1. What is the typical weather? Daily highs of about 80 degrees and lows of 60 degrees are typical for mid-April to mid-May. Winds are typically from the south west quadrant but can be from the south east quadrant when the "sea breeze" develops which is more typical in May. Wind speed is typically 8 to 15 MPH but can be less or more. We have sailed in winds to 30 kts and cancelled in winds above that, and occasionally the breeze can be so light that the motors have to be used. Rain and thunderstorms are rare in late March and in April but could happen, so we always take foul weather gear on board.
2. What is a typical day like? Our start each day is determined by the tides, but typically, after a weather and course briefing, we start around 9 AM and expect to reach our destination by 6 PM. The daily distance is 20 to 35 miles. Sundown is around 8 PM. Strong winds from a favorable direction make for shorter days. We shorten the races and use the motors as necessary if the wind is too light. Please see "Notice of Race" and "Sailing Instructions" on this web site for more specific details.
3. If we cannot take the time for the whole adventure, can we participate for part of it? Yes, you can paticipate in any section or sections you want.
4. Where do we stay at night? If you wish, you can stay on your boat, but most will stay either at home if they live close by or with friends or at a hotel. Camping is an option at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club. You are on your own to make arrangements, but we will attempt to suggest places that you will find comfortable and convenient. Please refer to the Hotels and B&B page in this web site.
5. What, exactly, is "classic" for this event? We do not have a technical definition. Loosly, we are talking about boats that were designed in, or are based on designs of, the late 1800s and early 1900s, non-planing hulls, that were designed primarily for day sailing and coastal cruising. If it looks like a classic then it probably is a classic for this event. We are not sticky about classic authenticity, but we look for participating boats of character similar to the following examples. Examples include the Herreshoff 12.5s, Marshall Catboats (18 and 22 foot), Com-Pac 16s and 19s, Cape Dory Typhoons, Ensigns, West Wight Potters, Montgomery 15s and 17s, Precision 15s, 17, and 21s, Flicka 20s, Bristol 24s, and others of similar spirit.
6. What do the "shore crews" do during the day? The entire "Low Country" region along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts is rich in history and beautiful and interesting places to visit. Walking tours in Savannah and Charleston are highly recommended for those interested in the history, architecture, and gardens. In Savannah, visit Bonaventure cemetery, made famous in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". Participants will be sailing right past this cemetery an hour or two after departing SYC toward Hilton Head. Touring Beaufort by horse-drawn wagon is a great way to see the 60 plus ante-bellum homes including those where "Big Chill", "The Great Santini", "Forrest Gump", and "The Prince of Tides" were filmed. Just outside Charleston are three fabulous plantations with incredible gardens (especially Middleton Plantation). Fort Sumter, at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, can be reached on a boat tour of the harbor. Charleston is renowned for its upscale antique shops and its fine restaurants. Visitors from outside the area will do well by teaming up with local shore crews who know the ins and outs of the area. Please refer to the "Shore Crew" page on this web site.
7. What do we do with the trailers? In 2010 you may leave your trailer at Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club for the duration of the event.
8. What if I cannot bring a shore crew? We car-pool to each starting place and from each destination, and we try to help each other.
9. Are there trophies or other awards? Awards are made daily for the winning team. In Beaufort there will be recognition of the Most Authentic and Most "Bristol" boat (over a year old). At the final Victory Dinner, awards will be made for "Most Helpful", and the fastest three overall based on cumulative points in the races.
10. What are the expenses? To help cover the cost of fuel for support boats, trophies, and the general overheads of the event there will be a nominal charge of $25 per day per participating boat in the Classic Boat Rally. In the Georgia Coast Rally there is no specific charge, but we will share expenses of gas and dockage for support boats, if any.. The Classic Rally  would be $100 for the whole event per participating boat, or less for those participating in only part of the event. Hotels, meals, launch and take-out fees (if any), docking fees at clubs and marinas, are in addition to the event fee.
11. What are the most interesting places that will be visited? Beaufort was known in the 18th and 19th centuries as the "Newport of the South". There are over 60 homes built before the Civil War and were occupied by northern troops during the war. There are many fine restaurants and shops in the downtown historic district. Hilton Head is a resort island famous for golfing, up-scale retirement, and summer vacations. Windmill Harbour, the location of South Carolina Yacht Club, is above sea level and is entered through a lock. Savannah, the original town of Georgia, laid out in the early 18th century by founder James Oglethorp, is rich in history of the deep South. 
12. What are the airports serving the area?  For Savannah,  Hilton Head or Beaufort, use the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport which is about 20 minutes west of Savannah, 40 minutes west of Hilton Head, and 50 minutes west/southwest of Beaufort. There is taxi service to all three towns from the airport, although it is a good idea to make taxi arrangements ahead of arrival for Hilton Head or Beaufort. Taxi to Beaufort is about $80; the other towns are less. Airlines serving this airport include Delta, AirTran, and Continental.
13. What about driving times? As the crow flies these towns are all very close. However, because of the sounds and rivers, one has to drive inland between each town. Following are estimates of average sane driving times:

          Savannah - Hilton Head           45 minutes

          Savannah - Beaufort                 1 hour, 15 minutes

          Hilton Head - Beaufort             1 hour

          Charleston - Beaufort                1 hour, 30 minutes

          Savannah - Charleston               2 hours