Almost as long as there have been PDRacers, there has been talk about doing the Everglades Challenge in one. So many have completed the Texas200 in them that no one even bothers any more, but the EC is so far unconquered by one of the little boxes.

Scott Widmier has decided to pick up the gauntlet. You can read his articles at  www.pdracer.com

Below is a drawing of Scott's purpose built EC PDR. This boat and the campaign will cost money. Scott is not rich - he is a working stiff with a family just like most of us. He is committed to making this happen, but we want to help. Duckworks has pledged the first $250 toward his effort. We hope you will be generous in your support. We will make sure every cent gets to Scott - we are even going to pay the credit card processing costs.

I asked Shorty to add a few words and this is what he said:

The Everglades Challenge is the toughest small boat race on the planet, and small boat sailors have been facing the endeavor in many different forms.

Some build exotic speed demons to beat the ever shrinking best time, some drive their craft only by the strength of their arms, there have been many unusual craft and lots of conventional boats simply hoping to finish the course which can be extremely punishing.    2012 will be the first time in history that anyone has tried to run the challenge in a Puddle Duck Racer, and is being attempted by Scott Widmier.

Is it even possible to finish the race?  This is a question that has been talked about since the first PDRacer was built.   Duckers have participated in events such as the Texas 200 and proven the seaworthness of a well built duck, but the Everglades Challenge is a race with a specific time limit and wildly varying weather conditions.   With a handicap rating of 140, the PDRacer is the slowest of the recognized class racing boats, so the ability to finish in time is highly questionable.   Looking at other feats that duckers have accomplished and duck performance data, I personally told Scott that I'd guess at a 30% chance of success, with my most optimistic glasses on.

Despite the odds and serious personal risk, Scott is going for it.   He is building a new duck that is customized for this race and training.  We have a special page with all of his articles about building his duck and will be reporting his run in the event at http://www.pdracer.com/2011/everglades-challenge-2012/

I've got my fingers crossed and have asked Flaca Vero for her help, cause this is a huge mountain that Scott has chosen to climb.   If you want to help out and/or get involved, you can join the forum that is setup for the attempt:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ecpuddleduck/

Shorty