12 metre St. Maarten

[anlashokna]

Being a fan of the America's Cup you got to believe how much I want to do this.

Couple of questions for those who have done this.

I see where they have three Canadian boats and two of Connors Stars and Stripes (US). Do they allow you to pick which boat you want to go out on. I assume they take out one US and one Canadian for the competition phase.

Also do folks get seriously sea sick on this? I was thinking of taking motion sickness meds just in case for this. Just because of the speeds that these boats can get up to. Not sure how i would be affected.

Any other interesting info on the Regatta would be great to hear

 

[tvguy]

We were never asked which boat we wanted, so don't know for sure, but suspect they will allow you to pick if you want.
We had Canada 2 , and beat Stars and Stripes, yes, just a two boat race.
Never thought about getting seasick, and nobody did, so I really can't answer that.
I had never been on this type of boat before, so I was surprised how far over they tip....spent a lot of time bracing myself!!! I was a cranker all the way forward, so got wet.
Space is pretty tight on board, they have 2 people for each of the "working" positions, so you trade off...that got interesting with the boat sailing along on it's side, and I'm trying to crawl out of what they called the "jacuzzi" up front, to the cranks....mine you I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs.
It was a blast though, something I never would have done in a million years on my own, but DW thought it looked interesting, she was the Captain, DD, 12 was the timer, and DS, 16 was another cranker.
Best part was before the race as they were teaching us how to do everything....here we are sailing circles around the Queen Elizabeth 2 which was anchored at the outer mouth of the bay....here is the cruise ship I had been hearing about since I was 11 years old, the great luxury ship......and she looked like this rusty old beat up ship compared to the Magic, and the other Megaships in port that day. I was overjoyed to see the QE2, but expected so much more. As a matter of fact, as the Magic pulled out of port that afternoon, I shot a lot of tape of the QE2 as we passed by her, I showed it to a friend back home, who told me that couldn't be the QE2, it's too dumpy looking, until he saw the name on the bow.

Go for it, the Regetta is an excursion you won't regret.

 

[disneybride96]

Thanks for the review! My DH is dying to do this.

 

[Viking]

We did it in 2001 and had a blast. We had three boats as we were nearly 50 people. We then formed teams and averybody went to the boat of his/her choice.
They have three choices for you once you're on the boat:
-Being lazy, which means that you are a passenger simply enjoying the ride.
-Moderate activity, which makes you timekeeper or responsible for distributing softdrinks.
-Getting really involved, which is IMHO the most fun. I was a Primary Grinder and had to hoist the main sail and trim it later. You have to be used to working out as it is kind of exhausting. Secondary Grinder is less exhausting, but still requires some power and endurance.

After being tendered out to the boats we had about an hour to get accustomed to our jobs, and then we raced for about an hour. After the race there was another 30 minutes to get back to the anchoring places from where we were shuttled to their dock, where rum-punch and merchandise were waiting for us.

If you tend to get seasick I would recommend taking over one of the tough jobs - The work will keep you distracted

 

[Skuba2]

We've done it 3 times with anything from high winds to no winds. I have seen someone get seasick on 2 of the outings. One where they fed the fish, one where they just wished to be beamed back to land.

It is a blast and yes, they do sometimes let your "team" choose which boat you want. Two teams on our last trip wanted the same boat so we had to do rock, paper, scissors for it.

They crews are awesome and they make it fun for everyone. Moving around to switch positions is difficult. I was a wench (?) with a rather large fellow. I ended up having to hold onto him to help balance him while he pulled in the line. You can't be shy when there is a race at stake. LOL !

DG

 

[tvguy]

Skuba2.......you maybe a wench in real life, but I suspect you were a cranker. LOL

 

[anlashokna]

Thank you so much for the reviews. This does sound just as great as I always thought it would be.

I wondered about the choosing of a boat not only because I was a fan but because I would probably never live it down if I came back with a picture of me on a Canadian boat...long story

I can't wait !! Not sure if I would get sea sick but I'll take something and go into not thinking I will

It seems over the last few years I've been doing the things I never thought I would but always wanted to Swam with dolphins last year...now I'm going to get to do this ...

Has anyone heard any stories of men over board. I always wondered about that too.

 

[myboysmom]

If you want to be a grinder, I hope you are a big person. The grinders on the real cup boats are quite often retired NFL football players. I believe part because they can afford this hobby and because they are usually big and strong men!

 

[Viking]

Originally posted by myboysmom
If you want to be a grinder, I hope you are a big person. The grinders on the real cup boats are quite often retired NFL football players. I believe part because they can afford this hobby and because they are usually big and strong men!

I second that: I'm 5'11'', 195 lbs and work out five times a week, and found it demanding

 

[Skuba2]

Originally posted by tvguy
Skuba2.......you maybe a wench in real life, but I suspect you were a cranker. LOL

Nope--I was a wench all the way---and even on the boat. Just not sure if that is how you spell the boat job. I was right behind the wheel and let out the line on the spool thingy when we tacked (ok--I am really pushing my boat knowledge here LOL!!). My "partner" was the guy who had to pull the line in when we went the other direction. My dh did the position in the middle where they "crank" or "grind" or just plain work too hard for me thank you very much.

So if it isn't a wench--then the captain was calling me names?!

DG

 

[tvguy]

I was so far forward in the "jacuzzi" I couldn't hear the captain!! Good thing too, since the captain was my wife!!!
All I know is it was a ton of fun, and it was something I never would have thought of doing if my wife hadn't picked it.

As for the wench, sorry, always think of the wenchs on the Pirates of the Carribean in Disneyland.