From: R.P.M Racing Enterprises
To: APBA Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint PWC Racers
March 22, 2009
Gentlemen/Ladies,
We are looking forward to a great, safe race on April 5, 2009. Please read this word for word, you are responsible for ensuring that you are informed of race process and timelines on race morning. Special note: This race is over at Avalon, you are responsible for the manner in which you return to Dana Point from Avalon.
Key addresses:
Dana Point Launch Ramp: [24961-24981] Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, Ca 92629. Note that there is a "SeaDoo Rental" sign at the entry/turn point to Dana Point Launch Ramp.
Tech Inspection on Saturday: 34671 Puerto Pl, Dana Point, CA 92629, (949) 661-4947
Awards Ceremony: 12 pm at the Wind and Sea Restaurant located right across the parking lot from the wash ramp at the marina. http://www.windandsearestaurants.com/windandsea/home.htm Specifically, located on the waterfront in Dana Point Harbor. Address for the awards ceremony: 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629. Phone: (949) 496-6500
General Directions to the Launch Ramp (Mapquest):
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Los+Angeles&1s=CA&2c=Dana+Point+&2s=CA&2a=24961-24981+Dana+Point+Harbor+Dr.%2C+
Timeline:
Saturday April 4 Tech Check:
11:00 a.m to 6:00 pm: Tech check at Dana Point Jet Ski - 34671 Puerto Pl, Dana Point, CA 92629, (949) 661-4947
Sunday April 5 (please be on time):
5:45 am Emergency Tech Inspection (must be approved with Ross prior to race day)
6:30 am Mandatory Racer's Meeting at Dana Point Launch Ramp
7:00 am Launch craft
7:55 am Racers staged outside of break wall.
8:00 am Flag drops and race is on (signaled from official boat).
12:00 pm Awards ceremony at Wind and Sea Restaurant Banquet Room / on second floor of the restaurant
Please Note: 5 MPH to the outside break wall to and from the launch facility. This means 'no wake'. You must abide by all California boating laws and observe for other vessel traffic while conducting your transit.
Logistics information:
Dana Point Harbor / launch ramp: [24961-24981] Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, Ca 92629 Dana Point Marina Link: http://www.danapointharbor.com/
Link to Catalina Island:
http://www.catalina.com/main.html
Dana Point Hotel within walking Distance to the launch Ramp: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel-directory/california/dana-point (Consider leaving your truck and trailer at the Marina, small parking lot at this hotel).
Awards ceremony is located at the Wind and Sea Restaurant: Dana Point Harbor. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629 (949) 496-6500 - this is right across the parking lot from the launch ramp
Detailed Timeline For Race Weekend:
Tech Check Saturday April 4, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday afternoon at Dana Point Jet Ski
Please ensure you bring all of your required race day items for tech inspection.
Race Day - Sunday April 5, 2009
Mandatory Racers Meeting at 6:30 am - 7 am - please do not be late (coordinate with Ross Wallach if you can not make this time, please coordinate with Ross prior to April 4).
Launch craft at 7 am, in the water by 7:40 am.
5 mph no wake zone until you get out of the marina, leave the harbor mouth jaws.
All race craft migrate to the red buoy outside the marina - look for 'start boat'.
Upon Ross’ signal, please get on line at least 5 yards apart from each craft.
7:55 am Look for Ross Wallach on start boat with Green flag. Rolling Start, Go when Green flag drops. Note that you will be to the left of the red buoy.
If you depart before the green flag drops, you will be penalized.
Green flag drops at 8 am, Rolling start right outside the break wall.
Should you see a Red flag (from official boat), stop as there has been a false start and safely return.
Do your best to stay in your lane at the start of the race. No wedging!
The start of the race is a straight line start, there are no buoys to go around, it is a straight line shot to Avalon.
Sprint across the channel approx. 37 miles one way.
First racer to the finish boat South of Avalon Harbor wins.
The finish line is a boat that will be at the lat and long below. Make sure the finish boat sees your number when you get to the finish boat. The finish boat is South of the harbor.
We will do all we can to ensure that the finish boat will be right at the designated lat and long i.e. we will tell the driver to ensure they do not allow the current to take them off the mark.
We will also do our best to place something on the craft that differentiates it and ensures it is easily recognizable. This will be explained at the riders meeting.
This race is a one way race (PWC can not make it there and back on one tank of fuel)
The race is over outside Avalon Harbor. The racer goes into Avalon Harbor proper and refuels at the Avalon fuel dock. Please honor the 5 mph no wake zone at the Avalon Harbor / Marina. You are responsible for how you get back to Dana Point.
The fuel station is right in front of the casino, once you go into the harbor, go to your right.
Don't forget to bring cash or credit card to pay for your fuel.
It is highly recommended that all racers have a "buddy" wingman for the RETURN ride back (not for the race out - the race to Avalon is the race).
It is recommended that your "wingman" (another racer) is designated prior to the start of the race and prior to your launch / you choose your wingman.
It is recommended that your wingman is another racer that you can meet up with after you get to Avalon.
It is recommended that you stay with your wingman for the return trip back from Avalon - the return trip is not a race. It is recommended that the racer and his/her buddy will return together across the channel at a safe pace and arrive at Dana Point together.
Awards will be given at 12 pm at Dana Point at the Wind and Sea Restaurant Banquet Room - WIND & SEA RESTAURANT - located on the waterfront in Dana Point Harbor. The address is 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629. (949) 496-6500. The restaurant is right across the parking lot approximately 75 meters away from the wash racks. When you walk in the front door, look for the stairs on the left and go up to the second floor. Friends and family welcome! NO HOST Bar and No Host food i.e. separate checks / you pay as you go. Please do your best to attend, this is a great opportunity for all of us to have fun, network, celebrate etc.
Should you decide that you want to stay at Avalon after the race, you must inform Ross Wallach prior to the start of the race so that you can be accounted for.
Logistics and coordination:
Safety will be paramount at this race!
Tech inspection on April 4, Saturday afternoon at the Dana Point Jet Ski.
(Emergency tech inspection on Sunday morning at the launch ramp at 5:45 am - must be pre-approved with RPM Racing Enterprises Ross Wallach prior to race day - this time is for emergencies only)
Race Start time is 8 am. All watercraft should be launched no later than 7:30 am.
Stay at less than 5 mph behind the break wall
Racers will group outside the break wall and look for the start boat
Green flag start, rolling straight shot to Avalon at 8 am
Once you arrive at Avalon, your time will be recorded by a craft that will be approximately 1/4 mile off the coast and due South of Avalon Harbor.
The lat and long below will be where the craft is located with the checker flag.
After you cross the line, your number is recorded, proceed North to the fuel dock and refuel (refueling will only be done at the Avalon fuel station).
Stay away from all incoming racers still racing.
The race is over at Avalon and you are responsible for your safe return.
It is recommended that you wait for your buddy, when your buddy arrives and is refueled, proceed back to Dana Point with your wingman. It is recommended that you not leave your wingman.
We recommend that you are back at Dana Point and check in with Ross Wallach by 12 pm (unless you have informed Ross that you will be staying at Avalon).
Minimum 8 inch numbers required on your craft (no duct tape), they must be legible
Program these numbers into your cell phone that will be with you on your craft:
(310) 318-4012: Ross Wallach, APBA Promoter of the race
(310) 521-3815 Los Angeles - US Coast Guard Search and Rescue Emergency Line Only, this is for emergencies only/Emergencies only
(1800) 4seatow: SeaTow
Communication: Please keep Ross Wallach completely informed of your race status on race day.
Should you have any issues, please ensure you call him. If you get his voice mail, please speak slowly and clearly with issues you are encountering and your exact status. When in doubt, communicate.
Cost: 225.00 (Sportsman Class/first time offshore racers have a reduced rate of 100.00).
Payout: Should we have a minimum of 30 racers show up on race day, the overall race winner will be awarded his or her entry fee back after the race is completed.
Fog/Marine layer: If there is significant fog at 8 am, there will be a delay until the fog burns off. This is for safety reasons. Be patient if there is fog.
Please file a float plan prior to leaving with a trusted family member of friend in case of emergency, with directions of where your vehicle keys are stowed and a copy of your vessel identification
Avalon Race Finish Line/Point, Lat and Long:
N33-20.570
W118-18.667
Dana Point Lat and Long for Return Trip:
N33-27.260
W117-41.490
Mandatory Items you must have with you for the race across the channel:
Safety will be paramount at this race!
We HIGHLY RECOMMEND you have a current Vessel Assist or Sea Tow membership
Marine Radio fully charged (preferably attached to your Lifejacket)
Fully charged Cell Phone
Flare gun/flares or handheld flares
Water and food
First Aid Kit
Tow rope with spring hooks / no less than 12 feet long, strength rated for 1,200 lb. tow capability
Signal Mirror
Plastic Tie ties
Extra hose clamps
Duct Tape
Exposure Jacket
Extra Lanyard
Water Whistle attached to Lifejacket
GPS
Compass
Fire Extinguisher in your craft (the stock one is fine)
Extra water and food
Copy of your personal ID and vessel registration
You must wear:
Full length wetsuit
Gloves
DOT approved helmet (Motocross like helmet)
Riding shoes
Coast Guard approved Life Jacket
Eye protection
Dana Point launch: http://www.danapointharbor.com/
10.00 per craft to launch
They have multiple fresh water wash racks on site, bring water hose
There are multiple restaurants on site
Dana Point Jet Ski is right across the harbor / Aaron Cress PWC Mechanic
Dana Point Jet Ski address: [24961-24981] Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, Ca 92629
This is a clean, nice launch ramp. We need to keep it that way and represent the offshore racing community with class.
Please do not spill any fuel and clean up after yourself. We want to be welcomed back.
Q&A:Q. Why is the race one way and not a round trip?
A. Because most craft can not make the round trip to Avalon and back on one tank of fuel. Also, many of the craft out there will require race fuel and there is no race fuel on Catalina Island, only 91 octane. Those race craft requiring race fuel will only have access to 91 octane on Avalon therefore they will have to run higher octane race gas for the mix in fuel that will take place for the return leg. Race fuel craft should not be run at full throttle for the return leg.
Q. Can we hang out on Catalina between legs?
A. You must inform Ross prior to the race if you intend to stay at Avalon
Q. Why isn't the race to Isthmus Harbor?
A. There is no 91 Octane fuel at the Isthmus harbor and there are many issues around coordinating with the Catalina Cruiser for access for the fueling station.
Q. Is this an APBA Sanctioned Event?
A. Yes
Avalon Finish Line/Point, Lat and Long:
N33-20.570
W118-18.667
We look forward to a great race!
Sincerely,
Ross Wallach
R.P.M. Racing Enterprises
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PWCOFFSHORE AND ENDURANCE RACING FOR THE RACER, RIDER AND ENTHUSIAST. TIPS FOR THE LONG BEACH TO CATALINA ISLAND AND BACK RIDE AND RACE. BEST PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH HARD CORE OFFSHORE RIDING AND RACING.
