2009 Catalina Challenge
March 29, 2009
Race Details.
Registration. All teams are to be registered and paid prior to race day.
Fees: 65.00 Per paddler postmarked by March 21, 2009. 75.00 per paddler postmarked after March 21, 2007 or at the race. This will be strictly enforced.
Canoe Transportation. Canoes needing transportation to the island MUST be pre registered, There is a limited amount of space in the container. First come first served. Drop off is at Catalina Freight in San Pedro. 100 W Water St Berth 184. Willmington Ca 90744. Drop off hours are Thursday March 26 10:00 am 3:00pm. Boats will be available in Catalina Friday afternoon at the dock south of Avalon .75 mi. past the ferry pier.
Overnight storage on the island. You may store your canoe on the island at Desconso beach. There is a fee, Based on number of canoes, Min 10.00 Max 25.00
Check in: You will need to check in and receive your race number on Catalina Saturday March 28st at the Ocean Ohana Team House between the hours of 2pm and 4pm. Or Sunday Morning at the foot of the main pier between 8:30-9:30.
Race Meeting. There will be a race meeting Saturday March 28. At 5pm in Avalon. We will meet at the square next to the pier on Cresent Ave.
Start Times
Paddle Boards and Stand Up and Solo 9:00
Women and All Co-ed Boats 10:00
Men and All Two man boats 10:30
Race course
The race will start just South of Avalon bay in Lovers Cove, Heading East towards Dana point harbor (37.25 miles). There is a Red Bell Buoy at the mouth of the Harbor, Make a left hand turn around the buoy and head North west towards the back end of the Harbor (1.25 miles). You may paddle on either side of the channel to the finish. However boats in the harbor have right of way. The finish will be at the end of the Youth Facility Dock just off of baby beach.
Navigational way points
Start Lat. 33 20 - Long. 118 19
Red Bell Buoy 33° 27' - 117° 41'
Tides for the race. Catalina High N/A Low 6:01am -.34
Dana Point High 12:13 3.43 Low 17:03 1.34
Changes:
First Change will be approximately 15 minutes after the start, The Safety boat will announce when it is safe to start making changes. Escort boats are to be no closer than 100 yards from any canoe and stay behind the assigned Tail end Safety boat until released.
Change boat MUST be pointing in opposite direction of canoe. There is to be NO motoring while changes are underway.
Changes can be made wet or dry. I strongly recommend using an inexpensive inflatable raft.
Changes can occur anytime after the safety boat releases boats for first change, And prior to making the turn at the red bell buoy outside Dana Point Harbor. There are NO changes allowed inside harbor.
Assistance from any member on the escort boat is allowed.
Surfski’s using multiple hulls will have a Loop (baton) that will be passed from paddler to paddler, racing boat must have possession of the loop.
Other race rules.
Start, The start will be on time, we will not wait for teams that are not on the line at the appropriate start time. If you are over the line there will be a 5-minute penalty.
The start boat will act as the lead boat until the escort boats are released. Your escort boat may be the only safety boat, Mechanical issues are NOT the responsibility of the Race organizers. If your escort boat is having problems inform the lead boat and Vessel assist.
Race Categories and Divisions.
OC-1 and Surfski (Solo, 2 and 3 person teams). (Solo category is for elite paddlers only, must be pre approved)
OC-2 (4 person team).
Paddle Board and Stand-Up. (2, 3 or 4 person teams)
Divisions (Three teams in a category are needed to create a division.)
Open Under 39
Masters 40-49
Sr Masters 50+
