Well, we’re into it now… No “almost here” about the kiting season anymore – it’s underway, Big Time! And if you’re an Eastern League competitor, you likely know all about the big event that’s happening in Boston on June 9th through 11th. Yep – the Boston Area Sport Kite Championships of 2006, or “BASKC” for short. It all takes place at Millennium Park, right beside the VFW Freeway.
 Now, for those of you who are NOT aware of the comp scene, BASKC is the 6th (of 8) scheduled Eastern League competitions for the league “year,” which runs from the beginning of August through the following July. Competition is heating up pretty good by now, and with just three Eastern League events left, there’s plenty of interest in who is going to have the points to get invited to fly for “The Gold” at the AKA Grand Nationals in Des Moines this October.
Anyway, there should be some pretty hot flying happening there at BASKC, folks - not only because of the points competition, but also because of the festival’s prime location. Competition kiteflying is kinda tough on those Northeastern competitors… Consider what it costs any pilot from the NYC area or New England to attend some other Eastern League events way down in Georgia or Florida - just to stay in the hunt. Yeah, maybe Maryland or even Virginia could be doable, but those comp-pilots from the Northeast will definitely be showing up in Boston for BASKC. And there’re some real dandy “ranked” pilots out there too.
 By the way, this BASKC event has been around for a while as a sport kite competition - one of those “oldie, but goodie” festivals for sure. As an Eastern League event, it’s also sanctioned by the American Kitefliers Association, and sponsored by Greg and Jackie Lamoureux of Sea Side Kites, right there in the Boston area. In an era of reduction in the number of festivals and competitions, they have certainly been taking care of business and BASKC is back again this year. Please stop by either on the field during BASKC or at the Sea Side Kite Shop afterwards to give Greg and Jackie your hearty “Thanks” for all their many efforts.
 What? You say you’re NOT into all that Competition Stuff? Well, there’re a couple of other things you might do at BASKC as well… There’ll be some “traction” stuff too – both buggy racing and kite surfing are on the AKA’s description for the event. And there’ll also be an “open” flying area, and a “demo” field, as well as the competition field - so there’ll be plenty of room for folks who just want to fly your own Sport Kites. And there’s also something called a “fun fly,” which is probably a misnomer… I’ll bet there’ll be more than a few very lovely hand-made and purchased single-line kites in the skies at Millennium Park during the weekend. You might as well add your own kites to the pretty mix… Come on out and help fill the sky with color, why don’t you?
 The park is reputed to offer a 360 degree view of greater Boston, and is close to the Charles River. And if you’re after some added “attractions,” BASKC offers the golden voice of Dennis Smith as announcer, and we’re sure Dennis will play a few “Aerial Acoustics” tunes this year, won’t you sir? And there’s also a chance you’ll get your photo in Kitelife. John Barresi, Kitelife’s Editor/Publisher will be flying in from Portland for BASKC and he’ll certainly be bringing his camera along.
Finally, you might also like to socialize with these folks a little, right? Feel free to stop by the Holiday Inn Boston-Dedham, room # 840, on Saturday between 7 and 10 PM and say “Hi” to Greg Lamoureux and the other BASKC attendees. They’ll be very happy to see you there.
Hey – and fly safe and have fun out there, won’t you?
Directions:
The major highway is Rt. 128/I-95.
Take Exit 16A EAST, then local Rt. 109 EAST.
Travel about 2.3 miles to the intersection of 109 and VFW Parkway.
Landmark is the Irish Ale House on the right and the sign.
Contact:
Greg Lamoureux
Sea Side Kites
(781) 925-3277
info@seasidekites.com
http://www.seasidekites.com/BASKC
Need the significant information? Here it is:
June 9th through 11th at Millennium Park in Boston.
Hope you all can make it,
Dave "Geezer" Shattuck
As one of our regular and most prolific contributors, Dave "Geezer" Shattuck is a driving force here at Kitelife and a regular at many NW events as well as other locations throughout the year.
|
|
