Got Passport?

[KB [us5219]]

We have not had to travel to Canada for ice in quite some time.  Matter of fact the last time was before 2001 so now that we are looking at Canadian Ice as a possibility for next week...
Several of the guys from our club have stated that they do not have passports or international I.D.'s, therefore they cannot travel to canada.  Ouch!
I guess you can't call it the North Americans if you cannot race in Canada.  I sure hate to see us loose participation though.
If you are one of those who procrastinated or came up with some excuse not to get a passport, you might still be able to use an expediting service to get you passport or card this week.  It will cost extra, but it can take over a month to do it the old-fashioned way!
Google U.S. Passport and you will find some of these services.

[glovejoy]

When ever I travel to race in North America, on the top of my list that I check off before I leave is passport.  Being if Rochester, NY I have sailed up in Ontario often and traveled through Ontario to get to Michigan.  During any NAs or when the Worlds are in North America there is always the possibility that we may sail in Canada.  Good sailable ice in Canada should not be discounted just for a few.
Guy Lovejoy

[sroot1]

You might want to check and see if a notorized copy of your birth certificate will get you to Canada.
It can take a month sometimes to get a Passport and that was before all of the extra security measures.
Good Luck.
Scott

[Bob Gray]

 From What I understand after checking the pass port site is that an expedited passport take 2-3 weeks ( my passport expired 3 weeks ago and I didn't find out till last week). In Michigan an enhanced drivers license also takes 2-3 weeks. Bob

[Bob Gray]

  I'm sorry but I misspoke on my previous reply, the web site doesn't mention a time frame. I got the info from the travel person at our local AAA office where I went for my passport photo and he told me even an expedited passport takes 2-3  weeks. As of last June a birth certificate and a regular drivers license won't get you back into the US.
                                                                                   Bob

[rpotcova]

I have been hearing some good things about the ice in Canada - Hamilton Harbor in particular.  Also hearing good things about 2 other sites in the US. 

Its important that the NA Championship governing committee gets reports from people who have actually sailed the ice.  The course needs to be sailed both upwind and down,  checked for hazards, and good access points available.  Ice won't be considered without this information.

If you sailed good championship ice this weekend or know someone who has, please call the North American Championship hotline and leave a message  248 988-0851.  Or call me direct at 734 497-9047.

Richard Potcova

[DNUS1006]

  Rich,
   If you move to Canada you may loose up to 30% of the group. I myself have been negligent about getting a passport. Those of us that do not live close to the border do not think about going to Canada.

PS We may not get the newcomers to go either.

 Nick Vitale
 DNUS 1006

[KB [us5219]]

I am a little dissapointed here.   The Regatta Is Called the DN NORTH AMERICANS not the DN U.S. Championships...    therefore anyone registering for this regatta should have been prepared for the possibility.  I think its unfair to the guys with "KC" on their sails to not go to the best ice just because it is North of the border.
Meanwhile... lets keep looking.  There are several possibilities, and still some weather to deal with. 

[Glen]

Anyone who is truly a hardcore iceboater, the kind of guy that  travel’s East or West,  North or South just to race an iceboat  is just going to cross the border to get to the venue. You don’t need anything special to get in to Canada.  Then after it’s over and you had a good time, that’s when you worry about having the “Stinking Badges” to get back into the USofA.  Go to the border in a group so custom’s only  has  to hear the story about how you got in this situation once.   THAT’S ICEBOATING!!!

                       Glennnnnnnnnnnnnn

[us 5435]

I talked to three different border agency people and they all said that if they let you in to Canada, they will let you out. Even if all you have is a drivers license and stamped or origonal birth certificate. That, like i said, is IF they let you in.  No one on the Canadian side answered phone calls. i will try again tomorrow and post my findings

[Bob Gray]

  I'm sure there are some immigration agents at the border that would let you in with a wink and a nod but be aware the there is a federal regulation/law requiring a passport or enhanced drivers license to get back in.  If they let you in they are breaking the law and I'm not sure that all the agents would be willing to put their jobs on the line just to be a good guy. I spent many years flying in and out of the states and the agents are good guys but they are quite serious about their jobs.  I'm sure after a while you'd be allowed in but it could be a hassle.
                                                                                                       Bob






                                                                     

[MICHAEL]

Editor note:  the following message is not an opinion expressed or condoned by the IDNIYRA.  Please refrain from making illegal recommendations, even with "tongue in cheek"


Find a buddy who looks like you and just borrow his passport for a week! Better yet borrow his drivers license too in case of speeding or a back up ID. I had a fishing friend who borrowed a passport, crossed at International Falls, MN last summer and no questions asked! When they ask who owns the car, assuming it yours, say you are borrowing it from a friend. Also bring no ganji or guns.

[4695]

Be aware, a DUI in your history might stop you at the border,  as you're a convicted felon in Canada, and unwelcome there.

[Yooper]

I'm a titch concerned about the suggestion to use a friend's documents (i.e. commit a criminal act), and want to go on record disclaiming any agreement or endorsement on my part.  (I know-seems over the top, but it's the lawyer in me.)  Regarding passports, I was not allowed into Canada at the Niagra Falls crossing last July because I didn't have my passport with me.  It's very likely I was "sent inside" because I had my 2 children with me. Would they have let  me in if I had had their birth certificates?  I don't know.  Just be aware that it may take awhile to get through Customs without a passport.  Post 9/11 (2003-2004) I traveled frequently to Montreal.  But that was by air. Those without passpports who were entering with a driver's license were more scrutinized.  I can't remember if they also needed their birth certificates.  Wherever you sail next week- sail safe-sail fast.