I was wondering if anyone was planning to enter the Mug Race in Florida. It is a river race from Palatka, FL to Jacksonville, Fl. THe race is nearly 40 miles in length. I'm planning to enter with my 23.5. It will be my first attempt racing with the 23.5. I realize the 23.5 isn't a 'racer' but I'll try it anyway. If the Rudder Club (host club) gets 5 boats of the same type, they'll creat a class for those boats. It would be cool to have a H23.5 class. Any takers? Mike
Any one going to enter the Mug race in NE Florida
- Thread starter Mike Howell
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We have race in the Mug twice
it is a race that is very hard just to finish in the time allowed. We have finished once out of the two times. It was an experience, fun but makes for a very long 3 day weekend for us since we came from the middle of NC. I would recommend that you lighten up as much as possible and be ready for both extreams of weather. John USNret
it is a race that is very hard just to finish in the time allowed. We have finished once out of the two times. It was an experience, fun but makes for a very long 3 day weekend for us since we came from the middle of NC. I would recommend that you lighten up as much as possible and be ready for both extreams of weather. John USNret
Thinking about it
As mentioned, it's a three-day weekend and the logistics aren't simple. You have to get to Palatka on Friday, rig and drop the boat off, take the trailer and tow vehicle to Jax., and ride the shuttle back to Palatka in time to get some dinner and some sleep. The race is a staggered start with the slowest boats starting at about 7:45 am. I believe you have until 8:30 pm to finish. The awards ceremony is Sunday, after which you have to de-rig the boat and drive home. Click on link below for more info. That being said, I know several sailors who do the Mug every year without fail, and finishing it is a worthy achievement, so I may show up this year. Peter H23 "Raven"
As mentioned, it's a three-day weekend and the logistics aren't simple. You have to get to Palatka on Friday, rig and drop the boat off, take the trailer and tow vehicle to Jax., and ride the shuttle back to Palatka in time to get some dinner and some sleep. The race is a staggered start with the slowest boats starting at about 7:45 am. I believe you have until 8:30 pm to finish. The awards ceremony is Sunday, after which you have to de-rig the boat and drive home. Click on link below for more info. That being said, I know several sailors who do the Mug every year without fail, and finishing it is a worthy achievement, so I may show up this year. Peter H23 "Raven"
If the wind blows
If the wind blows, it is a great adventure. If there is little wind be prepared to motor 20 or 30 miles...
If the wind blows, it is a great adventure. If there is little wind be prepared to motor 20 or 30 miles...
Why not consider....
...the Clearwater, Naples/Key West Race instead. At least here you are out in the water with a chance of some decent sailing weather. The Naples leg is only 100 miles and there is a great party at the end. I'm planning on doing it this year. We won the race in '96 and had an absolute blast in Key West!
...the Clearwater, Naples/Key West Race instead. At least here you are out in the water with a chance of some decent sailing weather. The Naples leg is only 100 miles and there is a great party at the end. I'm planning on doing it this year. We won the race in '96 and had an absolute blast in Key West!
Alan, Questions about the race
Alan, When is this race? How long is it, length and duration? How many legs? Is it a race a water ballast 23 footer could safely race in? A few years ago, I crewed on a boat for the "Gulfstreamer" race (Daytona Beach FL to Charleston, SC). All boats had to be a minimum of 30' overall. Is there a class for 'smaller' boats. My H23.5 is STOCK, with the only 'improvement' being an IDASAILOR rudder and an asym spin. Keep in mind, I'm a novice racer. I only have about 8-10 races under my belt on 21-45 footers. I doubt I could find 'crew'. Mike
Alan, When is this race? How long is it, length and duration? How many legs? Is it a race a water ballast 23 footer could safely race in? A few years ago, I crewed on a boat for the "Gulfstreamer" race (Daytona Beach FL to Charleston, SC). All boats had to be a minimum of 30' overall. Is there a class for 'smaller' boats. My H23.5 is STOCK, with the only 'improvement' being an IDASAILOR rudder and an asym spin. Keep in mind, I'm a novice racer. I only have about 8-10 races under my belt on 21-45 footers. I doubt I could find 'crew'. Mike
Mike
I like your spirit. A check of the sailing instructions stipulates a minimum size of 24' and a minimum crew of 3 persons including the skipper. I'm racing on a friends H40 out of Marco Island. We've done this race 3 times and the parties in Key West are awesome. We spend 3 or 4 days of partying and then we have a separate return race back north. My advice to you is try crew on-board some local race boats for 'beer can' racing and get some valuable experience. You will learn more in a few weeks of racing than in years of cruising. Most racing sailors are more than willing to teach newbies the hows and whys.
I like your spirit. A check of the sailing instructions stipulates a minimum size of 24' and a minimum crew of 3 persons including the skipper. I'm racing on a friends H40 out of Marco Island. We've done this race 3 times and the parties in Key West are awesome. We spend 3 or 4 days of partying and then we have a separate return race back north. My advice to you is try crew on-board some local race boats for 'beer can' racing and get some valuable experience. You will learn more in a few weeks of racing than in years of cruising. Most racing sailors are more than willing to teach newbies the hows and whys.
You can do ti
The MUG race is along the St John's river. It is about 40 miles and boats as small as 14 feet successfully compete. There are many classes so I am sure there is a place for you.
The MUG race is along the St John's river. It is about 40 miles and boats as small as 14 feet successfully compete. There are many classes so I am sure there is a place for you.
Mug Race
Come on down and join the fun. I raced my Newport 28 last year in the Mug Race. We spent Thursday night at the Green Cove Springs Marina, which hosts a huge party that is no charge to racers, including tying up for the night. Then sailed to Palatka Friday in great winds, tied up with other racers at the Palatka marina and partied at the dock. Our start time was about 8:30 am and we finished in Jacksonville at 4:02 pm, taking 6th in our cruiser class in a very crowed finish. Not too bad for a first attempt at racing. Big party Saturday night at the sponsoring Rudder Club, dinner, beer and a band included, then an awards ceremony Sunday morning at breakfast. My crew said the 2006 conditions were the best he remembered out of 12 races with great winds in a the right direction, hoping for the same this year. I noticed several 23.5' Hunters last year, though not sure how they finished. Google the Jacksonville Rudder Club for details. There is a North Course for boats that cannot get under the 45' Shands bridge at Green Cove Springs.
Come on down and join the fun. I raced my Newport 28 last year in the Mug Race. We spent Thursday night at the Green Cove Springs Marina, which hosts a huge party that is no charge to racers, including tying up for the night. Then sailed to Palatka Friday in great winds, tied up with other racers at the Palatka marina and partied at the dock. Our start time was about 8:30 am and we finished in Jacksonville at 4:02 pm, taking 6th in our cruiser class in a very crowed finish. Not too bad for a first attempt at racing. Big party Saturday night at the sponsoring Rudder Club, dinner, beer and a band included, then an awards ceremony Sunday morning at breakfast. My crew said the 2006 conditions were the best he remembered out of 12 races with great winds in a the right direction, hoping for the same this year. I noticed several 23.5' Hunters last year, though not sure how they finished. Google the Jacksonville Rudder Club for details. There is a North Course for boats that cannot get under the 45' Shands bridge at Green Cove Springs.
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