WaterTribe Challenger Log Book

WaterTribe Classes:
Class 1 - Expedition Kayaks and Canoes
Class 2 - Racing Kayaks and Canoes
Class 3 - Sailing Kayaks and Canoes
Class 4 - Small Sailboats - (2001-2008) monohulls, cats, tris
Class 4 - Monohull Sailboats - (As of 2009) monohulls
Class 5 - Multihull Sailboats - (As of 2009) cats, tris
Size Filter - All boats must launch from above the
high water mark without outside assistance.
This Challenge is an expediton style adventure race for small boats. The time limit is 8 days but the winners will do it in 3 to 4 days. The distance is 260 to 300 miles depending on your course.
Challenger Log
Captain: RidgerunnerClass 4, Single Male
Boat Description: Sea Pearl 21 -- I bought hull number 31 last summer, manufactured in 1983. It's a leeboard cat ketch modeled off a whale boat. She draws about three inches with boards up. I have been scraping off barnicles and updating some equipment. VanMan took one of these to explore the fijords of Patagonia and wrote a great article for Cruising World. They are now manufactured in Tarpon Springs by Marine Concepts (http://www.marine-concepts.com/).
Fort Desoto3/8/2003The boat is heavy, but I will be comfortable after I get off the beach. I plan to sleep aboard most nights. A northeast to northwest wind will make the trip go easy. My biggest fear is an east wind through the Tin Can channel in Florida Bay -- then I'll have to row. I will be happiest going outside in a reaching wind. I wish everyone good luck.
CP1, 67 Miles
Grande Tours
3/9/2003 6:20:00 PM93.3 miles to get here - beating all the way since 1:50 this morning. The secret is patience - Just hope there's enough time to finish this week.
CP2, 174 Miles
Chokoloskee
3/11/2003 3:30:00 PMNever got out of the boat since Placida. 70 miles in 24 hour period. Now I have a chance of finishing. Dog tired and french fried. And hoping for wind.
CP3, 273 Miles
Flamingo
3/13/2003 10:00:00 AMWell rested - turning right around.
Finish, 303 Miles
Key Largo
3/14/2003 12:30:00 AMTaking against the tide in Tin Can is tacky. - All day tacking. In awe of the paddlers and Matt.