Race to the Coast Update

2020-06-18: Race to the Coast – Critical Updates

Hello Race to the Coast competitors!

There is a lot to cover so let’s get started…
COVID-19
There has been a flare-up of COVID on the Miss. Gulf Coast and, in particular, in the sailing community.  As of today, GYC, PCYC and BWYC have all instituted a members-only, no guests, “lockdown” policy.  This means that we will have NO ACCESS to any amenities at Gulfport YC.  We cannot moor at the visitors dock, use the boat hoist, nor the restroom facilities.  Essentially, non-members may not set foot on GYC’s property.
We have contacted the Gulfport Municipal Marina and were told they have plenty of available slips of all sizes.  The marina does not accept reservations, but we were assured that they can accommodate everyone.  Contact them via VHF upon arrival, open 24-hours a day.
The public boat launch is available for ramp-retrieval of trailerable boats.
WEATHER FORECAST
The forecast looks hot and dry, but with very little wind until the seabreeze fills in the afternoon.  To address this, we are looking at two options for postponing the start.  The first option is to postpone for appx. 4 hours and move the start appx. 13 nm down the course into The Rigolets, just beyond the Hwy 90 Bridge, near Double Bayou.  The second option is to postpone for appx. 6 hours and move the start appx. 19 nm to the outside of The Rigolets near Long Point in Lake Borgne.
The final decision on the start time and location will be announced tomorrow, along with the final scratch sheet and start time list.
RACE TRACKING
Once again, Kattack.com is providing online GPS tracking for the fleet.  Several of you have registered the cell phone app and a few have sent me their SPOT Shared Page URL.
Please review the Race Tracking Specification and register your tracking device ASAP.
Here is the Kattack race tracking link: http://kws.kattack.com/player?FeedID=1850
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
The Sailing Instructions have been posted online, but will be amended with the course specs tomorrow.
Fair Winds,
Kett Cummins