ACCOMMODATIONS, DINING, VENDORS:
- Accommodations - updated: 04/18/2011
- Dining Guide - updated: 11/01/2009
- Vendor Application - updated: 01/10/2011
- Family Activities - updated: 11/01/2009
- Sarasota Visitor Bureau Website
REGATTA VENUE DESCRIPTION: (parking directions) (parking areas) (site plan) (interactive map)
Sarasota's Cooper Creek in Nathan Benderson Park (formerly Copper Creek Park) lies about 5.5 miles east of the center of Sarasota's downtown district and is just west of Interstate 75 between University Parkway (exit 213) and Fruitville Road (exit 210). The race course is oriented north/south on the west side of the lake. There is a paved walkway along the entire length of the west side of the lake starting at the north park entrance footbridge. A restricted access vehicle entrance is at the southwest corner of the lake with an access road going up the west side of the lake. Public restrooms, a fishing pier and a gazebo are located about 1/3 up the lake and a public boat ramp is located about 2/3 up the lake.
COUNTY PARK RESTRICTIONS:
1) Gas powered engines are not allowed on the lake. Special waivers for official launches w/ 4-cycle engines are required for regatta events.
2) County ordinances mandate that there be NO ALCOHOL ON THE PREMISES.
3) NO PETS ALLOWED other than licensed guide dogs.
4) A fire extinguisher is required in each team cooking area.
PARKING:
County restrictions on the number of vehicles within this park require limitations be enforced in regards to regatta onsite parking. All team vehicles (except for supply trailer towing vehicles) are required to park off-site on commercial property adjacent to the north side of the regatta venue. Shuttle buses will be running during regatta hours between the north (spectator) parking area and the north park entrance footbridge. Parking fees: $5.00 per vehicle for the weekend. There is no parking charge for vehicles transporting boats (car-top or trailer), team supply/utility trailers, or team buses, but a Parking Pass is required for access to free non-spectator south and east parking lots. There is no shuttle bus service to these lots. Passes will be supplied on site by the Arrivals Team. Vehicles pulling trailers (boats, utility, vendors) call Jeff Koehler (941-650-8469) about 15 minutes prior to arrival. Tow vehicles are required to unhook and relocate. Car-topping vehicles call Roy DuPuis (941-376-5100) about 15 minutes prior to arrival. Cars are required to unload and relocate.
Parking Location (directions are below)
- Team Buses (North Entrance Directions) - drop off at North Entrance footbridge and relocate to bus parking area
- Vehicles Transporting Boats (North Entrance Directions) - for both car-top and trailers
- Team Utility/Supply trailers (South Entrance Directions)
- Vendors (South Entrance Directions)
- Spectators (North Entrance Directions)
- Handicapped Spectators (North or South Entrance Directions) - must have valid Handicap Parking sticker / permit / hangtag.
North Entrance Directions
- Vehicle Navigation Address: 150 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
- From I-75 exit 213 (University Pkwy), head west toward Sarasota.
- At the first traffic signal (Cooper Creek Blvd / N. Cattlemen Road), turn left (south).
- Parking will be at the 3rd traffic circle (following the parking signs).
- Parking attendants will be there to provide directions and assist.
South Entrance Directions
- Vehicle Navigation Address: 2300 N Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34235
- From I-75 exit 210 (Fruitville Road), head west toward Sarasota.
- After 1.2 miles, turn right (north) on to N. Honore Avenue (at traffic signal).
- After 1.5 miles, turn right (east) into Benderson Park (formerly Cooper Creek Park). This is a controlled entrance.
- Go to the end of the entrance road, turn left and continue north.
- All supply trailers must park on the west side (opposite the lake) of this road.
- All tow vehicles must relocate to the south end parking lots. You may bring your vehicle to the north (spectator) parking area but the $5.00 per vehicle for the weekend charge will apply.
- Parking attendants will be there to assist.
VOLUNTEER EFFORTS:
This is an association event. We absolutely need members to assist
in running the regatta. See your team coaches or board members to get involved.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR TENT AND TRAILER AREA TRASH-FREE.
Help us keep this park looking great. There will be plenty of trash bins along the walkway; please use them. We expect each organization to be responsible for keeping their trailer and tent sites clean. Please bag your team's trash and place bagged trash next to existing trash bins for easy daily pickup.
PRACTICE:
The course will be open for practice ONLY if course marshal volunteers are available. (SEE Volunteer Efforts above) Clockwise race-day traffic pattern will be in effect with lane 6 closed. NOTE: Any team violating practice hours may be assessed a warning to all of its remaining entries.
- Friday - Launch docks open at 1:00 PM. Launch docks will close at 6:30 pm and all boats must be off the water no later than 7:00 PM.
- Saturday - Schedule permitting, launch docks open after last race finishes. Practice time will be posted with regatta schedule.
- Sunday - No practice.
TENTS:
There are two (2) tent areas along the race course. PLEASE set up tents close to each other and keep the paved walkway clear.
Small 10x10 tents may be set up behind their boat trailers for athlete race prep/recovery (limit 2 per team). Bring a tarp to put over your trailer for additional shade.