2018 FL Skiff Challenge

[dombern34]

my money is on Chittum Boatworks. would like to see the small guy win it

[Salty Gator]

Last year Panga made the Gulf crossing from Sikes Cut over to around Homosassa in some pretty nasty conditions. I couldn't believe what I was seeing when their tracker showed them taking that route. They ended damaging their hull on the crossing and had to pull out the next day. There's video of it somewhere, but I can't seem to find it.

Hull damage huh? That’s not good seeing as how they pimp how great pangas handle chop

[silverking]

The race is on. Started at dawn today in Pensacola and the teams cleared Cedar Key this afternoon. Should have favorable winds tonight and early tomorrow but run into that front as it crosses the state. Hope everyone arrives at the finish line safely.

Chris, were you able to follow the action along the coast?

[doomtrpr_z71]

Chittum looked they were having a rough time on Instagram.

[Gulf Coast]

Obviously they've all heard about the rock garden

[STMU]

Looks like they are all in the keys now, and taking different courses. Hells bay went gulf side, and the yellowfin is running up the Atlantic. The link below has a live map if you scroll down a bit.

https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/flor ... -challenge

[HighOnTheFlats]

the Hells Bay guys are doing pretty good.

[HighOnTheFlats]

Hells Bay took 1st place.

[procraftwes]

How about how out of control "skiffs" have gotten?

I love the modern style but IMO if you can't run a tiller it's not a skiff .

[silverking]

Just got back from Cabin Bluff Lodge, which was the finish line. Will post the press release on here asap, but here are the quick results:

1. Team Hell's Bay, 38 hours
2. Team Yellowfin, 41 hours
3. Team Chittum
4. Team Panga Marine

The crews (and press contingent) were all whipped after 1,600 miles and staggered finishes throughout the wee hours of this morning.

[Salty Gator]

Just got back from Cabin Bluff Lodge, which was the finish line. Will post the press release on here asap, but here are the quick results:

1. Team Hell's Bay, 38 hours
2. Team Yellowfin, 41 hours
3. Team Chittum
4. Team Panga Marine

The crews (and press contingent) were all whipped after 1,600 miles and staggered finishes throughout the wee hours of this morning.

Thanks for posting Capt Dave, did the panga finish this year?

[SHOWBOAT]

this is very, very cool. However, are these guys really averaging 42 mph including fuel stops, driving at night, open water, etc? 1600/38=42.1

[silverking]

Yes, all four teams finished this year's Challenge.

Fuel stops only took a couple minutes, as the ground crews had cans of gas ready along with food, dry clothes, etc.

Average speeds overall were 37-38 mph, they said. Had to slow down at times due to seas and hauled butt others whenever they could.