Tank, out west is your domain and I get all "roads" lead there so to speak.
But the registration page shows Newport Dunes Launch ramp as if they're leaving out of there and for helo shots.
That is if one registers for it of course.

Ha! Well, guess I should read the info first huh? Looks like they changed the launch for this year. That's a tough call for us, since we'll haul down from Ventura County and Newport is another 30-45 minute tow south depending on traffic. Looks like there will be space issue at the ramp as well if too many are launching there? Also, sounds like the Heli will be doing some air shots at Catalina once you're over there. I suppose we'll still launch from Long Beach (or maybe even Marina Del Rey) Friday morning and meet everyone over at the island.

Good news for those coming from way out of town is there is a Hyatt Regency next door to the Newport Dunes Ramp for those that come the night before and stay.

One of my clients has offered his dock in Newport for us for the days before the run so we will likely come in the 21st.

Looking at Avalon for our hotel on the island. Any feedback?

That's the ticket right there! Get the boat in the water day before and be set.

The Hotels they listed are good.Aurora Hotel - Avalon

Bellanca Hotel - Avalon

Catalina Island Inn - Avalon

Hotel St. Lauren - Avalon

Metropole Hotel - Avalon
The Pavilion is probably the nicest and most centrally located hotel however (and it's not on the list). You can also look into VRBO / AIRBNB and grab a house or one of the condos that overlook the casino. Just remember, when talking about places to stay on Catalina Island think if Key west shrunk to 1/10 the size. Places are old and small and a lot of them are quirky (besides the newer condos). Which I like, but some may not.

I'll drag Relentless down for it if I can convince Lisa that's what she wants to do for her birthday weekend. We already have flights booked for San Diego for that
weekend, but Southwest is easy to cancel. I haven't brought a boat down for that event since my first 28 Skater - Speed Racer.

That's some good old school SCOPE Poker Run pics right there! Those were the days. Glad to see the guys putting on the Catalina Fun Run are bringing that spirit back.

Catalina Island for the weekend? Should NOT be a hard sell Dale.

My question is, where would you stay Thursday night if your not local? Both Hyatt and Double Tree told me Do Not roll in with a 40’ boat trailer and expect to park. I want to do this but I think I’ll watch from afar until I get a better handle on the logistics. Seems like a lot of moving parts.

Hmmmmm..... (In my head - "how can I make this work?")

....Trailer out to the CA house, or just buy a boat out there....

Newport dunes is where you launch. leave the trailer, stay at the hyatt, its right next door , Newport dunes doesn't have slips for a 40' boat but there are ones available in newport, ill do some research and find out where

This ^^^ you can drop the bit and trailer next door to the hotel at the launch ramp