Volvo Ocean Race in Miami

[off-the-grid]

Can someone tell me who the extortionist is, who I need to bribe to get the magic flag you need to watch it from out on the water?

Or tell me how close you're allowed to get to the race if you don't have a flag?

I already contacted the race organizers, and they're giving me the run around in typical Miami fashion. Their answer is you need a flag to get anywhere near the race...but the flag that you need isn't available...but you can buy Groupon deal to see it out on the water. And they won't answer how close you're allowed to get without their special little flag.

[callmecrazy]

Get a sewing machine

[off-the-grid]

Or I can just wait for the big orange inflatable to tell me?

[DrivinSteve]

Contact the CG sector Miami. Typically, the restricted area will be posted in the Local Notice to Mariners.
hre is soem contact info:
Lieutenant Jennifer S. Makowski, Sector Miami Prevention Department, Coast Guard; telephone (305) 535- 8724, email Jennifer.S.Makowski at uscg dot mil

[Chief Engineer]

Check the USCG Notice to Mariners in that area

[off-the-grid]

Thanks Steve. That was actually plan B.

[Scituate Sailor]

Does anybody know of any charters that will be going out for the in port race? We're a couple sailors flying down from Boston and I can't seem to find anything.

[off-the-grid]

I may be going out, but not sure how close we can really get. Still waiting for the USCG to call me back. You may be able to find one of the "official" charters that still has seats available, but they were charging about $350/person...and that was the Groupon price!

[Scituate Sailor]

Keep me posted if you are going out. When the vor was in Boston two years ago, it was early in the season and our boat wasn't in so we went on a charter. We were able to get very close, as well as the private spectator boats. Hopefully Miami will be similar. The $350/pp for the groupon deal was pretty outrageous but it did sell out quickly.

[RCarlton]

We are planning on going. We will be watching from our Hinckley 49'. We may have room. We too are trying to get an illusive flag and any help with that is greatly appreciated.

[off-the-grid]

I'm definitely planning on going out, but just not sure how close we can really get. I've made a few phone calls, and sent an email, but still no word from the USCG. Apparently even the Coast Guard down here is very..."Miami".

Randy, those flags aren't available anywhere. From what I've heard those flags were only given to boats sanctioned by the race organizers. Which is exactly how they were allowed to charge such outrageous prices for those charters.