Chuck Bargeron, Tybee Islander and Worrell 1000 director of research and development.
The race has gone through many iterations over the decades. Early on, there were three team members (two on the boat at a time), and they sailed continuously. “After 24 hours, one sailor would come off and another would come on, but they would sail day and night and end up doing the race in about four days,” Bargeron says. As the race grew and began getting sponsors, the format became racing to one destination each day and then staying there overnight. Now, it is a 13-day race (12 legs plus a lay day on Tybee), with each race day beginning at 10 a.m. and sailors racing until they get to the day’s check point. “It’s a Le Mans start off the beach,” explains Bargeron. “When the red flag comes down and the horn sounds, they all take off at the same time. Ground crews and the race officials then go to the next check point and set up what’s called the gate — two flags at the edge of the water creating an imaginary line. As the sailors come through that, we record their times.” Everyone is racing the clock, because the winner is determined by who has accumulated the least time by the end of the race. The goal is to go fast, but carefully. And though no one wants a broken boat or bone, the mantra extends beyond self-preservation: Since the race’s beginnings, the Worrell 1000 has remained committed to environmental stewardship. Participants organize beach cleanups as they pass through each beach, and they help to mark and preserve sea turtle nests, following all the proper guidelines so as not to disrupt nesting and hatching (the race takes place during nesting season). If you missed it this year, take heart and mark your calendars for the Worrell 1000’s 50th anniversary, coming to Tybee in May 2024. It’ll be worth the wait — you can bet on it.
Sailboats fall in line on the beach near 14th Street on Tybee Island for a short rest before setting sail again.
“When you see these teams, they’re not dressed for a sail. They’re dressed for survival.” — Chuck Bargeron, Worrell 1000 director of research and development
The stop on Tybee Island provides an opportunity for maintenance and adjustments to the boats.
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