5th Annual Carlyle Lake Rendezvous 2013

[crazycarl]

EVENT DATES: July 11-15, 2013

LOCATION: Carlyle, IL. South of I-70, about 50 miles east of St. Louis.
http://www.carlylelake.com/

LAUNCH RAMP:
The West Access ramp (far Southwest side of lake) is next door to the host marina. There is a small, $3 or $4 fee to launch and retrieve here (see fee box in lot). Take route 127 to the north end of Carlyle, IL, turn on William Road (east)-travel for about 1/2 mile then turn left onto Lake road, just as the lake comes into view. Make an immediate right into the ramp parking lot. Or you can launch for free at Eldon Hazlett State Park, follow the signs off Rt 127 or County rd 15. This ramp is about 4 miles from the marina, so while it's free it's not as convenient as the West Access Ramp.


AGENDA:
As in past years, we'll be sailing daily, rafting up for lunch and swimming, planned dinners (two at nearby restaurants, one at the marina clubhouse), a friendly and non-serious race, and all the dockside storytelling you can muster in the evenings. A good time on a great lake with even greater people is guaranteed to be had. Sailing will be from about 9-10am through 4-6pm, give or take based on weather or your energy that particular day.


FEES: This is a volunteer organized event, there are no fees collected. Your costs are your own transportation, lodging, food, etc. However if you want to attend the marina clubhouse dinner, do bring a few bucks per crew to help with food costs, and don't forget small cash bills for ramp fees.


T-SHIRTS and GOODIES:
Sounds like our own MacGuyer with the help from kicknbug is making t-shirts. Not sure about costs or how to reserve them, details to follow.


LODGING:
Super 8 1371 William Rd Carlyle, IL 62231 (618)-594-8888
Microtel/Mariners Village: 1 Resort Drive Carlyle, IL (877-451-7666)
Both are decent places. Microtel has suites and is across the street from the marina-where many of us stay. There may be other places, but these are very convenient and clean.

**MENTION ANY DISCOUNT CARDS YOU MAY HAVE WHEN BOOKING (AAA, AARP, etc)**


CAMPING: http://www.carlylelake.com/Camping/index.htm
Book quickly if you're tent camping.


BOAT CAMPING:
The best spot is in West Branch. There are a lot of tucked away place as well.
http://www.carlylelake.com/Maps/lakemap2.htm

You can also stay at the marina of course.

MARINA:
The official host marina is:

West Access Marina 14222 Lake Road Carlyle, IL 62231 (618)594-2461
Office Open 7am-4pm central 7 days a week. Call in advance for reservation. If you want to be slip mates with other Com-pacs, just tell them you are there for the Compac Rendezvous.
$10 per night if staying at campground or hotel, $20 if staying on boat (full facilities available).
Showers, boat lift, kitchen, water, electric, ice, misc supplies, gas are all available at the marina.
http://www.westaccess.com/


LAKE MAPS:
http://www.carlylelake.com/Maps/lakemap2.htm
Click the map area for more detailed maps.

RADIO COMMUNICATION: VHF Channel: 3. FRS Channel 3 GMRS Channel 3 The FRS radios seem to be the most popular among past participants, so if given a choice use FRS.

OTHER: While there are some activities organized-any by now the event is well managed- consider this a casual, grassroots type of an event. A dozen or so boats are expected, perhaps more. This is not like the bigger events (Havasu, Beer Cruise, etc). Expect casual sailing and camaraderie among participants, not sponsors, rules, banners and bullhorns. There are few bathroom facilities available once on the lake. Definitely bring a port-potty, wag bag, etc as you'll be on the water all day.

RESERVATIONS: You don't *HAVE* to officially reserve, but Kicknbug would highly appreciate a headcount for planning reservations at the restaurants and food for the marina dinner. If you do not reserve, we may not be able to guarantee a seat at the restaurants. Just reply back here if you're coming.

PHOTO OPS: As in past years, a Photo DVD will be made after the event. In order to make the DVD something to enjoy, do bring a high quality camera to take photo's of other boats underway. Set photo quality on the highest setting. Notes on photo taking: Do not turn the camera sideways. Take multiple photos as images can be blurry due to boat movement. Pictures from far away tend to not work well. And be prepared to upload them or email them to me after the event. Or we can copy them to a laptop I'll bring on the spot (bring the USB adapter for your particular memory card, or special cord for your camera with USB jack).

NAVIGATION: You won't need detailed maps or fancy equipment to navigate this lake. Only basic skills are needed. Maps are available at the above link.

WEATHER: Expect temps to be in the high 80's or low 90's this time of the year. Sunscreen, large rim hats, loose clothes and plenty of hydration will be essential. Do bring plenty of ice and sandwich baggies, or frozen water bottles, etc to fill with ice to cool off with, if necessary.


LUNCH: In the past, lunch is eaten while underway or when we raft up for swimming. Do bring your lunch and plenty of liquids on the boat. There are no dockside restaurants, so fend for yourself.

NIGHTSAILING: Carlyle is a great place to nightsail. There will be practically no boat traffic, there are few bouys to avoid, and the nightsky in this small town is DARK. There is talk about night sailing one evening, so if you're interested be prepared with functional nav lights, a flashlight and a radio should you need any assistance.