Catamarans racing in storm.
May 14, 2024 – Hollywood, Florida
The 50th Anniversary and the 23rd running of the world-renowned Worrell 1000 extreme, distance catamaran race season kicked off to an exciting start on May 12th at Hollywood Beach, Florida. This regatta has drawn participants from the United States, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and France, highlighting its global appeal.
The competition began in stunning weather conditions, with a steady wind of 10-15 knots favoring the racers. The competition showcased some of the fastest racing ever recorded in the event’s history. The challenging race is not without its trials, leading to a few injuries among the competitors – a testament to the high-stakes nature of this exciting event.
During Leg 1, from Hollywood to Jensen Beach, racers experienced changing wind patterns that added to the challenge. However, it was Team Australia 1, that stormed through to the finish line first, in a record-breaking time of 6 hours, 22 minutes, and 47 seconds.
Leg 2 of the race, from Jensen to Cocoa Beach, presented a stark contrast from the 2022 event. From equipment malfunctions to unfavorable wind conditions leading to unexpected flips, this leg had its fair share of drama. However, competitors’ spirit and resilience shone through with Team Meerkat managing to bounce back from a calamity to finish sixth for the day, proving that the race is far from over.
In arguably the most thrilling part of the day, Team Australia 1 set a new record by completing the leg in just 4 hours, 13 minutes, and 59 seconds, earning them a place in the event’s history.
Leg 3, which commenced from Cocoa to Daytona Beach, was equally fraught with nerve-wracking moments and exhilarating victories. From equipment malfunctions to near capsizes, racers were met with multiple challenges. Moreover, the arrival of a thunderstorm system brought an additional element of unpredictability to the proceedings. However, the sturdy catamarans, aided by robust support teams and quick response by coast guards, ensured the competition continued with high spirits.
Despite everything, the tenacity of the sailors shone brighter than ever, proving that the Worrell 1000 isn’t just a test of skill, but also a testimony to strength, courage, and resilience.
As the Regatta continues, the audience, both physically present and following on live trackers, wait on tenterhooks to see what the rest of the race holds in store. Amid unpredictable weather, record-breaking times, and extraordinary perseverance, the 2024 Worrell 1000 promises to be a historic event.
To stay updated on the progress of the race, one can track live on the official Worrell 1000 Race website and social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.