Cherry Blossom Regatta

January 15, 2012


Update

  • Click here for NOR (Notice of Race)
  • If you intend to sail please send an email to comments@discsailing.org .
  • 4/20 7pm dinner at Tex-Mex restaurant
  • 4/21 10am entry form due
  • 4/21 10am skippers meeting
  • 4/21 11am racing to start
  • 4/21 post race party at marina
  • 4/22 9am racing to start

Update 2/17/12

Three more features of the upcoming Cherry Blossom Regatta/Interlake Midwinters to share with you….
First, for those who will be in town Friday evening (4/20/2012), we will get together for dinner and to reunite with friends we haven’t seen all winter.  Please join us at 7:00 pm at Austin Grill located at 801 King Street in the Old Town section of Alexandria.  Dinner and drinks is on your own nickel, but this will be a good opportunity for some of us to get together before the regatta.  Austin Grill has a nice selection of inexpensive Tex-Mex cuisine, a kids menu, a gluten-free menu, and tasty cocktails.  If you plan to attend, please let Martin Howell know so we can give the restaurant a rough idea of how many people to expect.
Second, be on the look at for email from Ron Gall, ISCA Secretary, for a special opportunity at this regatta.
Third, we have reserved a block of 20 rooms at the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria.
The rooms are reserved under the group “Interlake”.  The rate is $139/ night before tax and there is a $20/person charge starting with the third person.  These rooms will be held until March 20th, so act soon.  Many hotels in the area are already booked solid.  This hotel is less two miles from the marina.  You can book these rooms starting on Feb. 24th.  You can book a room via the phone or an online link that I will post back on this page on the 24th.  Check in time is 3pm.   The rooms are reserved from 4/19 – 4/22, but individuals can change the dates as needed.

Update 1/17/2012

Well, ISCA President Mike McClinchie called us this winter and asked if Fleet 39 would be interested in hosting an early-spring regatta……and we couldn’t say ‘NO.’  So we’d like to invite all of you to participate in the 2012 Cherry Blossom Regatta hosted by Daingerfield Island Sailing Club and Interlake Fleet #39 in Alexandria, Virginia.  The regatta will be held April 21-22, 2012 out of Washington Sailing Marina and is a part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  Racing on the Potomac River will include Interlake racing on Saturday and Sunday, and keelboat racing on Saturday only.  We will offer you something a little different than what you are accustomed to by using race courses set around fixed government navigation marks.  You’ll also get to test your abilities of dealing with tide and river current (not to worry…the locals haven’t figured it out yet either).  After the racing on Saturday, a post-race party will take place at the marina.  On Sunday we’ll get an early start so we can get a few races in, and get done early for those travelling back home.  This is a great way to get you and your boat tuned up for the 2012 Interlake sailing season!  And best of all, there is no entry fee so all you have to do is show up, sail and enjoy yourself.

Besides the sailing there is plenty to do off the water.  Leave early to come to the regatta or stay a few extra days and enjoy the many attractions the Washington, DC metropolitan area has to offer.  2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the city of Tokyo’s gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship.  The centennial festivities offer many family friendly activities throughout late March and most of April.  Many museums and attractions abound in the area, and offer something of interest to everyone.  Below are several links to some of the more popular area attractions.

If you have any questions, need suggestions on things to do besides sailing, or just want to let us know you are planning to attend, please contact Martin Howell at interlake1395@gmail.com or (703) 862-1459.  We’re working on a few other shoreside activities and will let you know more information as those details develop.  We look forward to welcoming you to our quirky little river.

www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

www.si.edu  (museums, National Zoo, etc.)

www.mountvernon.org

www.newseum.org

www.spymuseum.org

www.nationalcathedral.org

www.nps.gov/foth/index.htm  Ford’s Theater

www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm  Great Falls Park

www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm  Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

www.nps.gov/mall/index.htm  National Mall

www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm  Rock Creek Park

www.nps.gov/this/index.htm  Theodore Roosevelt Island

www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm  Washington Monument (temporarily closed)

www.nps.gov/whho/index.htm  The White House

www.arlingtoncemetery.mil  Arlington Cemetery

www.aoc.gov  US Capitol

http://visitalexandriava.com/  Alexandria, VA visitor information

http://washington.org/  Washington, DC visitor information

www.metroforward.com  Washington, DC area Metro system

For those of you using a GPS for driving directions, Washington Sailing Marina is located just off the George Washington Memorial Parkway at “1 Marina Drive, Alexandria, VA  22314.”  Disclaimer: I’ve never tried this myself, but I thought it would be helpful to provide you with the exact address.

Below are a few suggested hotels.  You can use your favorite website or frequent flyer program to find best prices.  We suggest booking ASAP as hotels fill up fast during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

By proximity to marina

  • Best Western Old Colony Inn, (703) 739-2222
  • Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites – Alexandria Historic District (703) 548-6300
  • Crowne Plaza Old Town (703) 683-6000
  • Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria (703) 836-4700
  • Residence Inn – Old Town (703) 548-5474
  • Hampton Inn Alexandria – Old Town/King Street Metro (703) 299-9900

 

By proximity with consideration towards price

  • Courtyard – Alexandria Tech Center (703) 329-2323
  • Holiday Inn – Eisenhower Avenue (703) 960-3400