Hi C-15 sailors,
Here's a little info to prepare you for your upcoming trip to Newport for the District Championships.

Sailing: We will be sailing in Yaquina Bay. The bay is a tidally influenced estuary protected from the Pacific Ocean swell. The tides on the weekend of June 21 - 22 are relatively small with less than 7 foot range from low to high water (the weekend before there is ~11 foot tidal range). Low water is around noon on the 21st. Winds vary, but in summer we typically have NW winds which pick up by mid day and blow until it cools off after dark. The water is cold (typically 50s F, 11 -15 C). A wetsuit or some form of thermal protection should you find yourself in the water is essential. Typically we race around navigation marks in the bay. If there is interest, I may be able to arrange an orientation to the bay and the marks for skippers on Friday evening in the YBYC whaler. Boats can be launched at the ramp at South Beach Marina (south side of the bridge), where the regatta check in and skippers meeting will be held. There is a sport halibut opening that weekend, and Saturday is the first day of coho season, so the ramp will be very busy; please allow yourself enough time in the mornings. Boats can be left with masts up overnight in the parking lot there. The evening dinner event is at the Rouge brewery which is by the marina and boat ramp too.

Accommodations: Newport has lots of places to stay. Campers will want to check out South Beach State Park (541) 867-4715. The marina also offers R/V spaces. Inexpensive rooms in town go for about $30/night and there are plenty of places that offer more luxurious accommodations. There are 2 places on the south side of the bridge walking distance from the marina/boat launch. If you need more specifics e-mail me and I'll find out what you need to know.

Other Attractions: The Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Hatfield Marine Science Center are both on the south side of the bridge walking distance from South Beach Marina. HMSC is having a SeaFest on Saturday. The Historic Bay Front (on the north side of the bridge) has lots of tourist shops, galleries, places to eat, an excellent spot to watch California sea lions that have taken over a dock, and access to locations to watch the racing action. There is an active commercial fishing fleet operating out of Newport's Bayfront. There are sport fishing and whale watching charters available on both sides of the bay I think. The Nye Beach area offers a great bakery, the Visual Arts Center, the Performing Arts Center, a make your own ceramics shop, some other shops, and beach access. There are also places for surfing and hiking in the nearby area. Ask me for more specifics if you're interested.

Please send in your registration if you have not done so already (it helps the race organizers). Don't miss this event, it will be great fun for all. You folks at Beaux Arts beg borrow or steal (just kidding) a trailer and come on down! Looking forward to seeing you all here in Newport for some great sailing.
Cheers,
Greg