weekend. If you live near by, maybe, you can knock that down to a $1500 weekend. So the problem (with this and other poker runs) is they have priced themselves into elite status then wonder why no one shows up. The big ones from the past still survive using the high priced method because of the repeat customer base who know they will have fun and make plans for it year after year. |
With Father's Day being on Sunday, I doubt that helped either.
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To borrow a line from the old Bill Clinton campaign......"It's the economy stupid."
No disrespect to Matt, he covered the situation very well, but you have to add in there, the factor of the anxiety that everyone feels about the economy. Nobody works harder than Larry and Brad to put on a great race. But, the people who should be there supporting it just can't seem to bring themselves to commit that extra money. The real US unemployment number is around 16% and that includes the part timers who would take a real job, if they had the opportunity. BUT, it does not include those who are so discouraged they have left the job market altogether......so are we closer to 20%?? Just think how uncertain the labor market is right now....in the United States today, there isn't a single strike going on anywhere. In the 70's an average of 30,000 per month were on the picket lines. As a boat builder, the only sales I have seen recently have been to Europe. The value of the dollar has dropped so much, our boats seem like a bargain compared to the Euro. US Banks are so afraid of the government shutting them down because they don't have enough core capital, they won't lend to anyone. The days of using your house as an ATM machine are long gone. If an American wanted to buy a boat and finance it, where does he go? Some finance companies are trying to work with the really big manufacturers, but the smallor custom shops are on the outside. As an open ocean racer, HORBA has tried to put together two real old school races per year, one in New York for the Northerners and one in Florida for the Southerners. For New York, we have this September 24, the Don Aronow Memorial Around Long Island race. This is the second year and the race is a go. In Florida we tried to put a Fort Lauderdale to Key West race, on the weekend before the actual Key West races started this November. The people we were working with down there, pulled the plug after seeing the low boat count for Sunny Isles. These races are expensive to put on without city or town sponsorhsip money....and that is why they said.....let's see where the economy goes, we can try again next year. I'm sorry to see this state of affairs happen to offshore racing, but there are so many reasons behind it, I don't think it will turn for the better until the economy picks up or turns around once and for all......and I really don't see that happening in 2011. Just my 2 cents. |
I think Sunny Isles has the potential to be one of the biggest events of the year in high performance boating. I would also agree change the date away from Father's Day as I flew home early Sunday to be w/ the family. My hat is off to Brad , Larry and the Entire OPA Group.
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Originally Posted by THEJOKER
(Post 3437052)
I think Sunny Isles has the potential to be one of the biggest events of the year in high performance boating. I would also agree change the date away from Father's Day as I flew home early Sunday to be w/ the family. My hat is off to Brad , Larry and the Entire OPA Group.
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And hats off to Stu Jones as well. We had fun Saturday.
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Good article Matt,
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I would have loved to do the Miami-Bimini run, for me more than anything else it was a timing issue. I had the boat in FL all winter but wanted to get it back up north by mid-May because our season is so short I wanted to be ready when the weather turns (still waiting). Also, I would have more incentive to get excited about the run if there were more boats involved. Let's face it, if I'm running against Amsoil or a turbine cat that is not a race. But, if there were some other 500 or 525 powered 38 foot V bottoms to run against that would be a blast. I'm sure a lot of others feel the same way, if the number of boats started to jump a little bit I'm sure it would grow very quickly.
I am really surprised that more local boaters didn't participate, and that no boat builders or motor builders showed up to flex their muscles. Seems like the perfect venue to show what you got. I hope this event survives because I would love to do it someday. |
Its also during hurricane season and insurance, for being on ocean waters in Florida, is more expensive.
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I understand the need for city funding, however, its hot here in Illinois and there is no need to go to Florida. Why not run it in the winter? Or around the Miami Boat Show time? Or in March or April? Just some other time when you are not competing with local boating in the northern states and when getting away to Florida is a viable option or necessity.
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From a racers point of view, Logistics plays a big role in what races we like to attend.
I prefer to be at a site where everything is is one place. ie: drypits, hot pits, cranes, hotel and quick access to the beach or viewing area. a 5 mile trek with boat in tow in a congested area is a bit unerving. I understand the park costs too much money and support your decision to move to Gulfstream. Times are tough for everyone. Well...almost everyone. By the looks of some of the hardware, the economy is not hurting all. I have always enjoyed SIB. Hopefully, will return. Great job! |
Originally Posted by BRUCE SEROFF
(Post 3437443)
From a racers point of view, Logistics plays a big role in what races we like to attend.
I prefer to be at a site where everything is is one place. ie: drypits, hot pits, cranes, hotel and quick access to the beach or viewing area. a 5 mile trek with boat in tow in a congested area is a bit unerving. I understand the park costs too much money and support your decision to move to Gulfstream. Times are tough for everyone. Well...almost everyone. By the looks of some of the hardware, the economy is not hurting all. I have always enjoyed SIB. Hopefully, will return. Great job! I was thinking the same thing, but the tow wasnt all that bad, towed Trents 38 Formula through it, and ramped at Haulover. I was thinking of you as we were backing down the ramp though, warned Devin not to back too far in, as there is a dropoff:eek::drink: Not sure how crowded the beach was Friday and Saturday, but it was pretty bare Sunday for the race, could have been the Fathers day thing. Rick |
Originally Posted by rchevelle71
(Post 3437476)
Bruce,
I was thinking the same thing, but the tow wasnt all that bad, towed Trents 38 Formula through it, and ramped at Haulover. I was thinking of you as we were backing down the ramp though, warned Devin not to back too far in, as there is a dropoff:eek::drink: Not sure how crowded the beach was Friday and Saturday, but it was pretty bare Sunday for the race, could have been the Fathers day thing. Rick |
With the Economy the way it is. Marine Businesses are hurting. No work is coming our way. We get no work from these events. Sure it's fun and excitment, but it costs money. And if business is down and your not getting anything from these events, than particaption is going to be down. And it is not going to get better for quite sometime.
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Originally Posted by Top Banana
(Post 3437013)
To borrow a line from the old Bill Clinton campaign......"It's the economy stupid."
No disrespect to Matt, he covered the situation very well, but you have to add in there, the factor of the anxiety that everyone feels about the economy. Nobody works harder than Larry and Brad to put on a great race. But, the people who should be there supporting it just can't seem to bring themselves to commit that extra money. The real US unemployment number is around 16% and that includes the part timers who would take a real job, if they had the opportunity. BUT, it does not include those who are so discouraged they have left the job market altogether......so are we closer to 20%?? Just think how uncertain the labor market is right now....in the United States today, there isn't a single strike going on anywhere. In the 70's an average of 30,000 per month were on the picket lines. As a boat builder, the only sales I have seen recently have been to Europe. The value of the dollar has dropped so much, our boats seem like a bargain compared to the Euro. US Banks are so afraid of the government shutting them down because they don't have enough core capital, they won't lend to anyone. The days of using your house as an ATM machine are long gone. If an American wanted to buy a boat and finance it, where does he go? Some finance companies are trying to work with the really big manufacturers, but the smallor custom shops are on the outside. As an open ocean racer, HORBA has tried to put together two real old school races per year, one in New York for the Northerners and one in Florida for the Southerners. For New York, we have this September 24, the Don Aronow Memorial Around Long Island race. This is the second year and the race is a go. In Florida we tried to put a Fort Lauderdale to Key West race, on the weekend before the actual Key West races started this November. The people we were working with down there, pulled the plug after seeing the low boat count for Sunny Isles. These races are expensive to put on without city or town sponsorhsip money....and that is why they said.....let's see where the economy goes, we can try again next year. I'm sorry to see this state of affairs happen to offshore racing, but there are so many reasons behind it, I don't think it will turn for the better until the economy picks up or turns around once and for all......and I really don't see that happening in 2011. Just my 2 cents. That said, it was as relevant now and it was then. No one has to own a performance boat. No one has to race. It is purely discretionary, and when discretionary income goes away ... |
Originally Posted by Top Banana
(Post 3437013)
To borrow a line from the old Bill Clinton campaign......"It's the economy stupid."
No disrespect to Matt, he covered the situation very well, but you have to add in there, the factor of the anxiety that everyone feels about the economy. Nobody works harder than Larry and Brad to put on a great race. But, the people who should be there supporting it just can't seem to bring themselves to commit that extra money. The real US unemployment number is around 16% and that includes the part timers who would take a real job, if they had the opportunity. BUT, it does not include those who are so discouraged they have left the job market altogether......so are we closer to 20%?? Just think how uncertain the labor market is right now....in the United States today, there isn't a single strike going on anywhere. In the 70's an average of 30,000 per month were on the picket lines. As a boat builder, the only sales I have seen recently have been to Europe. The value of the dollar has dropped so much, our boats seem like a bargain compared to the Euro. US Banks are so afraid of the government shutting them down because they don't have enough core capital, they won't lend to anyone. The days of using your house as an ATM machine are long gone. If an American wanted to buy a boat and finance it, where does he go? Some finance companies are trying to work with the really big manufacturers, but the smallor custom shops are on the outside. As an open ocean racer, HORBA has tried to put together two real old school races per year, one in New York for the Northerners and one in Florida for the Southerners. For New York, we have this September 24, the Don Aronow Memorial Around Long Island race. This is the second year and the race is a go. In Florida we tried to put a Fort Lauderdale to Key West race, on the weekend before the actual Key West races started this November. The people we were working with down there, pulled the plug after seeing the low boat count for Sunny Isles. These races are expensive to put on without city or town sponsorhsip money....and that is why they said.....let's see where the economy goes, we can try again next year. I'm sorry to see this state of affairs happen to offshore racing, but there are so many reasons behind it, I don't think it will turn for the better until the economy picks up or turns around once and for all......and I really don't see that happening in 2011. Just my 2 cents. I respectfully disagree, and will take a bit of a different point of view on this topic. I don’t think it is that people are scared and I don’t think it is the economy. My view is that it is an event that the people you think want to attend do not actually want to attend. On the participant side, how can you say it is the economy when you look at the East Coast participation at Desert Storm. The guys you want to participate will trailer their rigs anywhere they WANT to go. Money does not seem to be an issue with many of these crews at any time. This is very common in the event business. If you build it they will come but often they don’t. In some cases no amount of passion for an event can produce participants or spectators. My belief is the owners that you are looking for to step up to what may turn out to be a grueling multi-hour man versus mother nature experience are looking for fun ways to party for a couple of days and enjoy their boats and their friends. Just because you want to have a race to the Bahamas or around Long Island doesn’t mean 200 others do. Sometimes no ammount of passion, can make people share your vision. Just my .02 and an opposing view. |
I think you are all right on this one. It's the economy, and apathy. Offshore boat racing is pretty much a non-entity. And I'm not talking about offshore or inshore. I'm talking about the sport itself. The party has become more important than the competition. At this point it doesn't matter why it has become this way. The most important event is a party in the desert where boats go straight for 1 mile. I wish I had the resources to do something about it. Very sad what the sport has become.
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We have gone to the event a couple of times and Sunny Isles has a lot more to offer than many other venues. As stated earlier, it just needs to be earlier in the year for greater participation. Other forms of revenue and sponsorship will be generated as the economy picks back up. Hopefully Brad and Larry can keep the city's involvement with earlier dates. Nice job Brad on everything that you and Larry put together.
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Originally Posted by LBMA 5820
(Post 3439256)
I respectfully disagree, and will take a bit of a different point of view on this topic.
I don’t think it is that people are scared and I don’t think it is the economy. My view is that it is an event that the people you think want to attend do not actually want to attend. On the participant side, how can you say it is the economy when you look at the East Coast participation at Desert Storm. The guys you want to participate will trailer their rigs anywhere they WANT to go. Money does not seem to be an issue with many of these crews at any time. This is very common in the event business. If you build it they will come but often they don’t. In some cases no amount of passion for an event can produce participants or spectators. My belief is the owners that you are looking for to step up to what may turn out to be a grueling multi-hour man versus mother nature experience are looking for fun ways to party for a couple of days and enjoy their boats and their friends. Just because you want to have a race to the Bahamas or around Long Island doesn’t mean 200 others do. Sometimes no ammount of passion, can make people share your vision. Just my .02 and an opposing view. We had such a great time back in the day, that we really believe that modern day boaters just need the chance to do it once....... and they will love it also. Looks like they voted with their feet and we now have the answer. When they had the choice of a 1 mile course or a 271 mile course, the answer is very clear for all to see. So perhaps 2 or 3 long distance US races a year, that run on the old courses may be enough for those who do have an interest. The old ocean racers can still dream about the European events that are still held and honored. Opposing view appreciated, thanks for your comments. |
Originally Posted by LBMA 5820
(Post 3439256)
I respectfully disagree, and will take a bit of a different point of view on this topic.
I don’t think it is that people are scared and I don’t think it is the economy. My view is that it is an event that the people you think want to attend do not actually want to attend. On the participant side, how can you say it is the economy when you look at the East Coast participation at Desert Storm. The guys you want to participate will trailer their rigs anywhere they WANT to go. Money does not seem to be an issue with many of these crews at any time. This is very common in the event business. If you build it they will come but often they don’t. In some cases no amount of passion for an event can produce participants or spectators. My belief is the owners that you are looking for to step up to what may turn out to be a grueling multi-hour man versus mother nature experience are looking for fun ways to party for a couple of days and enjoy their boats and their friends. Just because you want to have a race to the Bahamas or around Long Island doesn’t mean 200 others do. Sometimes no ammount of passion, can make people share your vision. Just my .02 and an opposing view. Another thing is a lot of these guys have a lot of business/job pressure and want to unwind with less pressure. ed |
I'm really surprised that few of the old school wave crushers do this run.
Is the general public getting softer? Offroad motorcycle racing isn't as tough as it used to be, either. Fewer miles and the old school guys did it on sh*t suspension. Maybe just a sign of the times... |
Its fun and cool for those that want to do it! Thats about it. I'll be back next year!!! :)
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thanks jim jeff and eve
Originally Posted by FREEDOM US1
(Post 3440044)
Its fun and cool for those that want to do it! Thats about it. I'll be back next year!!! :)
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...0isles/23c.jpg http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...0isles/14c.jpg http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...sles/9223b.jpg http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...isles/121a.jpg |
Originally Posted by FREEZE FRAME VIDEO
(Post 3440184)
thanks jim jeff and eve
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...0isles/23c.jpg http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...0isles/14c.jpg http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...sles/9223b.jpg http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...isles/121a.jpg |
jim going to edit the video after sarasota
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...20isles/41.jpg |
I hope the event stays unity&friends made it great for all races for a short time?A couple of great sponsers&promoters are not involved this year?Ego greed and back stabbing if I told you some of the things that I know go on:eek:You whould not go to the races sadYou need true players&racers back in the circle then you will have better turnouts!peace!Conflicting dates etc etc!I'm positive they know all the other orgs race dates wuz up wit dat chit:bsflag:
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How about this
The Flight Club Skater Fest thread has 345 replies, this thread has 29. sort of telling where the interest is. ed |
Had a great time at this event except for when Stu Jones got up and made his speech Saturday night about how much poker runners are better than racers. When I attended his Jax PR event I certainly didnt get up and make a speech about how much better racers are than poker runners..... I enjoyed that event and had fun with performance enthusiast that share the same passion that I do. Stu just needs to realize that he and/or poker runners are no better than anyone, in these economic times we all need to band together, share and enjoy our mutual passion which is performance boating
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We had a hell of a time, worth the 1500 mile trip, and we'll be back next year
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ap·a·thy
[ap-uh-thee] –noun, plural -thies. 1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement. 2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting. |
Thanks for all the feedback. Interesting Stuff and we do appreciate the support from everyone who did bring it. I think the doom may have been overstated a bit. Our primary miss was with the general fan. We had Billboards, TV Commercials, and a large morning show pushing the average family to come and they did not.
If we had our race on the 4th of July it would be EASY the beaches are already full of people all weekend and you have a built in crowd in place. Our present date is tough and we have asked the City to consider a change. The real game changer will be in November when the TV show/ episode come out. This year’s production team is quite different than last years and I am sure every race boat/poker Run boat who wasn’t there or not going to other OPA races will surely regret not being part of the show. But there is always 2012.
Originally Posted by F1-00 Racing
(Post 3441282)
Had a great time at this event except for when Stu Jones got up and made his speech Saturday night about how much poker runners are better than racers. When I attended his Jax PR event I certainly didnt get up and make a speech about how much better racers are than poker runners..... I enjoyed that event and had fun with performance enthusiast that share the same passion that I do. Stu just needs to realize that he and/or poker runners are no better than anyone, in these economic times we all need to band together, share and enjoy our mutual passion which is performance boating
Originally Posted by Interceptor
(Post 3441255)
How about this
The Flight Club Skater Fest thread has 345 replies, this thread has 29. sort of telling where the interest is. ed I do whis I was able to go Skaterfest. Looked like a great time and in a way I do miss the fun of Lake St Clair. I had to run to the Texas Challenge and throttle a customers boat. Which of course broke testing the day before the run. Just my luck.
Originally Posted by smokeybandit
(Post 3441357)
ap·a·thy
[ap-uh-thee] –noun, plural -thies. 1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement. 2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting. Check out www.eastcoastoffshore.com for leftover T's and other stuff |
Originally Posted by bcschoe
(Post 3445854)
Thanks for all the feedback. Interesting Stuff and we do appreciate the support from everyone who did bring it. I think the doom may have been overstated a bit. Our primary miss was with the general fan. We had Billboards, TV Commercials, and a large morning show pushing the average family to come and they did not.
If we had our race on the 4th of July it would be EASY the beaches are already full of people all weekend and you have a built in crowd in place. Our present date is tough and we have asked the City to consider a change. The real game changer will be in November when the TV show/ episode come out. This year’s production team is quite different than last years and I am sure every race boat/poker Run boat who wasn’t there or not going to other OPA races will surely regret not being part of the show. But there is always 2012. I did not hear what Stu said so ???? I will ask him about it when he gets back. Thanks Anecdotal Comment. If you do the math and add up the total number of threads and then divide by the number of days from the start of the thread to the number of views the response ratio is about 60% greater than the other. But does it really matter. This all feeds the same machine I do whis I was able to go Skaterfest. Looked like a great time and in a way I do miss the fun of Lake St Clair. I had to run to the Texas Challenge and throttle a customers boat. Which of course broke testing the day before the run. Just my luck. I guess so. You are probalby right and thats OK. We will go Offshore Running and they can take ther big boats and go Lakeshore Racing. LOL :lolhit: Check out www.eastcoastoffshore.com for leftover T's and other stuff As you said, there's been a lot great feedback in this thread. Obviously, I think it's worthwhile, hence the extensive coverage on speedonthewater.com. |
Matt,
Thanks for all the support. BTW this year was the first year we professionally taped the whole weekend. Thanks to the support of OPA and Amsoil. Now the event is not just one static weekend it lasts forever. http://www.amsoilracing.com/index.aspx |
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