OBX130

Inspiration: My father, and I, Bill and Paul Moffitt, finished the Texas 200 this last summer with great success. I mean success in several ways. We met a bunch of incredible people enabling us to put faces to internet handles. We got a chance to spend some real time together doing what we love best. We sailed 200 miles in an untested prototype boat, christened Embers Watch, a design by Michalak Embers Watch - Texas200. The first day was also the maiden voyage for the boat. We finished almost everyday well ahead of the middle of the pack, but more importunately we were inspired and had more fun then a couple of drunks at Mardi Gras.

When we left we were determined to come back the next year... and I had promised several people who were in the know that I would return with my own love, SERENDIPITY, a catamaran designed by Jeff Gilbert, a very original and beautiful design in her own right, (ROONIO). Well, I got to pondering, then thinking, which invariably leads to planning. The problem for me is a 30+ hour drive from Philly to bring SERENDIPITY to the Texas200. That's a hell of a long haul. So if I couldn't bring SERENDIPITY to Texas, maybe Texas, or more specifically an event like the Texas200, could come a little closer to me.

My father, brother, and I have sailed in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a few summers. The islands and capes are gorgeous sailing. Even more inspiring than the outer banks of Texas. There are problems though. The course can, and most likely will, have contrary winds which means we may have to alternate camps for certain days. How do we plan a trip like this? Will anyone come?

Inspiration: My father and I, Bill and Paul Moffitt, finished the Texas 200 this last summer with great success. I mean success in several ways. We met a bunch of incredible people enabling us to put faces to internet handles. We got a chance to spend some real time together doing what we love best. We sailed 200 miles in an untested prototype boat, christened Embers Watch, a design by MichalakEmbers Watch - Texas200. The first day was also the maiden voyage for the boat. We finished almost everyday well ahead of the middle of the pack, but more importantly we were inspired and had more fun than couple of drunks at Mardi Gras.

When we left we were determined to come back the next year... and I had promised several people who were in the know that I would return with my own love, SERENDIPITY, a catamaran designed by Jeff Gilbert, a very original and beautiful design in her own right, (ROONIO). Well, I got to pondering, then thinking, which invariably leads to planning. The problem for me is a 30+ hour drive from Philly to bring SERENDIPITY to the Texas200. That's a hell of a long haul. So if I couldn't bring SERENDIPITY to Texas, maybe Texas, or more specifically an event like the Texas200, could come a little closer to me.

My father, brother, and I have sailed in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a few summers. The islands and capes are gorgeous sailing. Even more inspiring than the outer banks of Texas. There are problems though. The course can, and most likely will, have contrary winds which means we may have to alternate camps for certain days. How do we plan a trip like this? Will anyone come?

General Outine: I Won�t mind too much if no one comes. We will take the summer of 2009 to do a "wet dry run" by ourselves, taking Embers Watch, Serendipity, and maybe the boat my brother Sean is currently building (Michalak�s Pickup Squared). All three are very different boats and should provide for a good test fleet for conditions. If anyone happens to show up in a boat and is experienced, laid back, and wants to tag along without holding us up, or leaving us too far behind, then come on. However, we need feed back. On a lot of things. That's why I have reached out to all of you.

I would like to add one major component to the OBX130 which is not a part of the Texas. A ships log for all those who participate. (More on this under INFO.) We would like to set this up so that the start line is the finish line so that there will be no need for a shuttle. There are a couple of options that we will look into as we explore the course next summer. Each day we will leave from camp and head to the next camp. If an alternate camp is going to be used, that will be decided the night before based on wind direction.

Even though my father and I were able to make a trip in an untested boat I do not recommend anyone else doing it. Reading the stories and experiences that can be found on the Texas200 is required reading to anyone who has not read them. Especially the "failures."

The Next OBX130:

September 10th to the 14th 2012

Hi Folks,
Time to start planning for the next OBX130.

I decided after the 2010 OBX to make the event bi annual. That means we have some time to go for the third OBX as the next one won't be until September 10th till the 14th of 2012. It is later in the season for this kind of event which I hope means it will be easier for people to make it to the Texas 200, Florida 120, etc. It is hurricane season so there is some risk involved as far as the event having to be cancelled. It is also very hot that time of year. Usually windy in the morning, calm in the afternoon, and then the wind picks up around 3 or 4.

The 10th we will have a captains meeting at some point in the evening and on the 14st we will have dinner at the Driftwood restaurant followed by a little camp fire and party in the campground.

The course will be dictated by the wind conditions but in general we will be returning to the Gun Club, making a stop at Shackleforde Island, then Cape Lookout, then possible a new port of call as the 4th stop or a return to Gun Club, and finishing at the start, Cedar Island.

The folks at Cedar Island are real friendly and let us keep the trailers and cars there for free. They did not make any guarantees about them staying safe. But nothing has ever happened during the last two events and good people populate the area.

If you have questions please join the forum and ask away. Take a look at the info we have already provided on this web page and read the previous articles about the event.
-the Moffitts

Goal:
A 130 mile (possibly more or less as windward work dictates) camping/raid/race event taking place over 5 days and 4 nights. Only for people who are self sufficient and willing to lend a hand to those in distress. This is an uninsured, sail at your own risk, have as much fun as possible, kind of event. There will be rules for some "prizes."