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.

North Carolina Challenge Video

I have completed the video for the Watertribe NCC:

Some more NCC Pictures

2011 North Carolina Challenge

Last week I participated in the Watertribe North Carolina Challenge held on Cedar Island. I had my AI and there were three TI's in the race. Overall the Hobie Islands did very well and came in Second and Third. This is Part 1 of my Video:

I had several equipment failures:

1) Mirage drive was not fully latched on one side. When I applied pressure that side popped out and the latch closed it self below not allowing the drive to drop back in. Because of the angle the other side release hit the hex bolt and will not allow that side to be released. I was stuck up the creek without a paddle. To release you need to remove the two very small plastic screws on the handle so that the lever can clear the bolt. 2) The mast would jump out of the mast receiver ~2" when close hauled. I had to luff up to reseat the mast under the latch. This became harder as the race went on. After the race I noticed that two of the four screws holding the metal plate inside the receiver tube had fallen out and the other bolts were backing out. Also the latch screws were very loose allowing the latch to pivot. This prevented the mast from seating fully down and properly engaging in the locked position. My Hobie dealer is slightly at a loss. Any repair recommendations are appreciated. The mast plate will be the hardest to correct. Locktite might not be the answer since I believe Hobie uses that in the installation...

Watertribe North Carolina Challenge

This past May I did a practice run with my son for the Watertribe North Carolina Challenge. This year the race will be held on September 30th. It starts and ends on Cedar Island, North Carolina. If you like a little Adventure, this is the race for you. There is plenty of time to accomplish this course. The people that you meet and the food that you eat can't be beat.

This race is for all types of small boats like kayaks, sail and multihulls. Register now and you will not regret your decision.