Adventure sailing (Everglades Challenge?)

[Godot]

I'm planning on calling it a career on April 2nd, 2027, a few weeks before my 58th birthday. I'm done and can't (or at least don't want to) do it anymore.

Thinking about it I realized I have a great opportunity. I'll be relatively young for a retired guy, and if nothing happens over the next seven months I'll also be reasonably healthy. For the first time probably since I was a boy living on someone else's labor I'll have the magic trinity: Time, money and health, all at the same time!

I was watching videos about the Race to Alaska (R2AK) and that seems insane and awesome and worth dreaming about. But, a little closer and perhaps more reasonable is the annual Watertribe Everglades Challenge.

For those not in the know, the Everglades Challenge is an unsupported, expedition-style adventure race for kayaks, canoes, and small sailboats covering roughly 300 miles from Tampa Bay (Fort De Soto) to Key Largo, Florida, that must be finished in 8 days or less.

I've got the buy in from the wife. I didn't even have to fight for it (should I be worried?). So, I've been thinking of little boats to build or buy to do that race...

I'll most likely do the challenge in 2028, alone as I'm a bit of a grouch and I don't know anyone who'd be willing to deal with me on a tough adventure like this for a full week. Small boats only. The primary filter is that the boat has to be beach launched from above the high water line, by the crew. There use to be a bridge filter (ten foot high, 8 foot wide) but I think that has been done away with. Some manual propulsion when the wind is down, and from reading about past ECs, this is not uncommon, would seem essential.

I don't have a lot of experience with kayaks, and certainly not with long distance kayaking. Worth considering, but I'll probably lean towards the small sailboat side.

The 12' Welsford S.C.A.M.P. seems interesting.

The Windrider 17 trimaran is a cool option. Setup a tent on the trampolines if not camping ashore.

The W17 Mike Waters Trimaran also looks cool.

I think the Chesapeake Light Craft Northeaster Dory might work for me. It should be good to row and sail and holds quite a lot of weight. Maybe a little uncomfortable to sleep aboard, but I'm sure it can be managed.

The Angus Sailing Rowcruiser looks really cool with a little cabin.

So many other options, dozens, more maybe, that I looked at that I can't even remember right now. I thought convincing my wife was going to be the hard part. Instead the hardest part might be trying to figure out where to start.

I still have a niggling at the back of the brain, too, that if I can successfully get to the start line (and hopefully the finish line) that maybe I actually would to the R2AK someday as well. It would be cool to choose a boat that could do both, though they have very different conditions to deal with.

[CapnK]

I've long looked at that race and wanted to do it. Then, looking seriously into it a couple years ago, I found that they want $500 as an entrance fee for a solo skipper. (Bring a crew, that's another $500.) May be other fees as well (WaterTribe group membership? I dunno, stopped looking.).
For an unsupported race.
Why???

Cannot for the life of me, figure out what that crazy fee is for, other than to keep out the hoi polloi and other sailing rabble...

The Texas 200, as far as I know - no fee. Imagine that! ;) I'd *love* to do that one!

Closer to us, tho', is a similar race to the EC, but up in North Carolina, inside the Outer Banks. It may be a WaterTribe function. Not sure if there are fees for it.

Is there any law against starting from where and at the same time following the EC route and guidelines? I doubt it. We could start the PiratEC. or the FreeEC (pronounced 'freak' ;) )... ;D

I've got a great hull and spars for it, a '67 Canadian SailCraft Caprice 15. She's 14.5' loa, 6' beam, only 250#'s disp, nice fine entry and a smooth hard chine exit aft. Definitely a downwind planer. Light enough for the 1 manpower launch and/or rowing. Centerboard casing plywood replacement underway, then she just needs a rub n polish and a set of sails... Not mine in the pics, tho' it's in similar condition and same color.

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[wolverine]

There is a Wayfarer for sale near me. I'm tempted, but the timing is wrong. Just sold a boat and the wife would not be happy if I bought another. (still own 3)

Godot, look into the Florida 120. Fun bunch of folks.
Also the OBX130. I participated this year, but dropped out due to injuries and a lot of problems with my boat.