One Rule: Two Hulls: Four Days

OK, time to get to work telling you stuff.  This catamaran carnival is brought to you by the Catamaran Racing Association of Wisconsin.  What is it with this group and all the "Cs" anyway? I haven't met many of them yet, but maybe they all stutter?  One thing I CAN tell you is that they're all friggin' c-c-c-c-crazy! Damn it, now they've got me doing it!

They'll take anybody at this event and they say there's just one rule: two hulls and don't be a dick.  (I think that's two rules, but who's counting?)  See helpful illustration.

The event will play host to the 2013 US Formula 16 Championships.  That being the case, this fleet may race on a separate course altogether, or minimally, on a course with staggered starts, which would all but eliminate any influence from boats other than F16s. This was successfully done at the 2012 USF-16 Championships in Panama City. 

In addition, strong fleets are anticipated from the following classes: Formula 18 and A-Cat.  A Portsmouth fleet will also be available to accommodate all other catamaran classes. 

The F16s will be scored on all four days of the event.  The other classes are encouraged to also race all four days, but they may choose to sail only three or two days, and receive average finish scoring for the races they couldn't make. This format has been done successfully at the Spring Fever Regatta in Georgia for many years, another regatta you'll want to put on your schedule.  (CRAW shout out to Nigel and Mister Ernie!)   

The greatest of the Great Lakes--Lake Michigan--and the world-famous Racine Yacht Club will be the venues for the racing and festivities.  Motorhome and tent camping are available right on site.  More details on this to come at a later date.  

Dear Eddie:  If you don't want a ride, please send the ladies.  Note: Bikinis are required attire.  Thx.  Dude

Eddie Butts Band Back for More

I kinda thought these CRAW people would be tackling all the racing stuff first.  Nope.  I'm sure that will be most excellent, too, but it appears the big party is at the top of their list.  If you've still got the scars from CRAW's 2010 Black Light Magic Marker Party, then you'll need no reminder of what a tail-shakin' good time that was, featuring the Eddie Butts Band.  Well, since there are some things you just can't top, Eddie and his band are coming back for more. 

Due to a prior engagement, Eddie was unable to arrive in Racine for a ride on a cat prior to that last gig, so CRAW was sure to re-up that invitation.  Reached on his mobile today, Eddie groused, "why are you calling me so early?"(For the record, it was 1:00 p.m. ) "I'm not planting my beautiful black ass on no table cloth stretched across two torpedos.  I've seen what y'all do to a brother when you get him on board.  Yeah, it was all cool when Coutts had The Hammer out there Hammer at the Helm, but then he went and tossed my bro Golden Shoes Johnson Gold Medalist Overboard.  My mama didn't raise no fool!"

Nice use of empties.  So environmentally concious.

Conclave Selects Party Theme

Recognizing that the Vatican needed some warming up to get into big decision-making mode, CRAW was able to help out by putting all the righteous dudes through their paces making a decision on the party theme for the Central Coast Catamaran Championships.  Cardinals from around the world, secluded around the clock for last ten days, made their best recommendations, arguing passionately for their candidates.  "I'm pleased to announce that the chosen one will be--ABC," said Pope Benedict XVI.  Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, went on to explain that ABC is an acronym for Anything But Clothes.  "Nice," proclaimed Dude I.   "The Cardinals felt that it was time for all of us to shed the falseness that comes from fancy clothes, and express our inner beauty adorned only with common and simple accoutrements," he added. 

Sailors from across the globe celebrated this momentous decision.  Reached at his Florida home, respected physician and accomplished catamaran sailor, Dr. George Reis commented, "Accoutrements? Let me tell you about accoutrements.  My wife, Chris, has more accoutrements than we know what to do with.  We're a lock for King and Queen of this Ball.  In fact, we just bought a big-ass trailer and a dually for hauling all our accoutrements.  We know how to bust some tags, but you start talkin' accoutrements, and it's lights out, baby!