Yes, it is a lovely boat, and Tom you are correct that it is a CLC Mill Creek 16. I believe that is the third different boat that Tom has used for the Everglades Challenge.
Our conversation here prompted me to read up on the EC a bit over at the WaterTribe web page. Yeah, kayak-sailors historically have not done too well, it appears to be the worst of both worlds. In other words, if you are a pure paddler, you can cut many miles off your route by going inland thru the Everglades and then (almost) straight across the Florida Bay. If you sail, you have to go around the outside but you go faster/tire less. A Kayak-Sail is no help in the mangroves and just gets you in trouble as you try to navigate the channels in Florida Bay. The rig is just extra weight to carry.
I believe you've sailed the Keys with Tom and Babe, and I've both kayak and sailed there a bit. Beautiful but don't miss the channel markers and wind up on the flats! And don't ever get out of your boat. The flats are basically quicksand/"quickmud" with an inch of water over it. No thanks. It's what makes the EC such a challenge.
8 comments:
lovely photos and canoe
Is that a CLC Mill Creek 16? Beautiful photos, godspeed to Tom on the EC300!
Yes, it is a lovely boat, and Tom you are correct that it is a CLC Mill Creek 16. I believe that is the third different boat that Tom has used for the Everglades Challenge.
I built the smaller one for my son, years back. Is Tom going to use a sail? Mill Creek will stand up to it without needing amas....
I believe he plans on paddling. Not aware of a sail. steve
Our conversation here prompted me to read up on the EC a bit over at the WaterTribe web page. Yeah, kayak-sailors historically have not done too well, it appears to be the worst of both worlds. In other words, if you are a pure paddler, you can cut many miles off your route by going inland thru the Everglades and then (almost) straight across the Florida Bay. If you sail, you have to go around the outside but you go faster/tire less. A Kayak-Sail is no help in the mangroves and just gets you in trouble as you try to navigate the channels in Florida Bay. The rig is just extra weight to carry.
I believe you've sailed the Keys with Tom and Babe, and I've both kayak and sailed there a bit. Beautiful but don't miss the channel markers and wind up on the flats! And don't ever get out of your boat. The flats are basically quicksand/"quickmud" with an inch of water over it. No thanks. It's what makes the EC such a challenge.
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