Worrell 1000: Appreciate the good days

(May 18, 2022) – The start of the ninth stage of the Worrell 1000 enjoyed a gorgeous morning on the beach at Wrightsville, NC as competitors prepared for the route to Atlantic Beach, NC. Some of the teams were red-eyed and tired: they hadn’t arrived to the finish here until after 1:00am this morning – and at 10:00am now – were weary about the leg to come.

As luck would have it, the winds were a forgiving 5 knots (barely), and the 13 teams all made it through the surf and on their way to Atlantic Beach without any drama. The forecast called for winds to slowly build to 10-12 knots, continuing from the Northeast, and with this 93-mile leg – the Race Committee was earnestly hoping for all teams to finish before the sun went down. They got their wish.

The wind Gods were extraordinarily kind, and by early afternoon, the teams were enjoying steady 13-15 knot breezes and double-trap conditions on relatively flat water. Team Rudee’s led the field as boats finished in “pods” of 3-4 teams within minutes of each other, with additional “pods” coming on less then a half-an-hour between.

The last two boats to finish: Way of Life and The Netherlands – arrived well before sunset – to the immense relief of all. There would be time for showers and civility before congregating at the Tackle Box Tavern for a planned Social Event at 7:00pm.

The Worrell 1000 is deeply grateful for each and every sponsor, with Rich Porter (owner of the Tackle Box Tavern and avid sailor) providing the event with its own pavilion, private bar, and food. The Mayor showed up (as he did in 2019) and again – gave the Worrell 1000 an official proclamation – fervently inviting competitors to return soon.

With all 13 teams fed, entertained, and settled in for the evening – the realization is how there were just three final legs to the finish at Virginia Beach and all 13 teams are still in the mix. A truly amazing feat. It’s extraordinarily rare that all teams that start a Worrell actually make it to the finish. Here is to hopes that this rarity becomes a reality….

Race details – Entry list – Results – Facebook – Photos

Schedule – 12 stages
• Day 1 – Monday 09 May 2022 – Hollywood, FL –> Jensen Beach, FL
• Day 2 – Tuesday 10 May 2022 – Jensen Beach, FL –> Cocoa Beach, FL
• Day 3 – Wednesday 11 May 2022 – Cocoa Beach, FL ->Daytona Beach, FL (CANCELLED)
• Day 4 – Thursday 12 May 2022 – Daytona Beach, FL -> Jacksonville Beach, FL
• Day 5 – Friday 13 May 2022 – Jacksonville Beach, FL –> Tybee Island, GA
• Day 6 – Saturday 14 May 2022 – Tybee Island, GA (lay day)
• Day 7 – Sunday 15 May 2022 – Tybee Island, GA –> Folly Beach, SC
• Day 8 – Monday 16 May 2022 – Folly Beach, SC -> Surfside Beach, SC
• Day 9 – Tuesday 17 May 2022 – Surfside Beach, SC –> Wrightsville Beach, NC
• Day 10 – Wednesday 18 May 2022 – Wrightsville Beach, NC -> Atlantic Beach, NC
• Day 11 – Thursday 19 May 2022 – Atlantic Beach, NC -> Hatteras, NC
• Day 12 – Friday 20 May 2022 – Hatteras, NC -> Kill Devil Hills, NC
• Day 13 – Saturday 21 May 2022 – Kill Devil Hills, NC ->Virginia Beach, VA

Source: Beverley J Simmons