Catalina 22 Gulf Cruise vs B.E.E.R Cruise

[HillbillyWanderer]

Very new to sailing and planning a trip this summer down south. Trying to decide between the two. My boat is a cat 22, I have a little experience, hoping to get a lot more before I go. Any thoughts or suggestions from those who have attended one or both of these in the past? One is in May other in June. Both leave from Penscola Fl.

 

[Winkfish]

What is the beer cruise? Is the gulf cruise by yourself (one boat) or with a group (flotilla)? Any other info you can offer about the two?

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

I have not yet attended the beer cruise - but would like to. There is a Facebook page specifically for the event - look up b.e.e.r. cruise 2014.
good luck, good sailing.

 

[HillbillyWanderer]

Beer cruise has a facebook and web page and I have read them both. The Gulf Cruise is put on by catalina 22 fleet 77 I think and is for cat 22's only. From what I understand is you sail with a group and anchor close to each other at night with activities planned for each night. The Gulf Cruise is a little longer in distance and time than the Beer Cruise. Not sure of # of boats in Gulf Cruise but the BEER cruise has around 50 boats the sign up each year. Mainly 22 to 25 feet in length but anybody can sign up.

 

[Sanman]

As a seven year veteran of the beer cruise, Its always a fun time! In years past we have had more than 50 boats in the fleet, with boats from as far away as Canada and California and all points in between trailering in. It is primarily conceived as a "Trailer Sailor" event; however, the big boats are welcome too (they just can't get in as close to the beach) The itinerary is a series of comfortable day sails with stops at different anchorages for swimming and socializing. The event is kid and pet friendly and there are always new people to meet and many stay in touch throughout the year even though we only see each other one week in the summer! If you are new to sailing, it is a good way to experience the Pensacola Bay area in the company of a lot of good folks!
Whatever you decide, the Shipyard where the BEER cruise leaves from on Bayou Chico in Pensacola is a great place to launch, and the area is a fantastic place to sail, so have fun, and welcome!

 

[ROBERT9907]

The NGCC is for catalina 22s. So you can find out a lot about how other c22s are set up. Catalina 22 is a one design class where no 2 c22s are alike. We sail the same areas as B.E.E.R cruise but are a much tighter group (more like a big family reunion)
We also cruise other areas in the fall. Help is always available. Check out the C22
national website for more info.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Having attended four BEER Cruises, in two different boats, I can say that you'd have a ball. Great group of folks.