To Go Forth Unto the Waters...Countdown to Everglades Challenge 2021

Each year, my favorite skipper (aka Mr. Linton, aka TwoBeers) applies his specific set of skills to an adventure race called The Everglades Challenge.

It's a 300-mile race from St. Petersburg to Key Largo. No motors (but rowing is okay).

​He and O.H.Rodgers designed and built a 22-foot sloop known as the Spawn of Frankenscot. He and Jahn Tihansky (aka Coach, aka Moresailesaid) have made the sprint four times.

For the full history of the Spawn program, browse around on the blog. The event is marked by thrills, spills, no frills, and saltwater crocs. Plus sleep deprivation (for those on the water and for us on shore keeping an eye on them) and a fixation on the weather.

Each boat is equipped with a satelite tracker as well as a cartload of safety gear.

The naturally socially-distanced event selects for mad-scientists and salty mariner types alike. Still, my own Dr. Frankenstein made only a few small adjustments to his program for 2021.

He rewired the water-ballast pumps and beefed up the battery situation. He added hinges and latches to the ports leading to the forward "stateroom."

He rejiggered the storage bags. He shaved a few inches from the rudders and added tent-poles to make roomier camping accommodations.

The race begins at sunrise on Saturday, March 6, 2021.

Click on the map below for a link to the WaterTribe tracking map.  BTW, that site is sometimes overloaded during the event. 

Additionally, I will try to update the Spawn Facebook page with news as the event unfolds over the weekend.  

​Fingers crossed and knocking wood...