Questions about a Messabout in Duluth

[Blacksmith]

I have been asked if there would be any interest in having a mess-about in the Duluth Harbor next September. The anual Harvest Festival and Kite Fly is held each September, usally the second weekend. The park and rec guy asked if there would be any folks with home made sail or paddle powered boats that would be interested in a get together at the same time.

Since I have never been to a mess about, much less helped set one up, I am in need of some help. This is the sustainable agriculture group, so no real interest in big power boats, but very interested in human and wind powerd.

So, anyone interested?

If so, what sort of stuff would be needed?

What cost, if any, could be expected?

What sort of accommodations would be needed?

Thanks for your input.

Stephen

[Bill Paxton]

I'm interested. That's a great time of year for a messabout.

Here are a few things that seem to make a good one:

* good sailing venue

* camping space

* nearby boat ramp with plenty of parking

* promotion through Duckworks and boatbuilding websites like this one

* minimal amount of structure and organization

* a web page where people can go for full details, like http://www.paxtonconsulting.com/2006_MN_Messabout.html

That's about it.