Why raft up?
Raftups provide a unique opportunity to get together with some fellow boaters that typically will share either a common manufacturer (Like Catalina Yachts) or in some cases it can be as specific as a common model or type of boat (like Catalina 30's). Its basically just one big party. Folks can get togther, tell stories, share a common experice and in general get to know each other and establish (or re-establish) some bonds of friendship.
Why are the raftups scheduled for the time that they are?
There are many considerations as to the times that raftups are scheduled for. To early in the year and the boating community might still be on the hard in their various yards. To late in the season and they might be getting winterized. During the heat of the summer and it can be awfully darn hot. Its also best to plan the raftups about a month apart, so that they are not competing for membership boats. The two raftups given on these pages were determined by a very elaborate party (er planning meeting) of many members of Sailnets Catalina 27 group (one of the most active groups of sailnets community email group). At that meeting the dates were established for the two raftups, and they were established so as not to compete with one another (there a month apart), so as to not be during the heat of the summer (May and June) and to co-inside with the weekend just before a full moon, (so that attendees that want to sail or motor at night to attend the raftup, have the benefit of moon light).
How is the place of the raftups chosen?
We chose the middle bay and southern bay location for the raftup locations to try to give most of the bay sailors an opportunity to make it to at least one of the raftup locations. The Rhode river location was chosen due to its close proximity to Galesville and Annapolis, two very popular boating locations. It's actually tucked away back behind two islands, so as to be in a protected anchorage. You don't want allot of wakes when you're tied up alongside other boats in a raftup. The 2nd location of the Rappananock was chosen as its within a (long) day sail from either the York River and the Potomac River and is home of the large boating community at Deltaville.
If I am planning on attending, do I have to let someone know that I am coming?
Each of the raftups has a raftup captain that is the point of contact. It's best to send them an email and let them know that you're coming. The raftups are lining up some commercial sponsorship, and by knowing at least how many are coming they can let the sponsors know (who might be hosting a dinner or a merchandize giveaway, like a hat).
What if I am not sure that I can make it, should I still say that I am going?
Yes. Just make sure that the raftup captain know that you're a definate maby.
Is there any indemnity insurance provided during the raftup?
No insurance coverage of any kind is provided. Your on your own kid.
What's the best way to get involved?
If you want to actually be a part of the planning or have some responsibility in the raftup, or would like to help in some way, ask through the raftup captain how you can be of assistance to them. You might have some experience at this that they don't, or have some insight or special skill (like opening and downing a beer in a single swig).
What if I don't own a Catalina Yacht but I want to attend? Can I?
Yes, both raftups are open to all types of boats, but the raftups are focused about Catalina Yachts.
What if I don't own a boat, but would like to crew or what if my boat is to far away to make it to the party but I still want to go?
Contact the raftup captains and let them know that you're interested in attending, and need a way to attend. They will keep a list of boats needing crew and crew needing boats. They can put you in contact with boats that can get you to the raftups.