CycloneCat wrote:
Wow
Port Aransas is an AWESOME VENUE! This is exactly the place HCA should be looking for our next big event...it's got it all. Weather, Wind, Beach Access, Restaurants,....and get this; their Yacht Club actually has a "Bar" Committee!
Google it and click the Chamber Page...lots of good stuff there...then visit
http://www.ryctx.org...the local yacht club.
Just think...3rd week of June...all of us Winter Hybernators are dying to get some heat...the venue is Tropical, the sand (there actually is sand there) is hot, and the wind is blowing 12-15! Makes me want to go there now.
Todd, you're forgetting two of the most important items - people and logistics.
Where are all the people going to come from to help run the races / parties? There's no local fleet support. Where are charter boats going to come from? Who's the local dealer?
Also, Google Earth the address of the yacht club. You'll see it's almost a 20 mile drive from Port Aransas proper (including a ferry ride).
Two Hobie 16 NAs have been run off the North Beach in Corpus Christi (Radisson Beach Hotel). Both were very sucessful, but even the one in 1988 had problems with a lack of personnel (volunteers). The situation there is much worse today.
You know very well the problems with finding volunteers and charter boats. Nearly 20% of the fleet in Kingston was chartered (12 of 54). Without the support of dealers like Jim Sohn, Rob Jerry and Jeremy Leonard the last few 16s would have been much more regional.
A North Americans takes more than a pretty venue and bars. Without manpower and boats it's not a true NAC. As the HCA Race Director, I would have a hard time recommending an event that can't provide both - and I'd prefer one with a local fleet.
There's another proposal for 2010 in the works that's supposed to be delivered this week. It's a proven venue with lots of local support. We'll keep you posted.