Any sailors in the Cape Canaveral area for a little help??

I am planning a trip with the girlfriend coming up. I want to take my Jetta+Hobie Cat to Cape Canaveral May 14th, go sailing and watch the shuttle take off at 2 pm. Sail for the rest of the day until the traffic goes away and then go somewhere somewhat near the beach(maybe closer to cocoa) for the night. Next day do a little surfing and then head back to Tampa that evening. Anyone know of any launch spots somewhat near where the shuttle launches (on the inside of that bay).Problem is, every trip we have done was either camping in a state park or camping on an island/side of a river in the middle of no where. May is going to be too warm for camping so we are going to have to get a hotel room. I just lost my job so I just need a decent place to spend the night. Nothing fancy but then again I dont want to feel like I am going to get robbed or a roach crawl in my ear at night!! Any recommendations for a cheap hotel room chain that has treated you right? Or is anyone familiar with the area and have suggestions to eat?

All waters arround the Cape are closed during launch activities. I believe it's a large circle and farther than you want to sail.
8.Cape Canaveral has a 3 mile limitation during shuttle launches, and security measures are extreme.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

I know on the ocean side there are pretty strict restrictions but the last time I went on the intracoastal side it seemed like you could get just as close as everyone else on that little causeway that leads to the cape?

Keven,
Are you pulling your 16 with your Jetta?Can my TDI Jetta pull a 16 with larger gear box?Thanks...Bill 404 21 SE

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Bill 404 21SE

Launch at Kelly Park on Merritt Island (2550 N Banana River Drive, Merritt Island, Florida 32952). If you go under the bridge (very high fixed span, no problem) and go north for maybe 1/2 mile you will run into the Coast Guard launch barrier, that is as close as you can get.

there is an annual beach cat regatta at that site, and recently we all went to watch a launch on our boats after the day's racing was done, it was awesome! This year's regatta will be Memorial day weekend, all Hobies welcome!

Kelly park info:


Kelly Park-East
2550 N Banana River Drive, Merritt Island
Parks Referendum Project
FROM US Hwy 1 go 5.3 miles east on SR-528 then right at the N. Banana Drive exit. The park is along the river on the left.

Open after 7:00 a.m. until dark, except for scheduled use. Boat ramp open 24 hours a day.

This 15.37-acre community river park and internationally recognized windsurfing area on the Banana River features a natural catamaran / sailboard launch area with sandy beach and shower, boat ramps with dock, and adjacent parking for cars and boat trailers. Near a small scenic lagoon, a paved walkway connects a mid-size pavilion, 5 grills, restrooms, drinking fountains and recreation amenities. Two small pavilions and picnic tables provide picnicking by the river’s edge. With the waterfront view and facilities attracting numerous group gatherings through the spring and summer season, advanced reservations are recommended.

The Parks Referendum Project for Kelly Park-East is completed, including:

•Pavilion 20'x20'
•Playground-Replacement
•Dock
•Shoreline Stabilization
•Parking Upgrade
For Kayak / Sailing / Windsurfing and pro shop information visit: www.calema.com

WATCHABLE WILDLIFE: Listed in State of Florida Great Florida Birding Trail—Migratory Ducks such as Green-Winged Teal, Common and Red-throated Loon, and Horned Grebe (fall/winter); Shorebirds, Waders
FACILITY RESERVATIONS: 321-455-1380
Medium Pavilion (seats 100), Small Pavilions (seats 32), Small Pavilion (seats 32), Family Picnic Shelter (seats 25)
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Restrooms, Pavilion, Playground, Boat Dock, Cocrete Walkway
ACTIVITY FEATURES
• Boat Ramp (4-lane, lighted)
• Boat Dock (5x60)
• Catamarran/Sailboard Launch Area
• Fishing (shoreline)
• Grassy Activity Area
• Horseshoe Pits
• Picnics
• Playground
• Strolling
• Volleyball Courts
• Windsurfing
DOS & DON’TS: 1) Service animals only or dogs on short leash and only when leading dog between vehicle and boat. 2) Alcoholic beverages in designated areas only. 3) Other restrictions as posted.

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Arie
H 16 107568

I use my GTI to pull my 16 and it doesnt even shrug at the load... the TDI has so much torque, and pretty much identical chassis, that I doubt you'd have any issues either.

Awesome!! Looks like that is a good place to be. I was also looking at the Max Brewer Memorial parkway bridge which runs towards the beaches. I am pretty sure this is where I watched it last time which gets you pretty close. I can park on the side of the road and launch right there too I believe. Any comments on that? If not, your spot looks great! Thanks for the info, I may even be able to come back for the regatta.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2550+N+Ba ... 08647&z=12

Not sure what you mean about the larger gear box (as in a box to store sailing gear on the trailer or a gearbox like some kind of transmission?) but the TDI tows great! Mine is also a TDI (2000) and I tow all kinds of stuff. My biggest payload was when I was transporting all my hobie stuff 3 hours from Tampa to Jupiter. I built my Hobie by taking the best of 2 different boats. Total payload was 1 trailer with sail box, one EXTRA trailer frame on top of that (no wheels, axles or leaf springs), 1 set of 1989 hulls, TWO trampoline frames on top of each other, 2 rudder assemblies, 2 masts, 2 sets of sails,2 sets of beach trax, 2 booms, etc. Basically two complete hobies on two separate trailers....together as one (minus one set of hulls and one set of axles/wheels/springs)! Towed it fine and I still got 35 mpg! I wonder how much all that weighed. I recently registered my trailer and had to get it weighed. Having just the trailer, sail tube with sails and my beach wheels, it weighed like 460 pounds! I would imagine im over 1000 pounds with everything else. I also tow a 13' Boston Whaler w/40hp Mercury and my roof racks are always loaded down with my canoe/surfboards/etc. This trip will be a good one too because I am going to have the Hobie on the back and the surfboards up top. My Jetta is more of a truck then 75% of the trucks out there!

Keven,
Thanks for the insight.I built a gear box out of aluminum thread plate that 10' longx15"wideX17" tall,think of it as a long mailbox.It carries two set of sails on a top self and a redwood tray beneath it built to hold my rudder assemble and tool box.It is not really light but sturdy.I don't have a trailer hitch on my Jetta TDI(automatic) but may get one now...thanks again...Bill 404 21 SE

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Bill 404 21SE

Awesome!! Looks like that is a good place to be. I was also looking at the Max Brewer Memorial parkway bridge which runs towards the beaches. I am pretty sure this is where I watched it last time which gets you pretty close. I can park on the side of the road and launch right there too I believe. Any comments on that? If not, your spot looks great! Thanks for the info, I may even be able to come back for the regatta.

Not sure if they will let you on the water there ( I am not a local), but they for sure will at Kelly Park.
Here is the NOR for the KPRR regatta:
http://spacecoastcats.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/KPRR-NOTICE-OF-RACE-2010.pdf

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Arie
H 16 107568

Depending on year, the auto in the VW TDI's aren't necessarily known for their reliability so be careful. As far as the hitch, I would recommend the Curt brand from rockauto or etrailer.com

Ended up at the Max Brewer causeway and it was great!!

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