Vote: Southeast Octoberfest in Charleston or Wilmington?

[RickK]

Geee, we never have this kind of passion about the location selected for the gatherings here in FL - people just don't come    

We've had people come all the way from across the state towing their nicely restored boats and stay only 2 hours, so it obviously is a choice thing.

I move the spot around every year to 1) see new places, 2) give members in that area a chance to attend and meet other members with the same passion.
It started out as a way to attract members from an area and over the last 4 years the things I realized is 1)you can't please everyone, 2)everyone has a good excuse why they can't attend, 3)there will always be the passionate ones that will attend no matter where it is and 4)it will be a good time no matter how many show up.

[gran398]

Rick, thank you. The first thing I was going to do this morning was check archives regarding the very first Aquasport reunion. As history tends to repeat itself, I figured these same discussions occurred before, was interested in the thought process, and how things worked out.

Your observations and philosophy make great sense.

Based upon this guys, maybe we should look at moving around year to year. Last year, Southport. This year, Charleston. Next year, Outer Banks? (attracting northern brothers and sisters). Then maybe repeat the cycle. Just food for thought.

The time of the year we have chosen tends to  limit us logistically as to where we stay/what we do. We can't raft up and spend the night on the boats like the Fl. events. Its too cold to swim/wade to the beach. So we need a gathering place to stay/recreate/dock. A big rental makes perfect sense, especially for the ladies.

Sure, everyone towing their boats is great. But lets face it, a long tow is just that, it can be a white-knuckler. I pulled my rag to the event last year, but it was so ugly, we just left it parked . Point being, sure its a boating event, but you don't need a boat to participate. Ginger and Boo-Boo didn't bring a boat.

There are small events going on all the time with the membership. Diving, fishing, socializing. They are pretty much based on ease-of-use. And always gives us something to look forward to and enjoy.

I personally don't care where we hook up. It can be in Bali, I'll be there We can rent pangas and bring some of those big three dollar Aquasport decals

Guys, thanks all.

[RickK]

We did the first 4 events in the same place - a wonderful pass that had a great breeze at night and clear strong running water. It was a hour tow for me. We talked about how to get people to the gathering that had their boats in some form of resto - whether to move the spot a bit or not. The place we held the first ones had a state park with a huge ramp and was only 5 minutes for one of us to go fetch them and we actually had some of those people come out.  Worked well but very spotty.  
Then it was discussed where to move it to get more access for members, so we moved and held it two times in that place and ...that is the history.
We work out the best dates via poll and after a few years those dates stuck and always seemed to work well around school, sports, etc.  So now it is usually the first week in May and first week in Nov +/- a week (usually a minus not plus). Weather and water temp here is perfect during both weeks usually.  That's what attract the bikinis to our gatherings.  
As for the next location, I query members, get some ideas, look for secure parking and then pick the area.  The local members usually pick the spot.  As I said earlier - it's all cool with us because its a new place for a gathering.  
No one said it would be easy - It's work but it pays big returns for the few that make it.  Most we've had is nine boats.

Again, there will become a group of hardcore passionate members that will always (or almost always - I missed one too) go to the gatherings and thats what makes it fun - Me and Dave are usually there, now CircleHooked and Doc and Glock are becoming regulars and this is the just the southern gatherings.  We met some nice fellas down south this time and they'll be back next gathering. If we went back up to St Pete/Clearwater a whole different group plus most of the regulars will show up.  We'll be up there some day but there is so much of FL to explore.
Enough babbling....

[gran398]

You keep babbling...guidance is golden.

We appreciate this. We're just starting out, second event. Good news for you guys is, Florida is only about 2 hours wide for the most part. Imagine Lew being a solid 7 plus or more hours from us.

Thanks....have ya'll ever tried Bali??

 

[RickK]

I don't think you'll tow a boat across in 2 hours - maybe 4?

[gran398]

Gotcha... Guess it depends on which part you're towing across....the skinny part, the medium part, or the fat part.

Reminds me of...oh well...

[Circle Hooked]

I don't think you'll tow a boat across in 2 hours - maybe 4?

4-5 sounds right,heck it takes me  6-7 to tow down to Marathon in the keys which if it all works out i will be doing again for lobster season this year,put new brakes on the trailer last week so that part is good to go.

[Glock Diver]

Charleston so Maybe can attend this and Boca Grande in Nov.

I think you deserve an award if you make it to 2 different regions' gatherings in one year!  That's dedication to your hobby!

[SC170nFL]

Enjoyed meeting at Boca Grande and the reason I might be able to atend is I have a place to stay in both those locations.

[SC170nFL]

Maybe we could have them in serveral places on different dates and if only a few show, it still would be a good get-together. Can understand price of gas being a consideration and if we had them in more places, it might be possible to attend one or more as we choose.

[GoneFission]

Only 8 votes so far - y'all need to step up and vote for your preference (or lack thereof...).

[GoneFission]

Bump

[Mcdiver]

Click Click BOOM!

[GoneFission]

OK folks - by a big margin, it's October 15 in the Charleston area!  

We will need some local folks to help find the gathering place - anybody up for that?  

So get it on your calendar - and see you there!