Pete, I'm not sure why you'd be dissuaded from this race. Yes, it is logistically a bit more of a hassle than a bouy race, but the course itself is relatively sheltered (dare I say "inland") most of the course.

The several I had completed in the past were always fun, even the drifters, because of the huge participation.

One year I had someone drive the trailer down to Largo. Next year I sailed back up the next day. Once I set up in Largo, sailed to Miami (spent night in Miami) and raced back down.

One year I did round trip non-stop. (The non-stop route was most fun since you're picking through the mono fleet around the half-way point... )