Checkmate Regatta/Poker Run In Ohio

[checkmate 98]

Regarding the deadline for registrations and payment: Registrations can be sent in ahead of time but money and final registrations must be received by June 15. Lyman Harbor is requiring a food count at least four weeks prior to the event. We also have to give a final count to the company who is developing the T-shirts. Unfortunately due to these requirements, we cannot take any registrations after this date. If anyone shows up the day of the event, due to food and entertainment restraints we will not be able to accommodate you.

 

[Mooneys]

Ok folks I think I may be a little thick on this Regatta/Poker Run thing so any advice would be appreciated.

I received my packet today, THANKS!, but I'm still a bit confused. For the most part I'm use to heading out to get togethers like this and boating up to a sand bar and hanging out with other boaters/familys/friends for the day with a few runs during the day. We usually hang out in one spot on the water for most of the day tied up to other boats, one big party.

If My wife and I attend we will be joined by our 2 year daughter. I may be wrong, but I'm thinking the Poker Run may be out of the question with a 2 year old as well as the night club. My question is if we pay the land activities fee for 2 people (assuming my 2 year old is free, right?) will we be excluded from hanging out on the water with the other Checkmate boats and folks? Will anyone actually be hanging out on the water or will all activities be mostly landlocked (boats docked) except for the Poker Run?

If someone can help with some advice I'd really appreciate it, and sorry for the newbie confusion.

BYW - we're river and coastal bay boaters. This inland big lake thing is new to use so thanks in advance for the help.

Herb, Stacey, & Mya Mooney
Dillsburg, PA
1986 Checkmate Starliner "Stacinator II"

 

[checkmate 98]

Mooneys Just a reminder a poker-run is not a race. We will just make 5 card stops on the water. If you pay 65 for you and 65 for your wife your daughter will be free. No you will not be excluded from water or land activities. The only thing you will not recive is a poker hand.

 

[the sMac]

Wow, just read through 6 pages of post.

Sounds like a fun outting. And since I live on the Bay just West of Lymans and keep my 25 Convicor on a lift in the Bay, I think I'll have to join in.

I was wondering where the stops were going to be? I can't imagine 5 decent stops on the Bay.... unless they are marinas. I can only think of 3, maybe 4 bar/restaurants.

Also, I wanted to share a 'little' advice and history of the water conditions with some out-of-state guest. Please don't think the Bay only gets a 1 foot chop at max. I lived on that water for about 15 years, when that wind blows a typical, and normal summer breeze, West-Southwest at 15 or so... that Bay gets rough and choppy. It will be a tough, wet ride for some smaller boats. But, if the wind is nice, it can be a sheet of glass.

I requested my packet and look forward to seeing a ton of mates cruising around in the front yard! I think I can manage to make the boat ride over to the marina.

If you need a "card stop" for the day, I got a 35 foot dock out front and I can have someone handing out cards and maybe taking pics....

 

[Mooneys]

Does anyone know how may boats are registered at this point?

 

[Mooneys]

Ok, we sent our registration and check by mail today - Monday June 6th. I hope it isn't to late.

We are also staying at the Quality Inn arriving Friday morning and leaving Sunday. We will probably do the water park thing Friday afternoon so My 2 year old has some kid oriented fun, so will have to miss the Checkmate tour and Coops BBQ :-( We'll catch up with everyone on Sat.

I really had to twist the wifes arm to do this trip since she doesn't see the attraction of Ohio when the beach is in the totally other direction in Deleware. We also had a very bad experience at a Hotboat.com get together on the Chesapeake Bay. Very unfriendly and a good bit unorganized. No food and everyone passed us buy since we were in an "egg beater boat" & very clicky folks with no time for newbies. I hope I don't kill all future boating excursions with this trip. Are the Checkmate folks friendlier then the Hotboat folks? Will there be a "help the wives fit in and have fun" theme in some way? She just wants to feel welcomed and less boat chat since that is usually all that gets talked about, besides who's is bigger ;-)

I'm sure I'm going to have a ball and from the sounds of the activiies the wife should to, but that Hotboat thing is a bad reminder so I need to make sure we make the best of the event or my overnight boating trips will be a thing of the past.

Any advice is welcome, so please help me make a boating G2G fan out of my wife.

 

[G-BUSTER]

Herb,
My wife and I are registered. This will be our first orrganized boating event so like you I want to make sure the wife has a good time. If you are looking for someone to make your wife feel welcome, head over to the boat with "Gangbusters" on the side. My wife Linda, is very outgoing and could care less about talking boating.
Steve Helmick

 

[Mooneys]

Originally posted by G-BUSTER:
Herb,
My wife and I are registered. This will be our first orrganized boating event so like you I want to make sure the wife has a good time. If you are looking for someone to make your wife feel welcome, head over to the boat with "Gangbusters" on the side. My wife Linda, is very outgoing and could care less about talking boating.
Steve Helmick

Great! Awesome! We will look for you

 

[Instigator]

Don't think I'm going to have the $$ to ohhfisshally attend your event but may try and park near by and walk through to ogle the gorgeous boats y'all have.
I know those waters fairly well also.
The Bay can get very snotty based on wind (already posted) and also wakes from multiple directions.
I have done it all many, many times in a 13' Whaler though (wearing a swim suit).
There is a beautifull beach/penninsula at the mouth of the bay which is a mile or two from where y'all will be and is a very popular local hang out.(but does get rough due to boat traffic)
For the smaller guys, head under the Cedar Point causeway bridge which is maybe a 1/2 mile from where you'll be.
Once under that bridge if you head North towards the end of the water way you should get nice water. It is fairly shallow (3' - 4') which keeps most pigs out.
There are some amazing house back in some of the canals you'll see and the ladies should enjoy that.
Off that same water way is another marked channel leading back to a McDonalds on the water with docks (for the kids) and a T.G.I. Fridays with docks. All no wake and protected.
There is a "Water Park" walking distance from where you'll be also.
Cedar Point amusement park is straight across the bay (a mile) and has one of the nicest fully functional marinas on the lakes.
I would say, come early, stay late and bring the whole family!!
Plenty to do for everyone.
Could easily see a few of you guys boating to Ceadr Poitn and turning the kids loose in the park while Dad and Mom enjoy the company on the boats.
Plenty to do within a short boat or trailer or car trip from where you'll be.
Gary

 

[Kip Combs]

Just talked to Jon & Dave .....you have until July 2nd now to get your registrations in. They have over 20 in now from as far away as Arizona/Texas ......lets see if we can get that closer to 30 ! They are trying to get something going for Friday night at a bar close to the festivities more info to follow.

 

[Big Dave]

Well, we paid our money. This is also our first attempt at an organized get-to-gether.It will also be just TheWife and I.(A WHOLE WEEKEND WITHOUT OUR KIDS!!!!) Daren34(my twin brother)told me I could bring his boat if I do not end up getting the v8 into Diplomat project done intime. If we can come all the way from the Great State of Texas, I know a lot more of you locals can sign up!!!!

 

[CNC Wizard]

We will be up there friday morning and was wondering about the tour of the factory if this was still possible and what time this could take place?


Look forward to seeing some you folks. Be sure to checkout the group in the "Twice Blown" boat, we are an easy going group and look forward to having a good time there.

Mboger dont be a stranger!

 

[check n out]

Update on our poker run/regatta. Dave and I have been working on this since Dave suggested the idea last year.We now appreciate what anyone putting one together goes thru. There are checmates coming from Arizona,Canada,
Michigan,Texas,Ohio,NewYork,Pennsylvania,
and Illinois.Kunkel's Marine Of Mansfield,Ohio has been onboard from the start.Other sponsors
are C-Hawk Trailers,Checkmate Boats.Cabana Jacks
in Downtown Sandusky is helping out and also will be displaying two new Checkmates out front
on Friday night till 9:00 pm.We are also hoping
everyone will joins us there friday for a couple
of cold ones. We still have plenty of room for more boats. I have seen alot of mail on this site about our event and hope you have sent your registrations so you can join us.Lymon Harbour has been very helpful in extending the final deadline to July 2nd .Thanks to over 20
paid entrants so far.We have received lots of free stuff to give away and the poker run pot grows with every entry so keep them coming and joins for a great time.Let's have a great turn out for the First Annual Checkmate Regatta/Poker
Run.
Jon& Dave

 

[the sMac]

Check n out,

I sent you an email to both AOL addresses about 2-3 weeks ago regarding getting a reservation in the run... I haven't heard back. Are those the correct emails?

 

[Kip Combs]

Anybody who wants come for the tour deal can come anytime friday...after say 10:00 AM ....We'll be here ....i'm probably not going up till Saturday morning !

 

[checkmate 98]

For those of you who have sent your registrations in for the poker run/regatta, you will be receiving an agenda in the mail which will include Friday and Saturday activities and schedules. This will be sent out around July 2nd.

 

[mate229]

Was able to free up my schedule and attend this event. Hopefully, it’s not too late. I sent out the packet today. Looking forward to this event. My question is, for all the out of Towner’s, what motels/hotels is everyone staying at?
How protected is the water for this run. We’ve done other runs, and with the size of our ‘Mate, we don’t want to get beat up on the run.
Anyone else from the Syracuse, NY area plan on attending?

 

[mate229]

Anyone???

 

[Mooneys]

Originally posted by mate229:
Anyone???

Come hang with us at the
Quality Inn - 1935 Cleveland Rd., Sandusky, Ohio
419-626-6761

Not sure what the hotel is like but be prepared...I've been told that some of these places are "spring break" like dumps and I've never been to any of these so I hope we picked the right hotel.

 

[mate229]

Okay, I'll call them tomorrow. Thanks.