The perfect venue for a viper 640 event?
It's on!
http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/hs226.ash2/50314_146524548716822_3992500_n.jpg
MARDI GRAS RACE WEEK is going full-blown live and pounding the car bombs.
March 10-13, 2011
The Premier OD Regatta on the Gulf Coast
- Three days of OD racing
- J/30 & MOTH Midwinters
- Many OD classes as well as a Sport Boat Class & Multihulls!
- New Orleans is geographically situated in a central location thereby easing logistical costs and issues for racers.
- Late February/March weather in New Orleans is balmy and breezy.
- A massive 60 acre park and marina/yacht club complex located at New Orleans' West End - ideally suited for the post-regatta festivities and boat handling/storage.
- Dirt cheap registration fees
- Krewe of Wrex Spectator Boat Parade
- Live music from major New Orleans funk bands
- Krewe of Wrex Mardi Gras Ball
- Big time sponsors: Mt. Gay Rum, Eagan Insurance Co., Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, NOLA Brewing, SailFast, Bourbon Orleans Hotel, and many more...
- The built-in marketing, draw and excitement of "The Biggest Free Show on Earth" - Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
MGRW is going BIG!
NOR & Registration will be online December 1st!
You can also find MGRW on Facebook & Twitter :
MGRW on FACEBOOK
MGRW on TWITTER
Or via the MGRW Website:
MARDI GRAS RACE WEEK
Where's the "LIKE" button???
:)
Add....
It sounds like the majority of the Texas fleet is going to make this event... Add a few boosts from the Florida panhandle, one boat from the big easy and at a few boats from the southeast so far!
20 boats in our first year at this event?
What's best, it supports a venue where there's budding interest in the viper 640. A new Orleans fleet would help support regattas in Texas and throughout the southeast.
Were going to make sure everyone who attends is included in off the water festivities as well...
Over 10 boats ringing the bell so far.... Who else is interested?
Quote from: Tim Carter on October 26, 2010, 07:16:52 PM
Where's the "LIKE" button???
:)
Timmy, great place to stop off on a westies way to charleston.
The event organizers are really excited about adding vipers, net they will help find a spot for your truck and trailer for a few weeks :-)
Quote from: Jeff Jones on October 26, 2010, 07:23:06 PM
Quote from: Tim Carter on October 26, 2010, 07:16:52 PM
Where's the "LIKE" button???
:)
Timmy, great place to stop off on a westies way to charleston.
The event organizers are really excited about adding vipers, net they will help find a spot for your truck and trailer for a few weeks :-)
This has been put up as a survival kit for Key West, but I'm sure I will need it If I did Mardi & Charleston..
- Mosquito net for bed
- Mosquito net for head
- Long pants, long sleeve shirts
- 100% DEET bug spray
- Foulies
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Bail money
- Stack of one-dollar bills
- 16-pack of condoms
- Mirror, straw, razor blade
- Spare Liver & Kidneys
- Bandage
- Aspirin
http://www.mardigrasraceweek.org/
Oh boy... Sounds like I need to re-plan my spring...
I just heard from two "almost" new Viper owners from Dallas that will be there also.
Unfortunately the Bacardi Cup overlaps this regatta, two great events and they told me they if they were on different dates they will do both.
Base on previous post ad:
Hungover pills!
I love the location and it will draw the Georgia boats 19,23, 109 , much better set up than Miami; the set up got real testy at shake a leg and it cost about 1/4 for lodgings
I'ts about time to show some love for the Texas boats .........I talked to the motor city boys and they like the idea too. I think between GA ,SC ,NC the Gulf and Texas you would get 10-14 boats, plus the northeast travelers who could double that number... Who's in?
Black Mamba 109
Drive time ....
Atlanta Ga 7hrs 30 min
Dallas 8 hrs 37 min
Austin TX 8 hrs 46 min
Savannah Ga 10 hrs 49 min
Charlotte NC 11 hrs 36 min
Chicago IL 15 hrs
Detroit 17 hrs
Annapolis 18 hrs 40 min
New York 21 hrs
Phoenix Ar 24 hrs
Ottawa 25 hrs
Marblehead 25 hrs
Los Angeles 30 hrs
Yep, long way from everywhere....But when you get there, your THERE! :)
New Orleans sounds like a really interesting place to sail and we should be able to get a lot of boats there. Jackpot would definitely be there.
Deborah and I are picking the Mardi Gras Regatta over Miami Race Week venue. A little more cost effective and a chance to meet the Texas sailors.
Quote from: Tim Carter on October 26, 2010, 10:47:09 PM
Yep, long way from everywhere....But when you get there, your THERE! :)
No farther from Atlanta than anywhere else we sail - we're in.
....a chance to meet the Texas sailors.
Be careful what you ask for! From what I can tell so far they are a bunch of degenerates!
SeaMonkey is going bourbon street!
Only familiar with Jeff Jones from back in the day.
Even got some pictures of him to show everyone!
Snake Spit (#17) will be there.
For everyone who hasn't been to New Orleans before, here's some additional details for you. NOYC is located at West End which is only about 5 minutes from downtown. That means if you want to treat yourself and stay in the hotel downtown, you're not that far from the yacht club. NOYC is a laid back club, not one of those stuffy, blazer wearing type places, so nobody thinks twice about you walking in in shorts and a t-shirt.
Troy, the organizer of the regatta, is super excited to have the Viper fleet show up. Two years ago I raced my Finn and I they had over 30 Finns show up and I think almost 70 boats in total (not counting the kids in Optis). There's a lot of buzz around the lake about this event and it promises to be really exciting.
As far as sailing conditions, if the wind is out of the North, the south side of the lake can get pretty choppy. In March, the lake hasn't warmed up, so make sure to bring foul weather gear to stay dry.
I propose some kind of evening Viper party where we take over a bar down in the French Quarter... Bring your battle flags!
Thanks Kevin. You bring up a good point / idea. We might consider organizing a group party every evening to keep viper sailors together and make sure nobody is left out. That was one thing that disappointed me about Miami, the fleet scattered after racing.
A few years ago during a tradeshow one of our vendors rented out a second story spot with balcony over burbon street... insane time! Ok Kevin, your a local....
I'll speak to Juan about organizing demos on Wednesday and Thursday. He had a great idea about filling his viper full of ice and using it as a bar in the evenings.
And to Craig w - pictures go both ways so don't push that red button just yet. Can't wait to meet the woman that married you.;-)
MGRW, - Charleston race week on the gulf coast?
I'll start throwing some feelers out to see if I can find a good deal on a balcony or bar...
Hello Viper Class.
I'm the race chair for the Mardi Gras Race Week, and I've just gotta say - we're freaking pumped about the interest your class is showing for MGRW!
Viper sailors sound like the sorts that will excel at our event on and off the water and I am willing to put in 110% to make this happen.
- While we would prefer to keep you guys around the yacht club for the post-race events, I understand y'all want to hit the Quarter - I will set you up with a bar HQ (the Chart Room) in the thick of the French Quarter (sailing buddy of mine is a bartender there).
- As we are doing with every class, I will be meeting with a class rep to determine ideal courses and special needs - in this case it will be the local Viper guy - Kevin.
- NOYC's sailors ALWAYS win the party, so as long as you guys don't burn the club down, you should be pleasantly surprised at the social atmosphere of our club. (Our Commodore is a cop, so we have some interesting pull with the NOPD.)
- I recommend getting rooms at the Rose Manor Inn @ West End (only 9 rooms, but 2 blocks from the yacht club) however if you do want to stay in the Quarter, go for the Bourbon Orleans and make sure to ask for the MGRW discount. West End is a $17 cab ride from the FQ. If you have any issues with getting the rate discount, contact me directly.
- Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, March 8th. Hotel rates start dropping that evening. Official practice races start on Thursday, March 10th.
Do not hesitate to contact me personally for any questions and online registration and the NOR will be available December 1st (if not sooner).
Thanks and looking forward to seeing you down in New Orleans.
Troy
troyag [at] hotmail [dot] com
Are you f..ng kidding me. We got a race chair promising our own bar and cops that turn the other way?!?!?! Hell I might go just for the party. C'mon man. This could be quite the time!! AZ?, CA? All the big events (to this point) have been out east. Let's get a turn out to make it worth the hangover!
It's true. Louisianna is the only state that I have saiied in that I didn't have a police issue.
Yikes, too late to toss out a proposal to make this our 2011 north Americans?
Regarding the list of special needs for the viper fleet.... that's a long list ;-)
NA's great idea
MGRW would be absolutely interested in hosting the Viper NA's. Also, on-site Viper demos and instructionals for the class and locals.
Let's make this happen!
Quote from: Troy Gilbert on October 28, 2010, 01:42:50 PM
MGRW would be absolutely interested in hosting the Viper NA's. Also, on-site Viper demos and instructionals for the class and locals.
Let's make this happen!
Dang, that's one enthusiastic regatta chairman!
So Troy, why does there appear to be two Mardi Gras regattas at the same time...
http://www.mardigrasracing.org and http://www.mardigrasregatta.com/
Can you clarify for us?
2010 N.A.'s also happened with very short notice...... not a good habit to fall into, BUT.... THIS SOUNDS GOOD! :) any excuse for the Big Easy is good....
Quote from: Jay Harrell on October 28, 2010, 02:05:56 PM
Quote from: Troy Gilbert on October 28, 2010, 01:42:50 PM
MGRW would be absolutely interested in hosting the Viper NA's. Also, on-site Viper demos and instructionals for the class and locals.
Let's make this happen!
Dang, that's one enthusiastic regatta chairman!
So Troy, why does there appear to be two Mardi Gras regattas at the same time...
http://www.mardigrasracing.org and http://www.mardigrasregatta.com/
Can you clarify for us?
It appears there are already (4) vipers registered for the hangover regatta
I'll clarify the confusion...
MGRW was previously known as the Mardi Gras Regatta and a subset of this regatta was for Finns and this was called the Mardi Gras Hangover Regatta. This Finn regatta had their own sponsors and therefore no registration costs.
Both of these regattas are now under one roof - Mardi Gras Race Week.
Further, if you have "registered", then you have actually registered for the 2010 version of this race. I will go and eliminate those old links.
The 2011 registration will be only found on mardigrasraceweek.org and/or noyc.org and will not be online until December 1st when the NOR is posted.
Again, sorry for the confusion.
Quote from: Tim Carter on October 28, 2010, 02:07:36 PM
2010 N.A.'s also happened with very short notice...... not a good habit to fall into, BUT.... THIS SOUNDS GOOD! :) any excuse for the Big Easy is good....
Let's do it. All in favor?
Joinign Class in November 2010, So I will vote "aye" November
Well, unfortunately there's a complication with the Miami/Bacardi Cup. It turns out we're somewhat locked into MiamiRW on account of EFG sponsorship, and they've of course been great and will be again in 2011 if we commit to Miami. Definitely bad timing...
Read more in the 2011 NA thread:
http://forum.viper640.org/index.php?topic=626.0
Olaf - as i mentioned on the NA thread, most of the boat's committed to making Mardi Gras Race Week a success for the viper fleet are either a. boat's that wouldnt' make the trip to Miami anyway due to the distance, time away or cost b. teams that have "been there, done that".
A group of Texas and Southeast boat's are committed to building MGRW into a Charleston type venue for the viper 640. A rather inexpensive, off-the-chart fun event where the race organizers are excited to have you (see Troy's post). That experience has built CRW into what might be a 40+ boat regatta this year.
Sometimes there are things that even money cant buy...
So the fleet splits....20 in N.O. and 20 in Miami.....the winner of each regatta face off in Charleston for the "Viper Bowl".
Sure seems like a lot of great regatta's get stacked on the same weekends. The Miami Race week Grand Prix overlaps the Bacardi Cup too. Lots of great racing All On The SAME WEEKEND.
I'm in! Miami is a hard competitor but taking 12 hrs off a drive for me makes it easy. NOYC and Southern are great clubs. Plus, if you have not done Mardi Gras you are missing an epic party.
Rose Manor is 100% booked by Viper teams. We're looking for other options that we can take over. Current feedback is very positive, vipers are on their way to overtaking the Finn's as the largest OD fleet at this regatta (in our first year!)
Lot's of chatter about MGRW and the viper fleet at the LPRC several weeks ago.. good stuff!
By the time were done, they will probably re-name it the "Delta" house....And I PROMISE you, we WILL be on "double secret probation"
Toga! Toga! Toga! Toga!
Quote from: Jeff Jones on November 15, 2010, 11:24:09 AM
Rose Manor is 100% booked by Viper teams.
Team Screamer is going down for "Fat Tuesday" before the regatta. If you have never experienced this, you are missing out. This gives us 24 hrs for bail money and to sober up.
I also talked to a local sailmaker and they are STOKED about the vipers. Ponchetrain is a great place to sail. The 2011 J 22 Worlds are there in October.
Old Boats Rule!!!
NOR attached. They have use down for 2:00 Viper 640 Demo's on Thursday. Sounds like there are a lot of people down there very excited that the viper fleet is showing up in force for this thing.
Right now, at last head count we stand around 15 solid entries. The SE vipers indicate that they might have several more guys from the Carolina's interested in supporting this effort to build our numbers in the South / Southeast.
More as i learn it.
Link to registration form:
(please register with the links below)
We have 5 boats already confirmed for Mardi Gras. 3 Texas boats, 1 local (me) and 1 from Hotlanta.
#17 - Snake Spit
#129 - Animal
#115 - SeaMonkey
#19 - Scratch
#55 - Screamer
Here are the official links to know about:
Host Club: http://www.noyc.org
URL to Register: http://whoisracing.org/2011/mgregister.cfm
Scratch Sheet: http://whoisracing.org/2011/mgwhoisracing.cfm?regatta=1101B
Vipers are the first boats to register!
Thanks for that Kevin, ten boat's by days end?
Get signed up, this is going to be a fun, low cost event. A big showing will go a long way toward not only supporting Kevin and the other local boat's but give a much-needed boost to the Texas and Southeast fleets (Georgia).
Well, we blew by ten boat's and had 12 on the roster in the first 24 hours.
Registrations and emails of interest continue to trickle in, up to 14 as of today. The organizers are "over the top" excited to have us.
Quote from: Troy Gilbert on October 27, 2010, 10:43:28 PM
- I recommend getting rooms at the Rose Manor Inn @ West End (only 9 rooms, but 2 blocks from the yacht club) however if you do want to stay in the Quarter, go for the Bourbon Orleans and make sure to ask for the MGRW discount. West End is a $17 cab ride from the FQ. If you have any issues with getting the rate discount, contact me directly.
Quote from: Jeff Jones on November 15, 2010, 11:24:09 AM
Rose Manor is 100% booked by Viper teams. We're looking for other options that we can take over. Current feedback is very positive, vipers are on their way to overtaking the Finn's as the largest OD fleet at this regatta (in our first year!)
I'm likely in, though not quite committing yet until I see what shakes out with Miami. It's the same distance from Boston.
Where is everyone staying, given that the Rose Manor is sold out? Troy, the Bourbon Orleans had no clue about any sort of MGRW discount. The best I could do was to reserve $152/night for a double, triple-A rate. But that's still $700 for 4 nights... yikes.
I'm getting in touch with the Bourbon Orleans on Monday - the discounted rates were about $110 a night - obviously just some sort of a screw-up.
I'll post here with the codes once solved.
Entry list @ 16 Vipers and holding. It sounds like our three Texas hold-outs are leaning toward making the event, just finalizing plans. That would take us to the 20 mark.
20 boat's with participation from Texas, the SE and a lone entry from Sarnia would be pretty impressive.
Question; to date, what is the largest regatta we have had outside the Northeast. (not counting the NA's last year). We had 9 at several Texas events last year. 11 this year in Arizona. Anything bigger?
We had 14 this past Sept for the Anarchy Fest... Texas is rockin, sure wish is I could be there. :)
Quote from: Jeff Jones on January 21, 2011, 11:01:53 AM
Entry list @ 16 Vipers and holding. It sounds like our three Texas hold-outs are leaning toward making the event, just finalizing plans. That would take us to the 20 mark.
20 boat's with participation from Texas, the SE and a lone entry from Sarnia would be pretty impressive.
Question; to date, what is the largest regatta we have had outside the Northeast. (not counting the NA's last year). We had 9 at several Texas events last year. 11 this year in Arizona. Anything bigger?
Back in 2009 we had about 12 boats at four different regattas in Georgia and North Carolina.
And Charleston Race Week has had over 30 in 2009 and 2010.
Well, we're not going to break Charleston's record but if we're to maintain the second highest number of vipers outside the NE (or largest turn-out off the East Coast) we'd better pick up a few more boats. Sounds like LBRW might draw twenty plus this year. Lot's of hard work by Timmy, and class $$'s to support as credit. ;-)
By the way, signed up for Charleston today. I think the early discount expires on Jan 31. FYI
Any word on RV parking at the event?
Hi All,
I have a line on a pretty nice looking boathouse directly across the park from NOYC.
2BR, king/queen plus some air beds.
"On Lake Pontchartrain - 1500 SQ FT, 2 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath, jacuzzi, washer, dryer, renovated. Covered boat slip 40 ft X 20 ft. West End park directly across the street. 10 minutes from the French Quarter."
Looks sweet in the pix too, and the owner seems like a nice guy.
Sounds like it would be perfect for two crews/boats. He's making sure the slip's roof is high enough to get a Viper mast under.
It's $250 a night, +$75 or $1500 for a week, but I might be able to get him down a little, so it's like $45/night pp.
Anyone interested in splitting it with my crew? (direct email:
[email protected])
P.S. I'm officially still on the fence between Miami and MGRW but this might put it over :-) I'm getting a kick out of the lobbying. Glad to know when one's wanted!
I just booked at the Day's Inn for $65 a night if you do not get the house this is really cheap.
Hi all,
Sad to say, I'm heading to Miami. 'twas a close call.
Have a great time and I'll be down next year no doubt.
I do have a line on this boathouse which is ~100yds from the yacht club. It unfortunately doesn't fit a Viper (24' roof over slip), but it's a 2BR place that can sleep six with some air mattresses, and he's willing to do $225/night + $75 cleaning fee. It looks pretty nice from the pix.
If interested, email me at obleck [at] gmail and I'll put you in touch.
We hope you have a great time, and look forward to seeing you next year.
I'll pass along the boathouse info.
Interest eating up about Demo Day at MGRW.
Including this individual:
http://www.ryanfinnoceanracing.com/
Second that Craig. I've had mass emails about the demo day. Sorry your going to miss it - sounds like whomever is there will be busy!
Have you checked out the NOYC forum? Even the latest thread regarding the seascape ends up pointing in one direction.. viper!
Edit / Add; Possible charter available for MGRW. Email me for details viper640tx (at) gmail dot com
Thanks to a generous donation from North U and a private individual the Viper 640 fleet will have Kattack trackers and Race Analysis at Mardi Gras Race Week!
Quote from: Jeff Jones on February 21, 2011, 12:52:08 PM
Thanks to a generous donation from North U and a private individual the Viper 640 fleet will have Kattack trackers and Race Analysis at Mardi Gras Race Week!
Oh goodie - I'll be able to see just exactly how far behind I sailed!
Well Jay, this Sunday i got to watch my wife and two of her girlfriends walk away from us in 15 - 20 knot's and breeze. At least with the kattack i have proof that did actually beat her to a windward mark (before she passed us down-wind).
Sounds like you fella's had a great time in Florida! Less than 3 weeks my friend!
We are going to have North U Tactics and Trim CD's for give away too.
Quote from: Jeff Jones on February 22, 2011, 10:27:58 AM
Well Jay, this Sunday i got to watch my wife and two of her girlfriends walk away from us in 15 - 20 knot's and breeze. At least with the kattack i have proof that did actually beat her to a windward mark (before she passed us down-wind).
That's awesome!
So does Kerry get 31 or 126? Cuz you certainly get second choice!
I've decided to sell 129, figured out owning two boats is going to get expensive.
I guess I'll just get to pull strings.
Quote from: Jeff Jones on February 23, 2011, 07:34:22 PM
I've decided to sell 129, figured out owning two boats is going to get expensive.
I guess I'll just get to pull strings.
Thats's it, I know im old when Jeffey takes up Macramae...
Stitch me a rum sock!...