Start - Fort Desoto
This is where it all starts and ends. If you click on the picture below
you will see markers for the launch beach, the
finish beaches for the UF, the campground, long term parking
for EC participants, and the boat launch for some class 4 boats. Shelter
13 is the closest shelter to the launch beach
There is an equipment inspection for EC and UF participants at or
near shelter 13 on Friday starting at roughly 09:00 and finishing roughly at
17:00. Please get to the inspection area with your boat and all equipment
as early as possible so there is plenty of time to get it all done. Note
that this is optional for UM participants, but it is still a good idea to get
all your paperwork done on Friday.
Class 4 boats can launch at the regular boat ramp and then sail
around to the launch area, but it is possible to get permission on Friday
morning to use a small access road and off load your boat by hand right at the
launch beach. Most class 4 boats prefer this to using the actual boat
ramp. The heaviest boat offloaded this way so far has been a Sea
Pearl. We usually have 6-12 people on hand to help out so there is plenty
of muscle.
Uusally your move your boat on to the launch beach about mid
afternoon and leave it there overnight. We have two "guards" who will
camp out near the boats. IF YOU ARE NOT A GUARD, YOU MAY NOT CAMP ON THE
BEACH. ANYONE CAUGHT CAMPING ON OR NEAR THE BEACH WHO IS NOT AN
AUTHORIZED GUARD WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AND ESCORTED OUT OF THE PARK.
The "guards" will keep an eye out for major problems, but racoons
can still get in your stuff. It is recommended that your hatches and
cockpit be secure and that you only load provisions and water in the morning
before the launch.
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