Downeast-Boat & Beer Fest

[Stinkpot]

Okay, the idea has had a good response, time to make plans. Here’s your chance to vote on when & where the first annual Southern New England Downeast Boat Rendezvous should be held.
After calling around to some suitable marinas and with the help of a few forum members, here are the location options:
· Block Island: Payne’s Dock. $3/ft per night including electric. Beaches, shops, lighthouses
· Greenport, NY: Mitchell Park Marina. $3.50/ft plus $10/night for 30A or $20/night for 50A – in town location, park setting, floating concrete docks, shops, restaurants, groceries, even a brewery & Starbucks just steps from boat.
· Menemsha: Town Docks. Quiet fishing village, beach, bus service throughout island. $2.50/ft per night plus $5/night for 30A or $10/night for 50A elec.
Date options:
· June 15-17
· September 7-9
Plan on two nights, Friday & Saturday nights, but if you can only do one night that’s fine too. Each boat owner would be responsible for contacting the marina which ends up with the most votes and making their own reservation, including giving their own deposit, if required.
Family should be included. BYOB and food. Depending on where we end up, maybe we could all choose a local establishment for a group dinner.
Plan on opening up your boat to other forum members and make this a floating Downeast boat show. I think that this would be a good way to get together and talk boats, boat building, fishing, and learn from each other and get ideas for that ‘next’ boat… I also think this has the potential to become an annual event. So, plan on attending so that you can say you were at the very first gathering “way back in 2012…â€
For what it's worth, I’m not typically an organizer of events, so bare with me; once the voting results are in on date and location, I’ll follow up with more info on whom to contact, any deadlines, etc…
Perhaps Bill can bring some of his Downeast swag and have a dock sale.

 

[WoundUpMarine]

Have a beer for me guys, ill be at work both those days.

 

[MDI45]

I dont know if i got room for a gas grill..lol

 

[El Mar]

I didn't think Payne's took reservations.

 

[Pedlyr]

I didn't think Payne's took reservations.

Depends who is askin'

 

[El Mar]

Depends who is askin'

True. We go there every year and we get the same answer when we call "just get here and we'll fit you in"

 

[November Rain]

I think Block Island is a great spot. We usually go to Champlains Marina for a couple of days in July. I remember two years ago watching a couple walk down the dock. The wife looks at our boat and says "honey that's an odd looking boat". They love the Sea Rays, Bayliners and all the others.

 

[MDI45]

I just noticed the june dates will coincide with alot of big shark tournaments in the Long Island area....so alot of downeasters will be fishing for the ONE

 

[F/V First Team]

I think Block Island is a great spot. We usually go to Champlains Marina for a couple of days in July. I remember two years ago watching a couple walk down the dock. The wife looks at our boat and says "honey that's an odd looking boat". They love the Sea Rays, Bayliners and all the others.

I ran across a Bayliner once, coming down the river they tore out of a cove to run along side us. Their engine screaming as the bow was trying to pry its way from the grip that the river had against it. As our gazes met, there stretching across the cool crisp water of the Penobscot, we regarded each other carefully.

Then I got bored and opened the throttle the rest of the way

 

[WoundUpMarine]

oops, i retract my first post, i thought it said july 15-17. June 16 is the boothbay boat races so i gotta stay home and race in my own harbor! travis, im sure ill see you there!

 

[mudhake]

to me a downeast boat reunion doesnt mean ny,ct. ri,ma, . come halfway to southern me. seems fair to me.

 

[mudhake]

OK, Gloucester Ma. would be a great half way point. Plenty of room if planned accordingly. maybe during the blessing of the fleet. Just a thought. You could get to see the wicked tuna fleet OOOOHH!!!

 

[SoSorryCharlie]

I agree with Mr. Mudhake on this topic. Truely should be held in Maine, but I guess Gloucester will work as runner up. All other places just wouldn't seem right for Downeast Maine boats.

 

[F/V First Team]

Need I remind everyone that we already have Downeast Boat Fest in Maine
They're called the Maine Lobster Boat Races
Everyone else needs to be able to enjoy too, regardless of position on the globe

 

[El Mar]

to me a downeast boat reunion doesnt mean ny,ct. ri,ma, . come halfway to southern me. seems fair to me.

I agree too, I say someone up there organize a second event, maybe on the same date.

After a few years of organizing similiar Parker events. We have found you aren't going to please everyone, and just the physical distances rule out people who might attend.

Best thing to do is pick a date early that most can agree on then go with it.

You will loose about %50 of the people that say they are going to come initially, just a fact of life when dealing with internet forums.

 

[Stinkpot]

Yup, can't please everyone. If someone wants to orgainze a meet further north, I say go for it. The number of downeast boats below the Cape is pretty substantial and justifies a southern location.

Would love to cruise to Maine for one of the races if it wasn't for the time and expen$e.

 

[Stinkpot]

Two weeks left to vote!

 

[MDI45]

Looking good for Block in Sept!!!

 

[andy65]

Block is the spot. You can anchor out for free, plenty of activity, Fun island atmosphere. Greenport although fun is more of a town and no anchoring. Menemsha while beautiful, has nothing nearby.

 

[Muscie]

greenport or Block in september right after labor day. Less crowds; still lots to do