Madison Regatta (Ohio River)

Gabby

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Messages
189
Just an FYI for any hydro boat nuts.

Every July 4th they run the Hydroplanes on the Ohio River near the town of Madison, Indiana. Madison is roughly 50 miles NE of Louisville and 60-70 SW of Cincinatti. From Louisville you have 1 lock and from Cincinatti I believe 2.

Races are Saturday and Sunday and it is simulcast on FM so you can listen from your boat. They close the river to traffic for 4 hours in the AM, then open around noon, then close again for the afternoon heats. There is always an air show and vintage racing and lots of interesting events.

If you try and slip overnight, I found out last year there is only one marina nearby, and the guy charges a premium for transients. Even on a straight pier with no electric the guy wants 50 a night, two night minimum. East of Madison, about 1 mile back up river, on the Indiana bank, there is a deep creek, about 30 yards wide. Goes a long way back inside and there are tons of places to drop and anchor and float. We swam the night away and had a wonderful time.

Your choice, but if you go, prepare to be gouged if you stay in the marina. Normal transient price? 20 a night. Regatta price? 100. I'll take the creek anyday, besides, it's quieter, which the first mate likes better. I'm not a smart man, but I know what keeps the first mate happy keeps the skipper happy.

If you don't want to slip at the marina, you CAN launch there if you trailer. 10 bucks to launch. But launching there will put you west of the action, and the creek / deep water anchor is east, so you'd have to wait until they open the river to head through the crowd, past downtown adn under the bridge. Did I mention the biplane guy circles the bridge ina loop the loop?

Happy Boating.
 
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