HI Mark

No pros race that I know of .

Last years winning team could race a 6/0 or an I-20 and win again as could several teams familiar with both boats ,--they do [RATE] within one point of each other ,-If we used ISAF or Texel the 6/0 would rate about equal as well.

Rumors have it a past Natl. champ 6/0 sailor will race again , with their experience in the race and skills they will often finish in or very near the lead each leg .
The race is very much a test of all aspects of sailing including navagation ,tactics ,strategy ,boat prep, seamanship and endurance ,-plus basic sailing racing skill.

I hope we see a good variety of teams on 18s and also 20s that enter and wish to showcase their particular boat as being seaworthy and fast in this most extreme challange of 1000 miles of ocean racing over 10 days.
I hope we see some of the international teams returning and some new ones as well.
There are a number of excellent 20s potentially to be refined and raced . This brings teams -sponsors -boat mfg. more media and interest and partisipation into the sport .

The Formula 18 class is very supportive of the race ,-think Nacra and Hobie will take a keen interest in it and wish to be well represented. Similarly numerous other boat mfg and dealers have this opportunity to showcase their boats potential.

26 teams with gr crews support teams sponsors ,and media covered partisipated entered and raced the Tybee last year ,
Hope we see 50 this year.
Its a great race and fantastic experience if you love ocean racing on high speed catamarans or want to be part of the event as gr crew or with a team or race organization .