For those salt-crusted sailors who have known about, followed or even competed in the legendary Worrell 1000 race, the Michael Worrell-created logo stands as one of the most recognized in the small-cat sailing world. Born from a bar bet between Michael and his brother Chris in 1974, the race is approaching its 50th year anniversary. And although the event did not take place during each and every one of those 50 years, it has stood not only the test of time, but endured many format changes, growing pains, logistical and planning issues, and more than its fair share of drama.
From that 1st race between just the Worrell brothers in 1974 to its larger, more organized formats through 1984 - the race was exclusively run on Hobie 16 catamarans. As the race grew in popularity, and in turn, in the number of boats competing, it became increasingly clear that a spinnaker boat was better suited to this arduous, open-ocean event. As the race moved away from its 24-hour continuous format to the spectator-friendly checkpoint-to-checkpoint racing, it became clear that faster, powerful boats were more exciting. From 1986 to 2002 the race required 20’ catamarans, with some modified class boats allowed through 1999. Spinnaker boats made for easier event planning, as boats were able to run each leg faster and reach the individual checkpoints in plenty of time for the teams to have the opportunity to get in a comfortable shower and enjoy a nice meal, drinks and camaraderie with fellow sailors.
With the event resurrected in 2019 with just three boats competing after a 17-year hiatus, the Worrell 1000 this May welcomes seventeen teams representing 6 different countries - All being sailed on the only boat allowed: F18 catamarans. With that, the logo has been updated to include the modern boat design, though not straying far from the nostalgic, original format.
There will be other new and exciting elements to the race this May as well. The winning team will now be honored with a Champion’s Perpetual Trophy, and all competitors will have the chance to be named the recipient of the new sportsmanship award that will also be perpetual, and will bear the name of our fallen sailor and Worrell alumni, Sandra Tartaglino - taken from us far too soon. Several sponsored Social Events will host the competitors and event staff from restaurants and businesses that are equally excited to see the race return. And the event brings back its hey-day tradition of a formal awards banquet that will take place the day after racing commences, with a program to include honoring another Worrell competitor and prior champion who we lost in a tragic plane crash in July of 1983 - Ron Anthony.
For more information regarding the event, please visit our official website at: https://worrell1000race.com/
And be sure to follow the Worrell on Facebook, where live feeds will be broadcast daily during the event: https://www.facebook.com/Worrell1000
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