For those who might be coming with family members who are not sailing with you but wish to avail themselves of the Outer Banks entertainment of a different sort, folklore, history, beaches, lighthouses, museums and monuments, I suggest this interactive map to get them started.

http://www.outerbanks.org/location_maps ... /index.asp

Remember ... if the wife ain't happy .... you ain't happy !

Hi

I have to say that I was surprised how well prepared everyone was for the Texas200. From the puddle ducks to the large boats everyone seemed to have what they needed. Most people probably had a little too much, which isn't a real problem as long as you keep it under control. There is such a thing though as over packing. I think that the real difference was that most people had done some kind of sailing and camping before they took this on. Being really prepared, it seems to me, means bring the right stuff that has been tested before, and not too much. Sounds easy? Its not. I have only been doing this for a few summers and I still find crap at the end that I never used that was dead weight, and somewhere out there I always find something I wish I had thought of. (usually that I had brought more whiskey, speaking of whiskey i will never have that problem again.)

I am not going to make it mandatory for everyone to bring certain things. Thats not what this is about. I don't have the time, the resources, or any good reason to do such. Everyone is responsible for themselves. I would highly suggest a few items though....

VHF walky

gps device

first aid including sun burn and sting care

long sleeve clothes

water shoes

the VHF is important for the group as a whole to hear whats going on out there and if anyone needs help. It made a real difference on the texas200. there was perhaps a little too much chatter but it made for good camaraderie too.

Paul

I hope that you all know about this website

www.duckworksmagazine.com

First Aid

I do not think that all this is at all needed for the OBX130, but it makes you think. Everyone is responsible for their own safety. Be prepared for the worst, and be prepared to help some one who isn't. If you are asking yourself questions like, What is a safety blanket? or I guess I should buy a first aid kit, what should I include? or What do I do if some one goes into shock on my boat for whatever reason, then you may not be ready to take this on. If you are not prepared, then you not only put yourself at risk, but all those who will try to help you. That being said, I always think of myself as prepared and yet go over equipment lists to get new ideas and make sure I am not forgetting something. I also reread a book my father gave me about basic first aid in wilderness situations. I will post a message about it later. Thanks!

Paul

If you haven't follow the EC challenge then you are in for some nice reading at:

Here are links to various public ramps on the Outer Banks for OBX 130 participants of thoses wishing to venture out on their own exploration.

Outer Banks Specifically:

http://www.outer-banks.com/publicboatramps.asp

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission:

http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_05_boating.htm

By NC County:

http://www.carolinanow.com/recsites/boatrampsnc-county.htm

Dare County, NC

http://www.co.dare.nc.us/depts/OregonInlet/BoatRamp.htm

For those that do not have easy access to nautical charts I have included some links here so that participants can get a feel for the areas and depths involved. There is ALOT of thin water in the Outer Banks area. Prudent sailors take a look.

General Chart Index:

Roanoke Island Vicinity:

Western Pamlico Sound - Chart 11548:

:

Cape Lookout to New River:

Portsmouth Island to Beaufort, Including Cape Lookout Shoals:

Here is a convenient way to check the tides for the area.

You can chose the geographic site, the month /date and number of days for your result.

http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/ncarolinasites.html