I'm sorry if this has been covered. I am new to this site and to thinking about doing the Everglades Challenge and have been in the process of wanting to build a sailboat and even maybe race it in the EC. I already have multiple kayaks (both strip and kevlar/glass) and canoes (not a sailing canoe or kayak) but really didn't want to race it in a kayak. I wanted to try it mainly in a sailing type boat. I used to race Thistles on Lake Erie in my college days - probably 3 full Summers of racing and even thought about finding an old Thistle to restore and do the race in after fixing it up or modifying it.
So my question is, short of the multihulls which seem to be winning most things in sailing today, and even the sounds like number one choice of the Core Sound boats, can I get some advice on boat choices. I really wanted to build something, and even though I would like a Sea Pearl or something along that line, I want to build it.
I thought about a sailing canoe - Bufflehead or similar. Really didn't want a kayak, even with sailing rig and outriggers. Already have plans for a Sooty Tern, but I think and have been told it will be too heavy. Also seen the Walkabout that just did it and wouldn't be out of the question to get the plans and do it in one of those. But is there a compiled list of the winningest (sp?) boats used in the EC. I guess I could go through all the results and rosters and put one together but really wanted comments and suggestions.
If anyone has any advice please let me know.
Regards,
Ed