[quote=bradinjax]I did the Mug Race the first time in '84 or '85 in a Hobie 16. Then off and on through the years depending on the strengths and weaknesses of whatever boat I owned at the time and a favorable weather forecast for my PHRF.
It can be a sprint but it could be a marathon. 38 miles from Palatka, FL to the Buckman Bridge in Jacksonville, FL on the St. Johns River in 12 hours or less is the course. The current record is 2 hours and 15(?) mins or so by an RC-27.
If the prevailing wind from the southeast is working it is basically a drag race. Any wind with a northern component makes for a long day. Light winds from any direction are especially challenging as the mid to late afternoon land breeze/sea breeze kicks in. If there are light wind conditions you get 180 degree wind changes commonly as well as huge holes of no air and strong favorable conditions that are unreachable 100 yards away.
There are tides and currents to deal with as well as swirling winds off the tall cypress trees that line both sides of the river for most of the route. The good news is it is not particularly shoal-y with decent water depth for most boats from shore to shore.
Last year there were 83 entries from 14 countries with only 12 or 14 finishers. It is often referred to as the "Longest river sailboat race in the world".
Watch for crab traps.
Hope all that sounds like fun!
I will be there...
Brad[/quote]
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