10/24/2022
Race update for HMB- Unfortunately we are unable to host a race this weekend.
Though the permit was approved along with the USCG permit, the Harbor Commission was only able to reduce the Event fee down 50%. Sounds like a great deal, but their event fee is over 5k. It does not make economical sense to pay that amount, as our average income for HMB is closer to about 1500.00. Add awards, insurance, safety boats and the cost for this race would be well over 4k.
We tried other options, including just going renegade and host the event without a permit, but this same Commission also controls Oyster Point and Coyote Point and it's best to go through the proper channels for approvals.
That's part of the problem on hosting races at some of the sites. They are World Class venues that are getting more and more restrictive. It may get to the point where races will just be on rivers and lakes it seems. Not exactly challenging and fun conditions for open water racing.
We're trying to get back on the agenda again for an upcoming Commission meeting and fight to get access to our Ocean.
In the past we were fortunate to work with California Canoe and Kayak and host our events from their site. Even recently the Harbor was willing to only charge 300.00 for an event fee. We'll see if we can get back to those days, especially when the Harbormaster mentioned that we have never had an incident in HMB and have always treated the site with respect.
We'll give an update when we get an idea on the meeting and ask that you reach out and send your comments to the Commission.
