2012 U20 North Americans

[Gregg Henning]

Announcing the 2012 U20 North Americans will be held May 17th - 20th, 2012 in Pensacola, Florida at Pensacola Yacht Club.  Start making your plans for this event now.  Let's make this a big showing as the Gulf Yachting Association is looking for a new fleet boat.

Let's show them what an awesome boat and class we have!!!!

Go Ultimate 20!!!

[Don Corey]

Okay then, let U20 #159 team 'scram' be the first to commit.  We're planning on being there.  

[Billy Ellis]

I am so happy to see the nationals return to Pensacola. Over the next few months I will be posting alot of information about Pensacola and the surrounding area. In addition to the Nationals in May PYC is also looking to invite the U20 fleet for a winter date in February or March. This will be in conjuction with the Flying Tiger Fleet and possibly the Vipers. For those who like to winter in the south they have plenty of dry storage space available and have promised very reasonable dry storage fees. The Pensacola area boast world class beaches, including Perdido Key, Orange Beach and Pensacola Beach. There are many beach front houses and condos for rent during this period at very reasonable rates. Pensacola is also the home for the Blue Angels flight team.  For those who enjoy camping Grand Lagon State Park is nearby, as well as camping in a very nice camp ground on NAS Pensacola for those who have military base privilages.  The average temperature in May are lows in the mid 60's and highs in the mid 80's. I will be reminding you guys of this happy fact in January. A typical early May sailing day in Pensacola will feature a light shore breeze in the morning and a short transitional period mid morning. After the sea breeze fills in we typically see 15 to 18 in the heart of the afternoon.  Good sailing for now and I'll be back with more on Pensacola soon. Billy Ellis.

[Dave Furna]

Good time of the year for NA's...now I've got to find a U20...or try to get a crew spot on someone's boat.

[Clifford Begnaud]

Billy,
Would you please tell us exactly where the racing will be held? A map with markings would be nice. Would I be correct in assuming it will be in the bay and not offshore? Are there currents to deal with? If so, would you please provide detailed info on the currents for those of us not familiar with the venue?
thank you,
Cliff
Underdog #126
Erie, CO

[Keith Ziegler]

#173 is planning on being there. Can we get the class web site updated to show next years location?
Also I am looking for another crew to split a condo as I have done alot of flying tigers in Pensacola and there are usally some good deals floating around.

Keith

[Gregg Henning]

Keith,

Do you have a name for your boat yet?  NA's site Posted.  Content to be added as we get closer!

Gregg

[Billy Ellis]

Cliff, The racing will take place in the main of Pensacola Bay, not offshore. You can view the chart at:

http://www.nauticalflorida.com/nautical-charts/pensacola-bay.html

PYC is located at the mouth of Bayou Chico.

[Clifford Begnaud]

Billy,
Thanks for the info. The chart doesn't show any currents and I looked at some tide predictions for the dates of the NA's. The difference between low and high tide on those dates is only 1-1.2 feet. I'm guessing that won't cause any noticeable currents out in the middle of the bay. Would that be a correct assumption?

I'm strictly a lake sailor so I don't know much about coastal issues. Is there anything else we should know about sailing in this venue? With winds of 15 of 18 knots, as you mentioned, how is the chop or waves?
If my questions seem strange, it's because the drive from Colorado to Pensacola is 1500+ miles and I want to make sure I make a good decision about whether or not to go. The more info I have, the better chance I have of making a good decision about whether or not my skills are suitable to the venue.
all the best,
Cliff

[Billy Ellis]

Cliff, There are currents to consider as there are pretty much any place that is affected by tide. By no means are they anywhere as challaging as you might find in areas such as San Francisco Bay, or even the Chesapeake. As you noted the 1 to 1.5' tides we experiance on the northern Gulf Coast are rather minimal compared to other places. I am sure there will be a briefing concerning tides befor we start racing. As far as wave action I would guess that our waves are really no different than those on your lake. Pensacola Bay is well protected on all sides. That is why it became a favorite hurricane hole for the Spanish when they were exporing the area. We often have regattas on much smaller boats at the same area we will race in. These include flying scotts, thistles, and lightnings so an U20 should really romp here. I also suspect that you will find the wind more consistant than what you are accustomed to. No sudden downdrafts with 30 degree shifts for example. As we say down here, come on in the waters great!!!

[Mark Allen]

Alright! Team JUNTA is in. I am already missing sailing.

[Jim Pearson]

Add Slippery to list of boats that will be there.
Jim Pearson
CAN200

[Michael Eisenberg]

Pending completion of my work calendar and hoping for no conflicts, I'm in.

[Tac Boston]

my team is planning on being there with 38 again.

Are there going to be any other events in Florida this winter? Seems kind of a dead winter?

[Keith Ziegler]

Tac,

I was trying to see if we could get enough boats for Charleston, but I dont' know how many we can get as it being so close to the NA's. Another idea would be New Orleans one design if somehow we can generate enough interest. It's only about four hours from Pensacloa. As I remember Pensacola has a huge yard where we could store the boats until the NA's. I would like to do 2 trips if possible this winter. Let me know what you think.

Keith
#173