Tidewater Cup

[keith S]

Just returned from the Tidewater Cup in Spokane Washington this past weekend. Hosted by the Spokane Model Boat Club, this is the inland tugboat regatta. There are 3 parts to this contest: Tug/tow, salvage and a Springer event. Tug/tow you must navigate a barge and tug through the course. Salvage, need to move the salvage barge through a course then precison dock it with a 2 minute time limit after passing through the last gate. The Springer event is a timed barge course for the fastest time with fewest penalties. This was the larger part of the days events as there were only about 16 tugs for the tug event and same numbers fro the Springers. The pond is at a PUD corperate head quarters that is a "flower shape" with an island, fountain and current. It is also deceptively deeper than it appears as it gets to be about 3 feet deep in some areas. The event was fun as always with great warm weather ( 95degrees :eek: )with the cup award going back to the west side(coast) for the 7th straight year with Al Kinsmans "Pono" model. ;) I was happy to place 2nd in my class with the "Liberty" ( only single screw boat to compete). Not bad considering I am a skills person--not a speed driver.

[toesup]

Looks like a good event to attend keith!.. thanks for the pic's..

I especially like 100_0419.jpg (the beat up and abused Springer) and also Bobby the pond cop... :D:D:D

It looks from the pics as if that fountain was a little bit close to some of the far gates.. some interesting manouvering in that area i would think.. :eek:

[Norway2112]

Awesome pictures, that looks like a great venue for such an event too, almost a "natural" course setup, just need a few markers!

[rpage]

Nice photos! Thanks for sharing them! The Springer tug(next to last photo), man is that a nice looking tug! Guy welding on the deck is awesome! How do you find cool figures like that?

[keith S]

more shots

[toesup]

Is that a barge ( 100_0408.jpg) to match the Springer Keith?..

[Kmot]

Nice models! The water is so clean and clear, what a great pond to run in!

[keith S]

Toes, That fountain is a real challenge as you go all the way around it. Once to the other side, you have to dock for 5 seconds. Not too bad ecept that the water from the fountain produces a current that shoves you into thr backside of the wall if you are not paying attention. The Barge is from another prodject by someone else and was built long before the Springers came along.
Norway, more photos of the course to come. So far you have seen the overal from the south and part of the Springer course that was a seperate part of the pond using the rocks as the course hazzards.

[venom*one]

That is awesome, great photos... wonderful crafts... more!!!

[keith S]

more photos

[mike_victoriaBC]

Very clear pond - great for finding those illusive props! Looks like that was another great day boating. I bet this was a Foss Cup practice run.....

[arrow5]

Like whisky and freedom that old home-made Springer and the similar barge belong together. Great coverage and inspirational for us this side of the (big) pond. Thanks.

[keith S]

Very clear pond - great for finding those illusive props! Looks like that was another great day boating. I bet this was a Foss Cup practice run.....
:D :D :D :D :D :D ;) :) :rolleyes: :cool:

[keith S]

ok, a few more to complete the day.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Can we bring that pond closer to the West coast?

:p

Looks like a good event to schedule for a visit...

:cool:

Thanks for the write up and pictures Keith.

[Aerominded]

I've really enjoyed the pictures, Keith, thanks for posting! Looks like you all had a great time!

Good to see another ST-FTG pushing a load! they seem pretty happy hooked up to a barge! How heavy was that one? :)

[smart_racer]

Keith...once again, great pic's

[keith S]

Thanks for all the nice comments. It is a great pond to run in and refreshing to step into as it is river water out of the mountains. Note: this pond is the return water from the river that is used for the buildings cooling system. Talk about being "green" with the resources.
Umi, It would be great to have a pond like they have there for doing this kind of thing. Great shapes for harbors/inlets, island for central running, and deep/clear water! some guys get all the luck.
Aero, that barge was about 120 pounds in the water. The bad news is that I took a DNF on that one. Got going and some how the receiver pack lost a AA battery ( came loose). Too bad, as they were all laughing at the tug size untill it started moving that barge with no problem! Pushing things is what that boat does best! A little squirley for pulling.

[Aerominded]

120# is impressive!:) I know the feeling, when people see the little ST-FTG they smile and think it is cute- then they are surprized when they see it actually working! :D I also took a pair of DNF's with mine at the Seaways Cup in June for two different types of 'technical difficulties' that had not shown themselves in the previous 5 or so hours I have on the boat... those problems will never (knock on wood) be a problem with this boat again! ;) My ST is also happiest either pushing or on the hip... pulling, you have to take it very easy as it seems like it could trip without much effort! :eek:

The pond there does look like a fun place to run, with the islands, etc! :)

[keith S]

Ok last set of photos. Not all there was tugs. A couplke of the standoff scale models that wewre used as "hazzards". For those that have seen the ST-FTG thread you know those boats are small. Last picture gives a good idea of how small they really get to be as there is minne under me while getting ready to push the barge. Amazing how small a small boat becomes out in the water!