The Everglades Challenge started this morning. I have a friend in "The Challenge" this year (sailing a WindRider 17 trimaran). According to messages relayed from the site, there are 40 boats competing in the various classes. I saw at least one Hobie Cat and an Adventure Island in the photographs taken at the start:
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=408928703&size=m&context=photostream
If the participants get the winds the forecasters have been predicting, the sailboats will have a beam reach for two days followed by a broad reach/run for the final leg. With winds at 15 to 20, it looks like the sailors will have it alot easier than the paddlers.
Some additional "passed-along" information from later in the day: Two proa's had difficulties and one has withdrawn. A Sea Pearl has been dismasted and has withdrawn. Several canoes and kayaks capsized on the passage from Ft. Desoto across the mouth of Tampa Bay to Anna Maria Island. (Sorry, but I have no news about the Hobies.)
If anyone is interested in seeing the photos taken at the starting point this morning, "Watertribe" uploaded an album to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wturn/tags/watertribe/
BTW: My friend's WindRider can be seen in image #1963 (with the blue/grey/white sail):
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=408930169&context=photostream&size=l
If anyone else has information, I'd like to hear more. Otherwise, I'll try to post information, as best I can, as I hear it.
joanie
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