Everglades Challenge

[Designer]

Just a quick heads up to let everyone know that I'll be running in the WaterTribe's Everglade Challenge race starting on March 5th. For those unfamiliar with this event, it is a 300 mile adventure race which runs from Tampa to Key Largo and has three required checkpoints along the way. I'm taking my own Core Sound 17 "Green Heron". I figured this is another good test of the boat and gear in hard-driving and varied conditions. As there will be the necessity of unstepping masts for bridges and rowing up to check points, it should be a really good test of her ease of handling and versatility. You can check out the race at www.watertribe.com

I have been busy getting the boat ready - so I've not been on the forum as much as usual these last days. I'll be listed as "roo" (everyone has to have a"tribal name").

[Dale Niemann]

Hi Graham,

I was planning to go to watch the start of the WaterTribe event this year, since I will not have my boat done in time. I wanted to do it myself. I know you will be a much better representative of Core Sound boats than I would have been. I have been following it since its inception. Depending on the weather, it can be a very grueling event.

If you have any spare time when you are in St. Pete/Clearwater area, I would like to meet you. Maybe we could meet for lunch or something.

While you are here, if you need anything for the boat or help in any way please call me. I will be happy to help.

Good luck and have a great time.

Dale

[Designer]

Dale, we will be at Fort Desoto on Friday afternoon and I would look forward to meeting you and showing you the boat if you could could make it.

[brian watkins]

I have often thought of how much fun this type of competition would be, especially for families. Glad to see someone does them! I especially like the idea of some rowing, low brdges and other challenges thrown in. In Scotland, the Great Glen Raid was a similar event, running the length of the Caledonian canal (including Loch Ness). Anything like it in the Pacific Northwest? Aside from the obvious Puget Sound location, the Lower Columbia could be a challenging venue. Anyway, good luck Graham, and have a blast!

[Dale Niemann]

Thanks Graham. I will plan to visit you on Friday and also be there for the race start the next morning.

[brigait1]

Graham,

Good luck in the race. A freind of mine competed several years ago when the wind was howling directly out of the north. On the first day, many of the less experienced canoers and kayakers were hauled out of the bay by the Coast Guard. Also, a few boats had high speed close encounters with oyster beds that put them out of commission. Finally, I have it on good authority that you must be on the lookout for crazy Russians in inflatable boats bearing gifts of vodka...

Have a great time, we are all pulling for you.

Pete B in Denton Texas

[Kidd]

Sounds like a grand adventure! I think it is a good idea putting in twin sweeps for this race. Good luck to you!