Rough weather ahead

The wind is blowing 20 - 25 knots tonight. Waves are predicted to be 4 foot in the morning and blowing straight onto the beach. It will be a interesting launch. 

Getting ready for the NCC

Watertribe North Carolina Pamlico Challenge

Friday at 0700 is the start of the Latest Watertibe race. I am packed and ready. This year is the first time for a 300 mile race in North Carolina. The winds are not looking good.

I have added some double dodger protection that also doubles as my on the water sleeping tent.

 I cut up a old tent and re-sewed it into cockpit shelter.

Durant Island

I am on the north side of Durant island just off the entrance to alligator River.

North Carolina Practice

I am in North Carolina leaving Big Flatty boat ramp. I have to cross Albemarle Sound to Alligator River, the north end of the Watertribe NCPC Challenge. 

Practice for the NCPC, Watertribe Challenge

Baltimore Channel

Six  miles to the Eastern Shore. 

Kiptopeake State park

Arrived at my destination. Take a little break, eat my lunch then turn around and head home.

Fishermans Island

At the base of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. 

Another Derby Practice

No wind. The currents are against me. Heading for the Chesapeake Bay to find a little wind. I am hoping for a little afternoon thunderstorm to give me a boost.

A long rough day

The day has been mostly windless with lots of opposing currents. I have 11 miles to go to the finish line. 

Getting ready for Captain's Meeting

Arrived at Okome Fest

Lots of wooden boats. My plastic will look out of place. 

GVI Bunny Hop Race

Another race with the GVI sunfish fleet.

Everglades Challenge Day #1 Video

Video of the 2013 Watertribe Challenge from the Start to Check Point #1:

A cold front had brought in some cold wind and sea from the north. The following seas had made for a exciting ride down the coast.

Working On EC Videos

I have downloaded my video from the EC. I put together a quick pre-race day video to test out everything.

Stand Up Paddle Guy Arrives!

Pelican's TI

Off Naples Pelican's TI had a aka pop off. Boat flipped and did some damage. Then they got pushed into rock jetty's. the boat was completely chewed up by the rocks. They lost everything.

More of Key Largo

Time to start

The last mile

Finish Line At Key Largo

Lots more finishers this year.

Heading for the finish line

Across the street from the motel is a very tall antenna mast. I am 12 miles away and I can see that mast. That means the finish is near. P

Coming up to Longboat Pass

Jet exhaust on the Akas ?

Hobie's Penguin Man

Hobie Engineer doing the EC.

Largest boat in the race

What are they thinking about?

Ultimate comfort

Roger and his floating bean bag.

Shackelford ?

More

More boats

How big is yours?

My boat next to a competitor.

Lots of Tshirts

107 boats. Some doubles.

Checking in

WaterTribe registration.

Checking in

WaterTribe registration.

The journey begins

I am off. Hardest part is getting there. 14 hours of nonstop driving.

Packing up for the WaterTribe EC

I have finished at work and finally can finish packing for my long drive tomorrow to the WaterTribe Everglades Challenge. This year my planning and preparation has been shabby. Good thing that I have developed a regular system that allows me just to pick up and go. Worst fear is that I might have forgotten something vital. Improvise.

One week to Watertribe Everglades Challenge

In one week at 0700 Eastern Time 107 small boats will launch on a 300 mile race. There are enough Hobie Islands to have our own Island Class. You can follow all the tracks of the racers on the Hobie Watertribe Mapper site.

http://www.watertribe.com/Events/ChallengeGMapper.aspx

Event: EC2013
Class: There are several Hobie Classes. Standard Hobie OR Hobie IM (Modified - Jib)
Challenger: Note - Penguinman is Hobie's own Engineer;
Display Detail: "Show Track and All Waypoint" will show detail and speed. Must be a single Challenger;

MOST IMPORTANT: Push "Regenerate View" to redraw the map...

I will be on the starting line flying my DogsLife flag.

I am thinking about starting a Watertribe "Island Club". I will be on the right side of the starting line. The drop-off is a little better there. If we can get the Hobie's together in the same area then we can take a nice picture...

What if I can not find a camp site?

This year I will take the Everglades Waterway to earn the Gator Tooth Award. The greatest challenge will be the insects and making it to designated camp sites. I might have to spend some time in not so favorable locations. This is my on the water plan. Bug net covered with a tarp from my Hennessy Hammock.

Ultimate Bug Protection?

I am trying to figure out what would be a workable system in case I do not make a camp site traveling the Everglades Waterway. My biggest enemy will not be the Alligators or the Pythons. It is the insects that will drive you mad!!! If I must I can get a few hours of shut eye right in the boats cockpit. Tie off to a mangrove and wait for tides or winds to change.

Getting equipment ready for the EC

A WaterTribe Challenge involves both physical and mental preparation.

I have to go over my gear to a point where the boat becomes a extension of my body.

EC Practice to Thimble Shoal Light

With the Watertribe Everglades Challenge getting near I went out today to put on some practice miles. The weather was warm with very little wind.

My destination was the Thimble Shoals Light House. The total distance was 26nM.