|
Thanks Jay and Vance for taking on this big job. I've put on lots of events
and I know how difficult it can be.
On the barge.....It's a great idea and I'm
willing to help pay for it. My sub won't be "dive ready" but maybe ready for
surface ops. The barge will be very expensive but a great platform if it can be
had at a reasonable cost. Would a rental pontoon boat be of any use ? We
couldn't launch from it but it would make a nice platform with shade
and coolers. Dive operations are a big draw but we are a relatively small group
and our collective enthusiasm won't be hurt by NOT having a barge.
It sounds like Jay and Vance have made good progress on the events and
location, including thoughts for family members that don't want to stand around
looking at little subs. If all we can do is dive from shore in the basin, so be
it. It's still gonna be a blast !
Jon is right to push ahead without a confirmed barge. No sense in setting
up a disappointment.
On the in-house conference......The
conference speakers so far sound very exciting. I'm looking forward to meeting
these folks and hearing their presentations. This part of the conference to me
is about learning new stuff. Even if the speaker isn't that good a presenter, (
like the guy in B.C. ) it's still a great source of information. I for one
enjoyed that guys presentation, even though he wasn't a good speaker.
On the location......Although
it is difficult for sub owners to haul their subs to Florida, (
that's 2800+ miles for me ) the location has many benefits. Warm salt water
ocean diving, vacation oriented infrastructure, and access to a first
class institution that fits exactly what we do. I'm sure as time gets near
Jay and Vance will confirm events to make this another GREAT convention. Other
than having it in July when it's blazing HOT, I can't think of a better place.
( September would have been nice ) I'm hoping we get a bunch of folks
that aren't in the club to visit us, check out our club, and spread the word
about psubs. It would be really nice to get some industry folks out there with
us too, to promote their products and services. Maybe the static display
could accommodate some booths with scuba shop people, thruster
manufacturers, radio suppliers, treasure hunters, or whatever. If the static
display area is set in a good location with lots of parking, and we do a little
advertising, we may be surprised at who shows up. Is there a local yacht
club we can contact ? How about a local boat dealer, scuba shop, kayak rental
outfit, submarine sandwich shop ? Local TV stations, local radio DJ's, high
schools, old retired sub guys. Hey ! this could be lots of fun !
Any future location needs a good dive spot, and warm weather along with a
place to stay. To be able to swim with the submarines will be one of my personal
highlights. Good opportunity to get some great photos, and have some fun. With
the big motor boat available for towing we should be able to haul the subs a
short distance without too much problem. Although Cliff's boat has
only a little freeboard, It's very portable and truly an amazing craft. Could a
set of "lift bags" be used to raise it up so other folks could get inside ? I
don't expect Cliff to let us dive his boat but a little "tooling around" in it
would be awesome. Les let me drive his first sub a bit in Michigan and it was a
real "high point" in my sub adventures. I plan on letting you guys drive my sub
around, provided I can get it down there.
Have we got a T-shirt design yet ? how about a 2010 psub convention patch
?
The sub communication thing is going to be a big part of this year's
schedule. Maybe we need to add a day or two to the event. Does the hotel have a
pool ? Man! I can hardly wait !!!!!
If you need any help, just let me know.
Frank D.
|