The NABGO entry forms are up on the NABGO web site under Event Information. As a reminder, the North American Big Gun Open (NABGO) is an open event, and IRCWCC, MWC, Treaty, etc. are welcome to join us. There are accomodations for alternative formats to allow more even competition in this event (yes, IRCWCC ship speed and rate of fire must be slowed, for instance, but there are special dispensations to allow faster than the normal Big Gun fire rate for the same ship - depends on what the ship is and how it is laid out). If some formats want segragated battle, that can probably be arranged (if there are enough) by either time or location. The preliminary schedule and menu are here: NABGO 2013 Schedule and Menu The entry form is here: NABGO 2013 Application Hope to see you here! Remember, space is limited by the facility size, so first come, first served. Cheers, Wreno
Am I reading that right in that you only have 3 battles scheduled for an entire week? (4 if you count the cage match) What am I missing?
Mike has the gist of it. Shipyard time, tech inspections as necessary, socializing, ship testing ,dialing in, and pick-up matches for those interested. Some background that might help explain. This originally was a long weekend event, with two full days of battling (our normal battles can be 3-4 hours or more) with the Texas Cage Match at the end. More shipyard and prep time was desired, and that is the part that grew like topsy. For some, the shipyard/socializing time is their favorite part. We have had ships built up from a cut hull in time for battle. Even had one where the hull was first cut at NABGO that made it in time for the Cage match. Some of our guys travel well over 1,000 miles with their ships, and they want to make sure any damage or other issues in their ship(s) are resolved. Also, for some, NABGO is their primary event of the year, so the shipyard time is the primary preparation maintenance - occasionally for a ship pulled out of mothballs. And, we like to test new tech and/or concepts at NABGO prior to it being used in actual battle. So, if all you want is the battling time, feel free to just sign up for that part. But you will be missing a lot of the fun. For other "off the books" battling/sparring, the pond is open all day every day. However, note that this is a preliminary schedule, and this is an event that is captain-centric. So, if enough attending captains want to make additions, that is welcome. I hope that answers your questions. Oh, and one other point. you do realize from some of the pictures of the shipyard at past NABGOS like these plus.google.com/photos/107927273794...4934855345 That the shipyard at starbrandranch.com is a community affair where we all work on our ships together, and, in the evening, drinks (adult and soft) are served. So it is a truly great place for novices to learn from old-timers (or vice versa). You do not even have to have a ship to come, and many bring their whole families for some or all of it. Cheers,
Special invitation for the old MBG crew. Remember, NABGO is the event originally conceived by y'all inviting the other clubs to your pond (remember Jeff et. al. coming up?). I understand that you may be having some issues getting together for battles due to ponds, etc. locally, and we are a bit surprised that we have not seen you here yet (though we understand life issues coming up). We would love those of you who can to off those old battleships, come down for any refitting needed, and join in the fun. Cheers,
H Nikki, NABGO has been held at the same place, starbrandranch.com, in Kaufman (35 Mi SE of Dallas, TX, about 1hr from DFW airport) and about the same time (first part of July) since it started in 2005. This is because of the availability of a package price that includes room, food, drinks, shipyard space, etc. and some dedicated pond facilities, like a ship lift, power, and CO2 at the lake on property. We get a great discount (about 1/2 or less of the normal rate depending on how much of it you attend) for the attendees. It also simplifies returning captain's planning, as they know what is typically available on-site and what part of the year to plan for. For instance, we have a plethora of chargers, many commonly used batteries, some spare co2 tanks in various sizes, and even spare transmitters and receivers that have been used by catains that forgot theirs. Ofttimes, even loaner ships (you patch it up and test it out, you battle it). We have had people from the East coast every year (CBG attends regularly), and from the West coast on occasion (their drive is a bit further). NOTE: We are kicking around the idea of moving it, for the first time, to Fredericksburg, TX in 2014, to give people acess to the Nimitz Museum in their off time as well as a nice facility being available. We have not tested the nearby lake yet, and are working on permissions for its use. However the hotel we are lookiing at is designed to look like it came from the 1940s and is quite nice. The price for shipyard rental space will be pretty high, at $2500/night, so we will need a lot of people confirmed well in advance to do it there (probably 40 minimum for the best price), and I fear it will not be as reasonably priced - but we are still in the exploratory/negotiation phase. unlike Star Brand, the Fredericksburg location does have an RV park near the lake for those who prefer those accomodations to a nice hotel room. When we have a bit more information nailed down, I will start a thread to see the actual interest level. We would love to have you join us. Cheers,
A reminder, clock is ticking for applications, time to make travel arrangements, etc. We hope to see you there! Cheers,
