2013 Venture Cup Race - Cowes to Monte Carlo

[jetcruzr]

Here is a video from Team Bananashark, one of the entries in the 2013 Venture Cup Race.

[jetcruzr]

Video from 2011 Cowe to Torquay race that was on the 2013 Venture Cup site.

[jetcruzr]

Anyone up for this? An exerpt from the Venture Cup Facebook page.

"We are looking for a 3rd sweep boat to run behind the fleet during our event. Is there anyone out there who wants to share this massive adventure with us and join in the fun who has a boat at least 40ft long with big engines and can push along at around 30 knots plus all day? You will be away from home with us for three weeks! Contact: mikelloyd00@gmail.com."

[Bobcat]

Dammit....I always pictured Cookee as a youngish Roger Moore...

[Hellbent]

Anyone up for this? An exerpt from the Venture Cup Facebook page.

"We are looking for a 3rd sweep boat to run behind the fleet during our event. Is there anyone out there who wants to share this massive adventure with us and join in the fun who has a boat at least 40ft long with big engines and can push along at around 30 knots plus all day? You will be away from home with us for three weeks! Contact: mikelloyd00@gmail.com."

I'll ride along for moral support and to help pick up chicks.....

[Duke]

Wow, this race is gonna be awesome!

[Ratickle]

Dammit....I always pictured Cookee as a youngish Roger Moore...

I'm telling him you said that!!!!!

[Bobcat]

[Cookee]

Dammit....I always pictured Cookee as a youngish Roger Moore...

Hey I'm the one without the beard! If any of you clowns have big enough balls to take part I currently have a seat spare - you just have to share the costs - it will be an adventure of a lifetime!

you don't get to look like me unless you have had a "Good Life" and I don't mean that in a saintly way!

[Hellbent]

you just have to share the costs - it will be an adventure of a lifetime!

So all I need to do is buy our first round at each stop? I'm in!!

[Cookee]

So all I need to do is buy our first round at each stop? I'm in!!

I'm not that cheap .................

[jetcruzr]

Cookee,

Thanks for being part of this post. I am really excited and enthusiastic for this race. Please feel free to add content and keep us updated with your preparations for the race. We love pictures too, so feel free to post!

As far as your post regarding the empty seat that you have available: Besides the cost of the plane ticket to get to the venue, how much additional expense would it cost a potential "ride along team mate"?

[Cookee]

Cookee,

Thanks for being part of this post. I am really excited and enthusiastic for this race. Please feel free to add content and keep us updated with your preparations for the race. We love pictures too, so feel free to post!

As far as your post regarding the empty seat that you have available: Besides the cost of the plane ticket to get to the venue, how much additional expense would it cost a potential "ride along team mate"?

It would make it more difficult but not impossible to come over from the other side of the pond - the requirements are:

Safety at sea course - which is 1 day in a classroom and a swimming pool which involves all of the aspects of saving yourself especially in an abandon ship situation. (Very informative)
A first aid course
A dunk test as we have a roof and harnesses
A licence and the cost is unknown at this point
A contribution to the entry costs and fuel costs for the boat and support vehicles which is running at about £10,000 for the whole race.

That might sound like a lot not only in terms of cash but time - the thing to remember is that you will always have the photos and the memories of being part of something very special - having done some of the 2008 Round Britain race and the Red Sea Rib Rally as well as several Cowes Torquay Cowes races this will be the icing on the cake!

[Ratickle]

Does a current APBA dunk test/offshore drivers license count in England?

[Cookee]

Does a current APBA dunk test/offshore drivers license count in England?

The race is a World class event so if it's acceptable to the UIM then that would be fine - if anyone is seriously interested please forward your details and I will forward them to the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and check with them but it should be fine. My email is cookee@bananasharkracing.com

[Ratickle]

Well, I know APBA Offshore is recognized by the UIM, so then I guess it's all good......

[Cookee]

Well, I know APBA Offshore is recognized by the UIM, so then I guess it's all good......

This is classed as an "Ultra Marathon" event so you may need to upgrade your licence for this - you licence issuer would be able to find out more from the UIM - I can ask from this end if it's easier?

[Ratickle]

Thanks, you will be more likely to get takers if the up-front requirements can be taken care of over here. I know jetcruzr has a competition license too, but would have to do the dunker I'm sure. You can't crash over in the race though, the water's too cold......

There may be a dunktest setup at the APBA annual meeting coming up over on the east side of the state, there was last year. Last year we did them in Biloxi too, that's the last weekend in April this year. I'll also check with them.

[Bobcat]

After a dunk test in the North Atlantic you'll have to wait a couple of days for your boys to drop back down..

[Cookee]

After a dunk test in the North Atlantic you'll have to wait a couple of days for your boys to drop back down..

Not wrong there!

The last week has seen a bit of turmoil with the race - after a poorer than average race briefing not enough racers were happy enough to pay the next instalment of money and Mike Lloyd has departed - there is a rescue mission going on and I am giving what help I can but it will be an uphill struggle!

I'll let you know if things improve!