06/25 - Port Townsend Safety Boats

Plan C · From 25 Jun 2011 to 25 Jun 2011 (included)

Steve Chapin, organizer of the rowing race we did safety boat work for last year, asked if we would like to do safety boat service for the annual Rat Island Race of the rowing club. That was the one we did on on Saturday last year, the one we cut our teeth on.

Is there interest in doing this? The date is June 25.

We could meet as last year over at the state park at Nordland.

I realize we might be overqualified for this.... However it could combine into a nice informal gathering.

Any takers? It would be good if we had at least six, and more is fine.

Dave

starcrafttom · Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 11:26 pm Post subject:

I'm interested in doing it again but will have to what and see what work has going.

hardee · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 4:20 am Post subject:

Dave,

SleepyC has been too long too dry. I would really like to help out again this year, and should be able to. Thanks for the note. I was just getting ready to turn in my June work schedule. I'll plan on the 26th. I really enjoyed last years session.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

DaveS · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 9:25 am Post subject:

Dave, I wish I could join the group as it was a great time last year. Unfortunately, I must pass on this event this year as this date conflicts with plans previously made. Thank you for the invite, perhaps next year I'll be able to join in again.

colobear · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 10:16 am Post subject:

Dave,

C-Cakes and crew will be out of town on that date. Sorry. We had a fun helping out last year.

Plan C · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 10:27 am Post subject:

Okay, some of the veteran safety guys are uncertain or unavailable.

New folks - this is a job we can quickly train you for. If you can run your boat, you can become one of us safety guys!

If we have enough - six, maybe - we can own the safety boat function, in other words it will be all C Dorys. If not, we will join others. Either is okay, but all C Dorys is classier.

Harvey and I will be there. Room for more!

As with last year, safety boat crews are invited to the salmon BBQ afterwards.

Dave

DaveS · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 11:16 am Post subject:

For those that were not fortunate to be a part of this event last year, I encourage you to give this serious consideration and join in. By having a C-Dory Flotilla for "safety vessels" it was extremely beneficial to both the contestants and law enforcement personnel to distinguish the vessels (C-Dorys with their easy recognizable features) on the water as being the "safety contingency" for the event. It was obvious to me that the contestants appreciated our presence. (Especially the guy that was paddling the wrong direction in the fog.... Shocked

and was chased down by a C-Dory as he headed out into the shipping lanes).
I'm looking forward to doing this again, but just can't this year. Crying or Very sad

.

Plan C · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 11:30 am Post subject:

Reconsidering what I wrote, I should note that among us talented amateurs, we had someone like Dave S, who as fireman, is a professional safety guy. We welcomed that sort of input.

This year the task hopefully will be easier than the open water race.

Dave M

C-dore · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 12:25 pm Post subject:

Cindy and I are in sounds like fun.

hardee · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 1:42 pm Post subject:

Dreamer · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 8:59 pm Post subject:

Dave,

Despite all the fun last year, we'll still be going to the Broughtons during this one. Wink

Hope you get a good sized fleet.

centerisland

Plan C · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 9:32 pm Post subject:

Ouch! Yes, the 25th of June, I was told the 26th and didn't double check.

>What does "safety boat service" involve? I'm guessing it's keeping other boats off the race course, keeping the contestants on the course, and watching out for evolving safety "issues.

That is a pretty good summary. We spread out and shepherd the craft, which are rowers, possibly kayakers, and i have seen a pedal boat. We try to anticipate whatever safety issues there might be, and improvise as needed. On this course it is easy to stay in touch by radio. I have done this for a number of years, and the worst I ever had to do was tow in another safety boat (not C Dory).

We have found it productive to talk through our role the night before.

Dave

centerisland · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 9:34 pm Post subject:

Dave? Any comment on my concern about possible poor weather?

Plan C · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 9:45 pm Post subject:

Sure. There is always a possibility for strong weather Friday PM. I hope we will have suffiicient numbers that if someone has to drop that will be okay. Also we can supplement with local non C Dorys, if need be.

I had not ever before last year's Sunday race (open water), seen anything but perfect weather. The issue that day was fog. You will have the best chance crossing Friday to avoid the typical early morning fog that time of year.

We understand that people may have to cancel for conditions beyond their control. We have to allow for that.

Dave

AGAIN, ALL SHOULD NOTE RACE DAY IS JUNE 25, SATURDAY