(You really get left behind if you have not logged on for 24 hrs!!!)
Accomodation news:
For anyone that still needs accomodation:
ie. not staying on the POB, sleeping in the pub, or checked into the Holiday Inn Express(Schooner Way):
Managed to secure a rate with the Hanover Int - 4*
Just up the road, literally, from the Holiday Inn Express,
£19.50 per person per night, based on two sharing. Thus £39.00 for a double. Otherwise £34.50 for a single, inc breakfast.
This rate would be available for Thursday, Friday and Sat night (the 28th, 29th and 30th)
You need to quote Spirit-of-Cardiff. The lady is called Liz Stead.
Her tel number is 02920475029.
I may get slapped wrists for telling you all this, but the crew and families are booked in here, and have taken a share of the allocation already:
We were given 15 rooms at the above rates, 7 are booked, thus there are still 8 available at this discount(duh!)
Here's your chance.
The hotel does have a gym (you ain't got time to go there though!) and a pool! Their moto is "we never say no." I do prefeer "Driven by the Challenge".
If all else fails, crash space at mine.
Jono, not sure what your options are, as you got Beau with you.
(did get your PM). I guess you could stay at mine, if the dog is not too wild(unfortunately, I am alergic to cats and dogs hairs - so I do have niggles too,) but we could make a bed in the kitchen)
Meeting the POB and River Cruise:
Jools, you will let us know your ETA's next week.
We have got the blessing of the SOC and crew at 12:00 on Sat, which would be good if we could all be there. I was thinking can we escort you in before that? and do the river trip like 2/3pmish?
I am happy to come along to that anyway, crew place needed perhaps, and play tourist guide.
Don't want to make too much of a timetable, but have a few things booked!
Directions to the Bay:If you want to walk, will take you about 30 minutes - a brisk one.
By main bus station or central train station.
Go to Wood Street - literally by the station. Ask for the number 8 bus marked Mermaid Quay / Cardiff Bay - a single costs you 60p (and have the correct change ) Get off by The Packet pub (ask the driver); and walk to Tube - about 7 minutes (+ via 3 pubs!!!)
Phone me! 07811553925
Alt get a taxi, should cost you about £3-4.00 to the Tube / or The Waterguard Pub!
I have not forgotten the requests for a summary of boats and people making the SOC send -off.
As Keith mentioned, if you all could display your SOC send off stickers on the dashboard, for those of you driving up, will be easier for the security guard on the road to the Yacht CLub.
Directions to CBYC: M4 Junction 33. / 9 miles south. Take exit marked Penarth / Barry. Take the left sliproad off, and head towards ASDA, at next roundabout turn right(unless you need supplies) and head towards the newish looking houses. you will see ALDI on your right (more supplies). At this roundabout, turn right again(unless you are coming to my house and I live down by the newish houses) and go under the dual carriageway you have just gone off. you will see signs marked to the International Sports Village. follow that road, you will pass the Red House Pub(my local) on the left side and get your first glimpses of the Bay. Go through the security gate, the guard will be briefed on your arrivals, and to look out for the RIBNET stickers, he will also have a list of people arriving with boats via trailer(reminds me - can those arriving by road, pass me their rego plates, or is that too complicated?) Follow road to end - you have arrived at the CBYC. Park car, launch boat, have fun.
Will post these directions out again with summary.
