Boating endurance event raises awareness about Florida water issues, draws thousands of fans.
The 7th Annual Florida Skiff Challenge kicks off today, April 7th, at the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill in Pensacola and is set to finish in Fernandina Beach on April 9th.
This multi-day test of mental and physical endurance began as a battle for bragging rights between boat manufacturers, but has evolved into an annual awareness event to spotlight Florida’s water issues and the connectivity between clean water and a healthy economy.
This year, six teams will put their 18-foot skiffs to the ultimate test, circumnavigating the 1,300-mile Florida peninsula by sea from state line to state line. Each five-man team includes two skiff operators and three land-based support crew. All teams are equipped with extensive safety gear and navigation aids and have pre-plotted their own pit stops for fuel, food, repairs, and rest. Boats may be powered by up to a 70-horsepower outboard motor and can carry a maximum of 22 gallons of fuel at a time.
Route & Event Schedule
Teams establish their own routes and pit stops around the state. All teams will stop at the locations below. Arrival times vary.
April 7th – Challenge start at Flora-Bama Ole River Grill in Pensacola
5:00am CDT – FWC Boat Inspections
6:00am CDT – Skiffs staged on beach behind Flora-Bama Ole River Grill (ICW side)
6:20am CDT – Skiffs line up
6:30am CDT – Siren start
Address: 17400 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507
April 8 – Mandatory media stop at Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Key Largo
Teams must remain at this stop for a set amount of time and are available for media interviews. Team arrivals are expected Friday morning into Friday evening. Location was formerly the Key Largo Marriott Beach Resort.
Media Stop sponsored by the Everglades Foundation. Everglades Foundation Chief Science Officer, Dr. Steve Davis, and Captains For Clean Water Policy Director, Jessica Pinsky, onsite for interviews and educational seminar.Address: 103800 Overseas Highway Mm 103.8, Key Largo, FL 33037
April 9 – Challenge finish at Fernandina Harbor Marina in Fernandina Beach
Team arrivals are expected Saturday morning into Saturday afternoon.
First skiff to arrive at the dock at Fernandina Harbor Marina will be deemed the 2022 Florida Skiff Challenge winner.
Address: 3 S Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
2022 Team Roster
Hell’s Bay Boatworks – Titusville, Florida
Yellowfin Yachts – Bradenton, Florida
SeaPro Boats – Whitmire, South Carolina
Key West Boats – Summerville, South Carolina
Lake & Bay Boats – Sebring, Florida
Blacktip Boatworks – Pinellas Park, Florida
3 ways to join the action
The event reaches over 7 million people through social media and digital channels. Throughout the event, viewers are educated about impacted water bodies around the state and can expect to learn about topics such as Everglades restoration, nutrient pollution, habitat degradation, and conservation organizations working to advance solutions.
1. Track teams live – Starting April 7, fans can track teams’ real time positions on a digital map at captainsforcleanwater.org/2022-skiff-challenge/
2. Join the exclusive Facebook group – Teams, fans, and field reporters post live content to the exclusive Skiff Challenge Facebook group, including behind-the-scenes, pit stop interviews, water quality education, and unfiltered commentary. Fans can also follow along on the @FloridaSkiffChallenge Instagram.
3. Donate – Fans can help their favorite team earn incentives by donating to support the mission of Captains For Clean Water.
Event Sponsors
Thank you to the event sponsors who support the mission of Captains For Clean Water and help make this event possible.
Costa Sunglasses
YETI Coolers
SeaDek Marine Products
Raymarine
The Everglades Foundation
Marine Fasteners
Mustang Survival
Stayput Anchor
Tow Boat U.S. Charlotte Harbor
Buff
Outdoor Equipment Rentals
Climeco
Captains For Clean Water is a Florida-based 501(c)3 grassroots nonprofit on a mission to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems for the use and enjoyment of all. Founded by fishing guides, Captains has united the outdoor industry, business community, and concerned citizens at the frontlines of the fight for clean water—the lifeblood of Florida’s economy and $85.9 billion tourism industry. Learn more at captainsforcleanwater.org.
