Catalina Yachts decided that the economic climate was not right for a full-scale rendezvous on the East Coast this summer. There is a concern for a lack of dealer and supplier support (with some notable exceptions) and a big concern for the effect of raising the rendezvous cost per person. Catalina also cannot increase their costs (the rendezvous does cost them money) in a year where they are watching the bottom line as they make the manufacturing move to Florida.
Therefore, Catalina is abandoning an East Coast rendezvous this summer, at least in the format of past years. However, knowing that a number of people already made plans to go to Block Island for a rendezvous, a group of Catalina owners decided to scale down the event, and have something for those that will be at Block Island on July 31 and August 1.
The evolving plan is as follows: Friday Afternoon: An informal gathering on Scotch Beach for swimming, sunning, and conversation. Evening: A potluck dinner somewhere, maybe on the dinghy beach, maybe with propane grills permitted.
Saturday Morning: Bicycle tour to SE Lighthouse. Afternoon: Games and swimming at the beach. Evening: Dinner with the location and cost TBD (Advance Reservations Are Essential). A location for people to gather after dinner will be chosen.
Sunday - Nothing planned.
Everyone will be on their own for anchoring, finding a mooring, or arranging for dockage.
Catalina has offered some support for this event - this will be defined as we determine the number of people interested. Their support may include goody bags, but these will only be available to those people that sign up for the event by June 30. Contact me at rjflemming@aol.com to be added to the growing list of participants. I will reconfirm reservations by email later this month and again in early July.