2012 Everglades Challenge on Hobie 16

Considering entering the 2012 Everglades Challenge in March on a Hobie 16. This 300 NM expedition trip is unassisted and very challenging. Anyone have experience with similar experience on distance sailing and racing? Any help is greatly appreciated.

I have a little experience the EC but not in an H16. I sailed a 20' trimaran (Tridarka Raider) the last two years. After getting stuck AGAIN in Florida Bay last year, I promised myself a smaller/lighter boat. And after figuring out that two other options (AI and 18' kayak with BOSS) weren't right for me, I decided to buy yet another H16 (my third) and try it next year.

We might want to talk offline. But my main message to you and anybody else on this forum who is considering such a race: Go practice long-distance sailing with all your camping and safety gear! Sitting or trapping on an H16 for 18 hrs straight is not for everyone. Captain/crew interactions can get a bit testy.

I've seen H18s and other cats in EC. The usual winner is a Tornado. But no H16s recently. It would be fun to have two next year.

Iszatarock

Ahhh, this would be a terrific challenge!! to bad I am four long days north!!

Good luck and please come back and tell us how it all went!!!

_________________
Dale Guthormsen

Where to be, On the Edge
2008 hobie 16

A week of sailing in Florida might look mighty attractive compared to your Canadian lakes come March.

If you're interested in the race, check out www.watertribe.com. There is a map showing boat positions starting March 3, 2012. We'll see how Randy Smyth does in the 1200 mile 'round Florida event this year. And his absence leaves a chance for a mortal to win first solo in the 300 mile Everglades Challenge.

Not sure if this has been discussed on another thread, but I've been really interested in doing multi-day cruises/races on my hobie 16 like this one. I haven't been able to find a whole lot of info on this 300 Nm trip. The websight has some info on it but I'm looking for what kind of ways people prepare for these trips on a Hobie 16.

Discuss away!

thanks

Sounds like a fun event. Can anyone give a bit more info on "all challengers crossing from the fresh water side to the salt water side must do this short portage" in the Everglades Challenge? I'd consider doing it on the 21 if it's possible.

As I recall, there is at least one very low bridge that you have to go under.

Thanks. I noticed that on the N.C. run, including going up the ditch (oops, checked and it's not the "ditch" but a parrallel waterway that goes in a similar direction-I've only sailed down the ditch) a ways. I can handle stepping the mast, and unstepping it, but was more concerned about any "portage" that had to be unassisted-wouldn't want to do a 1/4 mile on Cat Trax with the 21 through soft sand. The 40 mile portage in the around Fla. one seems a bit silly for sailboats, including allowing the change of types of boats to do it.

The Everglades Challenge does show promise though, depending on that "portage". I noticed in some of the videos there were some 18s starting, including a Magnum.

To get some idea of the race, try a practice race in the backyard. Get out there for a long weekend. Load up the boat with all your gear and food that you will need for living on the boat till time to go back to work. Drag it around the yard on the beach wheels for a while. (I will volunteer to bring my beach wheels to Placida for you if you do the race. I live fairly close by) Make sure that the neighbor kids know what you are doing. They would love to rock the boat at inopportune moments and hit you with the hose.

The Everglades Challange takes you to some of the best sailing water. You'll get to see some amazing wildlife. And you would certainly have a story or 2 to tell the grandkids.

i did the race a few years ago and will share my exp. Dont do it. lol no really it was the best experience of my life. you must train you must prepare and a year is just about enough time to do it. I refurbed a hobie 14 and spent long hours getting ready. My mistake was not having ref points on the main. yes a hobie 14 yes i was way over weight with gear and provisions. I want to do it again but the body is sending other messages. i used every bit of knowledge i had about sailing and being on the water. florida bay is a very dangerous place. if anyone wants my knowledge [email protected]