Like many great ideas, the Worrell 1000 had its interesting beginnings. While it may not have started as a commercial venture, the ability to sustain such an event year after year requires cash. The nature of competition has had its influence, too. The need for speed has taken the event away from the days of the Hobie 16 to today's race that is often a test bed for newer, faster (and safer) designs.

Yup. It all costs money. But, there's a big ocean out there with plenty of room for new challenges from those seeking a perhaps less expensive alternative. There are also a lot of shorter distance races being organized that require less committment in terms of dollars and time.