Could it be the biggest sportboat fleet ever in Charleston Harbor? They have 73 total entries and the Melges 24's have 20 plus.....Hope we can put 30 on the line. We got 6 so far.
I'd say 50 would be a better goal David, and not unrealistic.
We have a nice group from Texas looking at CRW on the heels of Mardi Gras Race Week (March in New Orleans). In fact, there's a container set to deliver just before the event and if it makes landfall in good order i'd bet at least 3 of those will be in Charleston.
I think we need to arrange an official "Viper Party" or something. We can take over RED's over on Shem creek. It's a great regatta, one of my favorites. Really like to have the largest fleet.....battle flags flying!! 50 better put us back on the cover of Sailing World...what's Dave Reed's #?
Craig and Deborah on #100 Ice Melted registered. that makes 8 Viper 640's as of 1/08/11.
The J-22's are responding well to their first year invitation. We are at 9, but I know that is temporary.
This should be the busiest harbor in CRW history...
There are some interesting PHRF Sportboats entered too......Pete Hunter on Wairere has won many events and should be a favorite. He's a NC guy that needs to try a Viper out...maybe he can keep up with Brad and Guggs.
We're going to register soon, already have a couple of rooms reserved at the resort.
It does look like the harbor is going to be busy. If we show up with 50 vipers and all the other fleets show big... might be interesting. There was talk on the S.A. Jboat's board about the 22's being put on our course. I hope those guys are wrong. Be better to put the 24's with us and the M20's with the J22's.
There are a couple of people looking to Charter Vipers for CRW. Anyone interested let me know and I'll get you the info.
disclaimer- these guys are very good and will make your boat go faster than it's ever gone....so you can't blame your boat for poor results anymore! that's why I don't charter 55!
Have them contact me David. Typically, what do charters go for at an event like this?
I'll send em your info Jeff. I don't know what the going rate is, but there seems to be people always asking for them.
Charters for CRW go for $1500 to $2000......depends a bit on sails.
Early registration ends Monday 1/31. $50 discount. Let's get some more boats on the scratch sheet. M24's are at 30!
This is TRULY a bucket list regatta !!
So 14 have registered, it took us a while to get there. So where are the other 30 or so who should be signing up?
Friends don't let friends miss Vipering in Charleston.... ;-)
This will be our first time to CRW. As the fleet materializes will the organizer provide us an area in the harbor to keep the boats grouped together?
Quote from: Pat Gibson on January 31, 2011, 10:02:52 AM
This will be our first time to CRW. As the fleet materializes will the organizer provide us an area in the harbor to keep the boats grouped together?
Last year (my first there) there were two options: free dockage was WAAAAY down at the far end of the enormous marina, prob. about 1/4+ mile walk on the dock. (wow!) There was plenty of room, but all manners of boats were there and first come first serve.
Also, one can rent slips which are much closer. They were pretty big and I think each could hold up to 6 Vipers. I think a couple of those were in fact rented as such.
Here's the thread from last year: http://forum.viper640.org/index.php?topic=545.0
Looks like it was ~$2/ft per night, so call it 60ft (by three long by two wide, 6 boats), or $20/boat/night
If we coordinate, it'd be great to have the whole fleet basically in one place.
Olaf, D and I are interested in getting in on this. Sounds good. You wanna take point on organzizing this?
In 09 most all of the viper fleet took over three or four of the larg slips on the first pier. Not sure about 10 as I missed that one.
I'm in. With a decent 22, 80 and very large melges fleet we may want to get this sorted while the getten's good.
Quote from: Jeff Jones on January 31, 2011, 10:44:04 PM
In 09 most all of the viper fleet took over three or four of the larg slips on the first pier. Not sure about 10 as I missed that one.
I'm in. With a decent 22, 80 and very large melges fleet we may want to get this sorted while the getten's good.
Jeff, is it 6 Vipers to a slip? I'll send them an email and see what we can get.
We can call it the "Viper Pit". We need some of those Aero-flags and a bunch of battle flags too.
I'm in too. Last year was the same as the year before...6 in a slip and split the cost. The Dockmaster will take the name of who is responsible...and then we can each pay him.
I sent off an email to the harbormaster to get a quote for the "Viper Pit". Hopefully will have an answer today.
If you don't hear back, call them directly. For some reason, I think we had to call last year....but not sure....damn Dark-N-Stormies wiped out my memory
Viper registrations doubled overnight....amazing what a $50 discount does...
Feb 1 and 189 total boats....118 in the Harbor. CRW setting records again.
Viper #76, located in Melbourne, FL will be available for charter for CRW. Unfortunately I am unable to attend due to a friend strategically planning his wedding during that Friday and Saturday.
She is in excellent condition. Has a set of hyde sails that i got with the boat when I purchased it used last July. I will Not be able to assist with transport.
If interested PM me.
#124 is interested in the Viper pit.
119 is also in..
One viper pit? I think we need many.
I also think having a point man on this would be very useful. Last year was definately very average with regard to berth allocation.
If all Viper class berths were organised via a class point man we could have a single payment sorted for the marina, have exact berth allocation sorted and chase up any stragglers who have not yet reserved a berth.
I can volunteer for this if needed. (i am happily unemployed....)
#100 Interested in Viper Pit
18 wants in on a viper pit. With the current there it helps alot to know exactly where you are tying up. Hopefully they don't insist on towing us in and out again this year. That was generally a disaster...
Count me (94) in.
Jonathan
Viper 91 would like to be in the pit.
"Viper Pit" update:
I've been in touch with the marina staff, and there are two options.
One is that they can give us one complete section of the free dockage, way down on near the aircraft carrier.
However, I told them we really wanted to be closer to the action and didn't want to hike so far, so they're looking at giving us a bulk price for say 4-6 of the 66' slips together on the first or second pier. Those will cost something, and it'll be handled though us. i.e. they want a lump payment from us instead of dealing with each individual.
I figure we can put at least 6 boats in each slip. Does anyone know for sure?
I don't mind handling it, so barring a better options, what I'll do when I get a price is set up an online payment thing or people can send me checks.
Lastly, we should round up Viper flags and swag, etc. to "decorate".
Thanks Olaf--CAN 70 would like a berth in the 'pit'
Ya'll do realize that there is not Viper Pit unless and until someone (not me) steps up and organizes one, right?
Quote from: Jay Harrell on February 09, 2011, 12:49:11 PM
Ya'll do realize that there is not Viper Pit unless and until someone (not me) steps up and organizes one, right?
I'll do it.
The key to successful organizing though is delegation. Jay, you'll be in charge of lining up a couple of kegs. :-)
Something with a snake-like cache perhaps?
Thanks Olaf. If memory serves from 2009 we can get 6 boat's in a slip.. there might be some pictures floating around, or a better memory.
If you can score large slips on the first pier that would be preferable. The battle-ship is a serious hike (especially after day of 25 knot's on the river).
I'd recomend notifying all the registered boat's and making sure everyone pays up before the event. In 09' it was crazy.. dock master chasing people down for money. Pretty random. I'll predict you'll have twenty boat's pay up and reserve a spot, and then Thursday afternoon another 15 show up asking if they can get in the slips.
You have my email - put me on the list and let me know as soon as you know a $$ per boat.
add- glad your on this. We have almost as many M20's registered as we do vipers... a ton of M24's, J80's and now J22's. all of which will be looking for dock space. If we book those slips i wonder if the dockmaster can put a sign in them "reserved for Viper 640's".
I think last year we had like 10 boats a 60' slip. We had them jammed in there to keep the cost down!
Jeff has a good point( I can't belive I jsut said that). Lets get the money together ahead of time. Get the check to the dockmaster ahead of time. And we are in.
Who wants to take point? Someone who had been there before I hope.
You missed it Craig - Olaf is the grand-master of Charleston dockage.
Quote from: Craig Wilusz on February 09, 2011, 04:55:26 PM
Jeff has a good point( I can't belive I jsut said that). Lets get the money together ahead of time. Get the check to the dockmaster ahead of time. And we are in.
Who wants to take point? Someone who had been there before I hope.
Grand Master of Dockage here.
They way this is going to work is that I'll set up an online payment thing, and to get a slot you'll either need to pay online or send me a check. We'll get an option on a slip for stragglers, but it'll be limited.
I'll figure out the price, and if people want, maybe we can include some extras like beer at the dock, etc. They ABSOLUTELY do not want to deal with everyone individually, so if you're going to CRW, it'll be the free space (loooooonnnnnngggg hike) or the Viper Pit for a few bucks. I'm hoping it'll be it'll be under $50/boat.
Quote from: Jeff Jones on February 09, 2011, 04:21:09 PM
If we book those slips i wonder if the dockmaster can put a sign in them "reserved for Viper 640's".
Yes, he's on it. He likes the idea. His one request (aside from lump payment) is that we stagger the arrivals each day to avoid a viper-jam.
Quote from: Tac Boston on February 09, 2011, 04:35:42 PM
I think last year we had like 10 boats a 60' slip. We had them jammed in there to keep the cost down!
Tac, are you sure about this? I'm trying to find out how wide they are. I can see nine fitting with any decent width. They are 66'long x ?? wide.
Anyway, as soon as I hear back from the dockmaster on the price, I'll set it up.
ADDITIONALLY: I think we should get a bunch of Viper "stuff" to decorate the Pit a bit. Does anyone have some of those "blade" flags? I saw some Viper ones in a somewhat older you-tube video. Also, one of those flailing inflatable men would be cool. And battle flags. Any other ideas?
After last years nightmare, these are the things I would like to see happen;
1. All Vipers register with Olaf before hand. If three boats would like to go together it can be arranged beforehand.
2. Olaf has all transactions cleared in his account at least one week ahead of time.
3. All the double slips are next to each other or boats are on double slips either side of the main dock. The latter may be more preferable. For a more community feel.
4. All boats are assigned their slip and it is strictly adhered to.
5. Upon arrival at the slip, a small card has the name of the boat and their slip assignment on it.
6. In the marina fees, Olaf should build in a fund for tipping the marina staff for letting us make it happen. The fund should also include a keg fund if allowed by the marina.
7. Olaf should contact the organisers as the Viper point man and liaise on all class matters. The first issue would be to point out that a 10ft inflatable with 10hp is much more useful to assist Vipers out of the pit and get them under way than two 20ft hard boats with 90hp engines.
We may want to organise our own tender for this duty.
8. Olaf should get a free slip for putting in all the effort!
Matt.... On all points, nice... Especially no 8.
I think he needs an unemployed boat captain as a personal assist.
Keg on the dock by the viper pit would be epic.. Reckon we could probably get out builder to spring? I'll volunteer to tender that task if possible. Paul and I are tight. Report back on that by Monday.
Sweet Jeff!
One thing though. Non of this bud light crap.
Lets try and get a Local brewery to provide us (on the cheap) with a damn good beer. Something we would all look forward to after an awesome day of sailing.
I believe Coast brewing company has some impressive IPA's ........
Definately do 6 a slip. I don't want to be rafted up and don't want anyone rafted up to me.... 3 boats on each side of the finger piers is tight enough.
I'll pay Olaf in Miami so 55 gets a spot. Get er done!
Oh, now we're going to get PICKY about what kind of free beer we're drinking ;-)
Wonder if i can find a keg of Lone Star in Charleston.
Quote from: Matt Sole on February 09, 2011, 11:10:28 PM
Sweet Jeff!
One thing though. Non of this bud light crap.
Lets try and get a Local brewery to provide us (on the cheap) with a damn good beer. Something we would all look forward to after an awesome day of sailing.
I believe Coast brewing company has some impressive IPA's ........
Hey guys,
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm still waiting on a price, but I think this will come together just fine.
On the tender issue: great suggestion. I have an 11' rib that needs work, but I may be able to patch it up by then and bring it (should fit fine in the cockpit, come to think of it). Does anyone have a rib or two more locally?
Also, I need a volunteer to be the beer meister. That would involve selecting beer (Jay, maybe we need a poll here on what kind(s)...), getting it delivered, lining up some trash barrels and ice, and of course cups.
Local craft:
http://www.coastbrewing.com/
http://westbrookbrewing.com/
http://www.palmettobrewingco.com/
http://southendbrewery.com/
Also, a beer specialty store:
http://www.charlestonbeerexchange.com/
I also need a couple people to be videographers. i.e. to bring some video cameras, always keep them handy, and just take tons of footage of whatever merriment. If any friends or family want to come too, maybe we can line up our own videoboat too with one of the ribs or such.
Agree with Dave,
6 boats max per slip, 3 per side.
a few years back everyone tried to jam in and hang loosely in the middle. It was a nightmare.
The only way that each boat is against the slip is 6 boats per opening.
7 Fits good. 3 on each side and 1 tied to the back sideways. I do agree with keeping the numbers down per slip.
Brad
It may also be a good idea if the marina can put in a few smaller cleats per pit.
Hi all,
I got some initial pricing, and it's looking like $90/boat including $20/boat beer fund/etc. That's with 6-7 boats per slip.
I'm trying to get a better price from the Marina. I was hoping to be in around $50/boat, but that doesn't look like it's going to be possible. Maybe $70 at best. We could ditch the beer, but what's the point of that?!
What's the sense on whether all the Vipers will want to pony up to be part of this?
Cheers,
- Pitmeister
#100
In please
119 is in for the viper pit. Nothing like hanging around with your own kind!
94 is in.
$90 for four days of parking plus beer is pretty dam good.
That should easily give us 2 kegs of beer per day....
124 is in
#125 is in!
55 is in.
70 is in.
91 is in.
Does this include the free space for Olaf? That needs to happen.
Quote from: David Oliver on February 15, 2011, 07:03:12 PM
91 is in.
Does this include the free space for Olaf? That needs to happen.
Yep... by consensus, I'll give myself a slot :-) Thanks!
I should have final details and a payment channel together in a day or so. The deal with the marina is finalized. Still working on beer and stuff.
As noted earlier, I could use a beermeister, and also we need viper swag/decorations. (No response on either so far.)
Cheers!
Registration is now open!
The CRW '11 "Viper Pit" includes dockage on the piers close to the resort for three nights (Thur-Sat), and "good beer" (draught) on Fri & Sat after racing before the party at 1800. If we have enough dough we'll get more beer for the haul-out Sunday at the boat ramp and whatnot.
Nominally 6 boats per slip, 7 in some cases.
$100 ($103 online)
Pay online here with a CC: (note, this is a merchant account for my Salsa dance events business, just disregard that...)
http://salsaboston.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=48&products_id=82
Or mail me a check:
Olaf Bleck
24 Breakwater Dr
Chelsea, MA 02150
We still need swag and such. Please email me at obleck [at] gmail.com
119 Jackpot is all paid and ready to go... Salsa Boston sounds like a good time..
Quote from: Brad Boston on February 18, 2011, 04:22:41 PM
119 Jackpot is all paid and ready to go... Salsa Boston sounds like a good time..
Thanks Brad, You're the official first customer.
Yes, we party pretty hard at SalsaBoston. Lots of hotties too, but I haven't figured out how to convert them to sailors yet...!
Okay guys (and gals),
We've got three, read em, three boats signed up after all the thumbs up and 22 registered boats.
If you hadn't heard, registration at CRW is CLOSING due to over-subscription as well, so this is potentially going to complicate things for the "pit".
Those having made the commitment so far are:
- Brad Boston
- Jonathan Nye
- Dave Oliver
(and me)
Thanks guys.
For this to be a success, I really do need people to ante up ASAP. If we don't have most boats on board within say a week, I might have to pull the plug since I don't want to be stuck with the cost.
Is there a way to email the registrants?
See this thread to pay: http://forum.viper640.org/index.php?topic=834.0
Email me if you have questions: obleck [at] gmail
Cheers
#150 Is in. Thanks Olaf.