Popped this info on a proposed distance race up on the old forum in responce to questions about it from Eric .
--thought it might get some positive input and added ideas here .--
Hi Eric
Congrates again on organizing a fantastic Performance Nationals, organizing any race is an overwhelming task that requires help from many good people in numerous aspects, -permits insurance, sponsors rules entry, etc. –

Agree this type of distance racing on a large open body of water should be on two person boats.
All required gear and equipement as per Worrell rules would be in effect with similar safety inspection check before the race.
Ideally you would team up with another good skipper for the distance race portion. The distance race is in the concept planning stage, seeking help from CRAM or some of its members on the permits, insurance. aspects and any other parts others would volunteer to help with. Plan to see the actual checkpoint locations over the Holidays. Will keep you updated on progress.

We have a fantastic 3 days buoys race on Lk Mich. each year in Aug.—the CatFight 4 with 80 boats or more attending. The following weekend we traditionally have the Red Fox regatta on Lk Charliviox MI. that is connected to Lk Mich. approx. 200 miles North up the coast. It is a really interesting combination distance and buoys race on one of the most beautiful lakes anywhere of approx. 20 miles Sat to Boyne and return Sun to Charliviox. Hosted by the Yacht Club with 14 different classes of sailing craft from 60-ft monos down with over 100 entrants. Catamarans have made up approximately 35 of these in years past. Really a beautiful site to look back downs the lake and see that many sails and spinnakers flying. The catamaran classes start last so your sailing past almost 100 boats by the finish, -no easy task sailing through the leeward side of huge monohulls in large groups with chutes when its gusting to 20. -

The proposed distance race portion would be a Worrell type race of approx. 200 miles .It would be sailed up the sand beach coastline of Lk Mich. that week in 4 legs of approximately 50 miles each beginning Monday after the C F 4 with a layday Friday before the Red Fox. Not the grueling 120 mile leg distances or typical 80 of the Worrell but any would need to be in good physical condition to participate in all 3 events, being a triathlon of catamaran sailing in effect over 10 days.

Legs would be –Mon.–Muskegon to Ludington ,--Tues -Ludington to Frankfort,-Wed.Frankfort to Leelanaw or Traverse City ,-Thurs T C to Charlivoix.
All Classes would be welcome including larger cats and Tris like RTI ,Some may be in the area from the Macinac races.This fits with the mixed racing of the following Red Fox regatta , All Formula Classes would be encouraged to partisipate.

Entrants would register for the 3 events seperately and of course race any one or all.


Time off for the week before Laborday weekend and logistics of ground crew are problems that will keep many from participating, -but that should not stop others that may wish to get the experiences of a Worrell type distance race that have the vacation time and wish this type of racing experience.

Very concerned about safety aspects, Mary brought up some good points about women in the Worrell and other concerns. Notice there are no night legs in the Worrell this year, influenced by her articles on them, she is effective. Some good discussion on safety aspects there .

We had a great Mich distance race of 100 miles up the Lk Mich coastline in 2000, would really like to resume it again in some form .
Again this is in the planning concept feasibility stage,attempting to walk through it step by step, and will keep info and progress updated.

added -
We had some great ideas ,-one to add a cruising class ,-for those that might want to just sail up the coastline in a group ,
They may push off the beach earlier and hold to the coastline.

A larger cat class ,-and tri class sounds great too.
please add any ideas -

Happy Holidays
Carl