01/29 - 01/31 - 2010 Seattle Boat Show/C-Brat Convention

Here is the "official" thread on the 2010 SBS/CBC, back up to the top...I see I was focused on maybe our throwing a party for the Sea Sport folks in my last post here too!

So Roger, is the date January 29 - 31, 2010? Should we start sending our reservation requests to Linda?

Tyboo - when Roger confirms the date, can we please have a sign-up sheet?
 
Pat, we are with you in that the Seattle CBGT should go on, .......somewhere. I think Rogerbaum posted the idea on the parallel site that there might be a place around UW with more room. Or another hotel facility, that would have a larger convention type facility.

I did like the idea Starcraft Tom brought up about the dinner cruise.

Maybe with some long term planning for next year we can work out the factory party with SeaSport and the Bellingham CBGT. Obviously, this year was a bit hectic for SeaSport with the new acquisition.

Onward with the CBGT where-ever. We are willing to help from here with whatever we can to keep both the factory party and the Seattle CBGT.

Harvey
SleepyC
 
What about the idea of seeing if we can get a dinner cruise for Fri. or Sat. or maybe a lunch cruise for Sunday? Then we could do either Fri or Sat at the Larkspur and one other gathering on a cruise boat. I think if we get somewhere's around 75-100 people, we can get one of the smaller cruise boats to ourselves.

Roger
 
I don't care where the hotel is, as long as it's convenient to the boat show and can host the activities we schedule, and also has a nice place we can visit with each other, which, for me, is the main reason I come to Seattle. Convenient to the airport is also important for some. There are other boat shows, more convenient to those not living in the Puget Sound area, of course, although the one in Seattle has the best mix of NorthWest Pacific style boats.

The cruise idea is fine, too. Could be interesting and fun. But what happens if it rains hard, snows, or is really windy? I don't think you can cancel out, you just get to stay in port and have your party. I've been on some in bad weather, and it cuts down on the fun a lot. At that point, I'd rather be in a room linked to my hotel room with inside hallways. Then again, we could make it an Alaskan Fisherman's Costume Ball in the middle of night in the Straights of Juan de Fuca in an open boat and all wear Mustang Immersion Suits. :?: :wink:

Joe :teeth :thup
 
We like the idea of a dinner cruise. Our preference would be Saturday since a lot of people would be traveling on Friday and Sunday, but if it couldn't be worked out, maybe a Sunday brunch cruise.

I checked the Argosy web site and they will give quotes on cruises. Someone could request a quote using an estimate of the number of people who registered at the hotel last year. It looks like they have a lot of different size boats depending on how many people are coming. One down side of a cruise would be making it possible for the Sea Sport guys to meet us, however, maybe they could connect with us at the hotel.

The challenge I see would likely be collecting all the money for the deposit. This will be a challenge no matter what we decide if it involves a caterer rather than a restaurant where everyone just pays at the door.

I don't know very much about the Seattle Area otherwise I would toss out some other suggestions.

Dee
 
Knotty C":lglbzuii said:
We like the idea of a dinner cruise. Our preference would be Saturday since a lot of people would be traveling on Friday and Sunday, but if it couldn't be worked out, maybe a Sunday brunch cruise.

I checked the Argosy web site and they will give quotes on cruises. Someone could request a quote using an estimate of the number of people who registered at the hotel last year. It looks like they have a lot of different size boats depending on how many people are coming. One down side of a cruise would be making it possible for the Sea Sport guys to meet us, however, maybe they could connect with us at the hotel.

The challenge I see would likely be collecting all the money for the deposit. This will be a challenge no matter what we decide if it involves a caterer rather than a restaurant where everyone just pays at the door.

I don't know very much about the Seattle Area otherwise I would toss out some other suggestions.

Dee
Click to expand...
I'd be willing to request the quote and could front some of the money. I've worked with Argosy before for a couple of different group cruises. However, I'd need to be sure I knew how many wanted to go and would need to collect some money up front since even a small boat can get pricey.
 
You might want to start with the quote using an estimate of the number of people who registered at the hotel last year. You could also ask them how many we could add to the boat if the price is acceptable. Then you can give everyone an idea of what we are looking at and we can see if the interest is there. I know that there were a lot of people who come to the factory dinner who don't stay at the hotel, so the actual number could be higher or lower. It would be nice to know how flexible they could be. In other words what is the minimum and maximum we would need for a certain boat.
 
We are definitely up for a cruise - Argosy or otherwise - but, as Knotty C noted, we would much prefer to do this on a Saturday or Sunday. This would allow me to work at least part of the day Friday before heading over that way late Friday afternoon / early evening.

Also, as Joe mentioned, visiting w/ everybody (no matter where) in addition to checking out the boat show is our prime interest.

We are in no rush for summer to end.... but when it does, and it gets dark, damp, and dreary here in the Pacific Northwest, the SBS and corresponding C-Brats gathering sure gives us something to look forward to!

Take care,
Dan & Tanya
 
I like the cruise idea and would be willing to put a deposit down in advance, should that be the decision. WRT which night, traditionally our CBGTs have featured a restaurant dinner on Friday night, a potluck on Saturday night, and a breakfast on Sunday morning. I see the cruise as an upscale replacement for Friday night's restaurant. Another alternative would be that famous crab place we met at before an Argosy cruise one year.

Warren
 
That is true for the gatherings where we bring our boats, however, as I recall, traditionally the SBS gathering has been informal gathering Friday night and the factory gathering Saturday night. Because we live so far away Don and I have never been able to be to any gathering early enough to join the group for the Friday night restaurant gathering. It will depend on what night you decide on for the cruise weather or not we can participate. I would hate to pay for the dinner and then not be able to get to the dock in time because of work or traffic. Having it on Saturday or Sunday might be safer when people are not fighting traffic and trying to get there from work. We'll be at the hotel regardless and will join the cruise if it works for us.

The best part for me of the casual Friday night gathering is that people can show up whenever they show up. We always get there late and I know there are people who get there after us.

Just my 2 cents for what it is worth. :)
 
Sea Wolf Joe said:
"The cruise idea is fine, too. Could be interesting and fun. But what happens if it rains hard, snows, or is really windy? I don't think you can cancel out, you just get to stay in port and have your party. I've been on some in bad weather, and it cuts down on the fun a lot. At that point, I'd rather be in a room linked to my hotel room with inside hallways. Then again, we could make it an Alaskan Fisherman's Costume Ball in the middle of night in the Straights of Juan de Fuca in an open boat and all wear Mustang Immersion Suits."
Click to expand...
:idea: Wonder if Captain Sig and the Northwestern are up to the challenge? :wink Phil and the Time Bandit have room on the work deck for several dozen tables. :twisted: Argosy does have some indoor seating. Might do an afternoon, or brunch cruise through the locks. :photo

Harvey
SleepyC
 
hardee":1os78met said:
Sea Wolf Joe said:
"The cruise idea is fine, too. Could be interesting and fun. But what happens if it rains hard, snows, or is really windy? I don't think you can cancel out, you just get to stay in port and have your party. I've been on some in bad weather, and it cuts down on the fun a lot. At that point, I'd rather be in a room linked to my hotel room with inside hallways. Then again, we could make it an Alaskan Fisherman's Costume Ball in the middle of night in the Straights of Juan de Fuca in an open boat and all wear Mustang Immersion Suits."
Click to expand...
:idea: Wonder if Captain Sig and the Northwestern are up to the challenge? :wink Phil and the Time Bandit have room on the work deck for several dozen tables. :twisted: Argosy does have some indoor seating. Might do an afternoon, or brunch cruise through the locks. :photo

Harvey
SleepyC
Click to expand...

Joe has a good point, we have had snow during the boat show and it could happen again. I guess I was thinking that on a dinner cruise, we would all be seated inside. The only cruise I have been on was here on the Willamette River and we were all seated inside. We, of course could go outside on the deck if we chose to do so. In any case it's possible bad weather could get in the way. Staying at the dock would likely be an option.

Speaking as an amateur event coordinator what would be most important to me is how easy can we pull something together with our group so far spread without it being a burden on any one person. It seems to me that hosting a C-Brat gathering is a big enough job without also coordinating a dinner to replace the factory event. Just ask anyone who has done it. People have tossed out several good options so maybe we should get some specifics on two or three options, i.e., location, cost, etc., and then put it out for a discussion. There are pros and cons for each.

The options that would be the least trouble, IMHO, would be:

1. A dinner/lunch/brunch cruise

Pros: A great ambiance that fits our group's interest; no set up or clean up; a location all to ourselves so we can do a program if we choose.
Cons: Possible weather constraints; danger of leaving someone behind if they are delayed; cost may be expensive; collecting money could be a burden.

2. A catered dinner

Pros: Little set up and clean up depending on where it is held; a location all to ourselves so we can do a program if we choose; No danger of leaving anyone behind.
Cons: Finding a location and caterer; collecting money could be a burden; cost could be expensive.

3. Dinner at a restaurant

Pros: No need to pay in advance; no danger of leaving anyone behind; no set up or clean up; flexibility of decision to go or not.
Cons: May not have the location all to ourselves; finding a restaurant which can handle a group our size; finding a restaurant everyone can agree on; may not be able to do a program if we would like to.

I would be happy to help with the leg work, however, I do not know much about the Seattle Area so I don't have "local knowledge" about good restaurants, caterers, conference rooms, etc.

Dee
 
Hey Hey Hey
It is Official
here is the email I recieved from Linda concerning the CB/SBS gathering

Hi Roger, here's the scoop: The prices will remain the same as last year at the Larkspur Landing, Renton. $79.00/night for a Studio Queen Suite and $99.00/night for an Executive King 1 bedroom Suite. Tax is 12.4%. I have blocked out 20 rooms in both categories, January 29-31st for our group. Additional days can be added at the group rate. However, on January 8th, any uncommitted rooms will be released to the public so get your reservations in early to guarantee your space. The meeting room will again be available to us Friday at 4PM through Sunday 4PM without charge.
Please make all reservations through my office directly-not the hotel, to avoid confusion. A booking fee of $10.00 per room should be mailed to Stanwood Traveldesk.

I look forward to seeing many familiar faces, and hopefully some new ones, again. Thanks for your business these past several years!

Most sincerely,
Linda Dreher, Stanwood Traveldesk
PO Box 1268, Stanwood, Wa. 98292
360 629-4196, 425 750-3785 cell
lindadreher2004@yahoo.com

so ya'll start calling or emailing Linda to get our rooms reserved.

so the powers that be can make a sign up page and announcement

thanks
 
Mike and I recently decided that we would head to the Seattle Boat Show this year to search for our retirement boat (it will be catamaran, we just don't know which). Lo and behold, there may be a gathering!

I'm interested in finding out the details - we had planned on staying downtown so we wouldn't have to rent a car. I noticed that C-Brats had gotten a hotel in Renton. How far is that from the boat show? Is there anywhere to park at the boat show if we stay in Renton? Anyone know if a TomCat will be at the boat show? If not, anyone want to offer tours of theirs? Sorry for all the questions - just so excited to finally be getting out there to look at good Alaska worthy boats! And of course, to meet more C-Brats!
 
Dahkota Crew,

There a fair number of TomCats around the Puget Sound area that you could visit. many of the owners, myself included, will be at the SBS CBGT. The hotel is a few miles from Qwest Field but getting to and from the show should not be a problem with so many new C-Brat friends!

We looked at Glacier Bays and Sea Sport Cats and picked the TomCat for many reasons. Still happy with the choice. Hope to see you there.
 
As far as what will be at the show this year- we probably won't know until late December what boats we will be bringing. Part of this is based on how much space we will have (and how much Sea Sport wants to help us with) and what boats we and Master Marine will have in stock.

We will certainly plan on having a Tomcat there, but won't know if one will be available.
 
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