Caribbean 1500 Starting in Hampton Nov. 7

     Hampton, Va. -- Mariners are advised that the Caribbean 1500 will start in Hampton, Virginia and head eastward towards Thimble Shoal Channel and then out to sea. The event will be held on Nov. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
     Mariners are requested to use caution and bare steerage when transiting the area.
     The Caribbean 1500 is timed to begin soon after November 1 when most insurance companies set the end of the hurricane season. Hampton is the departure location to try to increase the odds of a safe and comfortable passage south for rally participants. The main fleet will finish in Nanny Cay, Tortola BVI, and the Bahamas Class will finish in Bluff House Marina, Green Turtle Cay, Abaco.
     Over 1200 boats with 5000 ralliers aboard have met the challenge of the Caribbean 1500 since it started in 1990. Find out more at http://www.worldcruising.com/.

Sailing Regattas Between Hackett Point and Poplar Island Begin this Weekend

     Annapolis, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron’s Regattas are scheduled to occur on the middle Chesapeake Bay, between Hackett Point and Poplar Island, with individual events scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following dates: October 22-23; November 4-6 and November 8. Each race consists of up to 170 participating sailboats (22 to 60 feet in length). For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil Chart: 12270.

Sailboat Show in Annapolis Starts Thursday

     Annapolis, Md. -- Now in its 42nd year, the United States Sailboat Show, October 6 - 10, attracts more than 50,000 boating enthusiasts from around the world to the waterfront of historic Annapolis, Maryland. The Sailboat Show is followed by the United States Powerboat Show, October 13-16.
This year's sailboat show features:
Daily Seminars by Cruising World and Chesapeake Bay Magazines
Take the Wheel Interactive Workshops including Boat Demos
Smaller Boats From One Designs & Trailerables To Sailing Dinghies & Inflatables
Sailing Equipment, Rigging & Accessories
Maintenance Products & Services
Cruising & Vacation Charter Information
Hottest Domestic & International Racing and Cruising Boats
One of the Largest Collections of Multihull Sailboats on the Planet
Grand Prize Drawing - One week charter in the British Virgin Islands provided by Sunsail with airfare sponsored by BVI Tourism Board

Saturday parking schedule:
Be advised that due to a Navy home football game alternative parking will be provided on Riva Road. Follow the signs to locations on Riva Road. Bus transportation will be provided on this day and each day of the shows. (GPS navigation – begin search at 2700 Riva Road)
     Find complete boat show information at http://www.usboat.com.