Brian
Mark does have a good attitude about the Worrell, but our team is real disappointed about not having the race this year.
I think a lot of teams spent a lot more than the 5,000 entry fee. Our team bought a boat to practice with and prepare (it seemed to break something about every time we went out)just for the worrell - $13,000, new sails - $2,500, new boards - $800, new rudders - $600, and new rigging, flares and equipment, shirts with sponsors and the name worrell 1000 2003 on them, plus lots of money spent traveling and practicing.
As far as the 2004 Worrell, I don't think that there are very many teams getting that kind of sponsorship to be able to afford to enter. The years I have been in the race as a sailor or ground crew there were very few teams that had a 30,000 dollar sponorship. It would be hard for me to go buy a Narca F18 to practice on when I already own a Tiger, but if you want to be competitive you need to get the boat tuned and learn how to sail it fast before the race. I also think Mike will have a harder time getting the race going next year with all those charter boats, rental trucks, charts and equipment. The race is just getting to complex and there does not seem to be any big sponsors.
This is the first year for the Tybee 500 and I bet there will be 40 entries more than any Worrell 1000. Why? Because it does not cost so much, you can bring the boat you own - you don't have to go out and buy a new boat every year. If Mike Worrell would have chosen to do the race on the I 20 this year we would all be going down to South Beach in a few weeks because teams already had boats and equipment.
I hope Mike Worrell can pull it off and have a great race in 2004 and find a big sponsor.

Just my opinion

D Lennard