March 9, 2019. Water Tribe Challenge In Florida.

When it gets cooler birds often migrate to warmer waters during the winter and it's well known that Sandpiper's Sailboats like to sail close to sandy shores but, why is this Sandpiper sitting so high and dry above the costal high water mark in the photo?

Water Tribe Challenges are well know for their tough expedition-style small boat races, that could be dangerous, as there are no safety boats, safety nets and or excuses. This race has a time limit of 8 days and is a qualifier for the Ultimate Florida Challenge Race.

Our Congratulations go out to the Michigan Sandpiper Boat Crew "Ergie".

- Steven Bailey (aka KneadingWater), skipper.
- Bryan Cornwal (aka DrDoLittle), crew.
- Denny Thorley (aka Seiche). crew.

Together they competed and sailed 300 miles in (5 days, 10 hours, and 9 minutes) and received 2nd place in the class 6 0 - Exhibition Class (with auxiliary motor) in the "Florida Everglades Challenge 2019", sponsored by the "Water Tribe Kindred Spirits".

This was their first attempt in this type of race using a Sandpiper 565 Sailboat, but Steve has also competed a few times in past years using his Sea Kayak.

Steve's comment on Water Tribe was "Erige has mostly sailed the waters or Lake Erie (aka Erige by native Iroquois and Huron Tribes. They name the lake after the cat as they are wild and unpredictable); however she sure like to play with dolphins".

There are a few other Sandpipers Sailboats that often get down to sail in Florida (for example: ShortWave).

Most Sandpipers launch/haul off using a trailer, but drag (roll) the Sandpiper ON and OFF a beach, Wow! These guys are really dedicated and are having a pile of fun in the process, while we wait for the snow to melt.

Watch You-Tube-Movies
- (Ergie @ time 3:51) Everglades Challenge 2019: Day Zero, Boats on the Beach.
- (Ergie @ time 00:08, 00:28 and 08:00) Everglades Challenge 2019 (drone view)
- (Ergie @ 5:10 9:27, 11:59) Everglades Challenge 2019 (cellphone view)

The Water Tribe Challenges are well know for their tough expedition-style small boat races, that could be dangerous, as there are no safety boats, safety nets and or excuses. This race has a time limit of 8 days and is a qualifier for the Ultimate Florida Challenge Race.