THIS WEEKEND IS THE CROSSING!

[Michael F]

It is only three weeks to The Crossing and the stoke is building. The reputation built over 28 years still reaches both coasts and at Kite Worlds last month in San Francisco, it was surprising how many knew of at least one of the Crossings and certainly interested in learning more. Of course, The Crossing two years ago set the bar for long-distance kiting and competing side-by-side with windsurfers followed by the '08 Kite Crossing being first kiting competition to surpass 100 registrants.

This year, we have spots for 30 kiters with over a dozen women pre qualified at this time. Windsurfers from six states and Canada will still be the dominant fleet. Course racing on Friday and Sunday will include both windsurfers and kiters. On Friday, we will run the kiters with the windsurfers on the same course with a different start. On Sunday, we will run a boarder-cross for the kiters and/or possibly some form of jump contest. Registered kiters not designated for the long-distance race can compete on Friday and Sunday, as well as kite at the start/finish venue.

Contact us at fleet-8@juno.com to be forwarded the Notice of Challenge, which should provide all the necessary information. Once again, we are offering as an option to the sweatshirt, a long-sleeve T-shirt with the same logo. This option is only available to those advanced registered by Monday, the 21st. We will be accepting electronic registration by e-mail. If you have registered for a Fleet 8 event in the past two years, just provide your name, category, shirt size and preferred e-mail address for receiving Updates. You can pay by Paypal by going to the Fleet 8 web site. The PayPal button is a Donate button and has a fixed amount of $65 until midnite Saturday, the 12th. Guest fees will have to be paid at check-in time. You can find all this by scrolling down the page at http://fleet8.com/news/.

[SteveJ]

Who all is going?????

Should be a fun time!!!!

[Tighe]

Yes for sure.
Mike announced in the last newsletter that this is the end of the longstanding tradition...28 years! Hopefully the conditions, and the attendance will ensure it goes out with a bang.

see you up there

[Professor Robae']

How bout a little stoke people!!!

The crossing is always a great time, can't wait.

Michael says this is the last one, let's give him a reason to keep it going!

"Four more years! Four more years!"

C U there!!!

[tbayray]

What do ya mean who's going??? "The Canadians" are coming. Look out... We will always try to be there to support whats happening in the mid west. The "Blue Moose" and Woody and the boys from Dryden should be good for at least half a dozen or more. Myself "tbayray" and my son Daniel are ready to rip it up for a few days. Hopefully the Kiting and Windsurf Community can come out in full force to support probably the longest lasting tradition "The Crossing" . If it is to come to and end.... lets come out in full forces and go out with a bang. Lets make it something to remember that will never be forgotten. What da ya say? ? ?

see ya all there.............ehhh ! ! ! tbayray

[Tighe]

Mike has mentioned that he has extended the pre-race day registration discount for anyone dragging their feet. I highly recommend pre-registering though, you'll save around $50 by doing so. If you're planning on going, help the planners out and save yourself some ching, and preregister.

Rumor has it that there is a truck full of Slingshot gear headed this way for demos. Come up and check out the latest gear.

[dtownkiter]

looks like i am going to make it up there this weekend. cant wait!!!

where is everyone staying at? anyone camping? also--if anyone wants to carpool from minneapolis let me know.

adam t.
6one2 6nine5 533one

[ardenalan]

Live update at http://www.mowind.org/wp/?p=687

- Arden

[ardenalan]

Quick report at http://www.mowind.org/wp/?p=690