Victoria-based Team Malolo poised to win the 2024 Race to Alaska. (Taylor Bayly/Northwest Maritime)
Anyone itching to get to Alaska under their own power needs to get their gear in order.
The Race to Alaska (R2AK) — which sees people aboard a vessel under human or wind power, racing against other adventurous souls — is reminding prospective participants that its deadline looms.
Applications to R2AK opened up, as usual, in November. Most years, it takes until April to fill out a solid fleet, but organizers are taking a different tack this year. Applications are closing early.
“This year felt more like we were selling tickets to a one-night-only T. Swift/Adele concert. We hit our usual full-fleet number in six weeks, and they’re still coming,” organizers wrote in an update. “Last-minute legends: we see you. We are you. But this year, that strategy’s toast. Wait too long and you’ll be planning for 2028 – older, wiser, probably still broke.”
R2AK is a boat race from Washington to Alaska – with a stop in Victoria, but no motors.
First place gets $10,000, cash. Second place gets a set of steak knives. Any vessel that’s human- or wind-powered can enter for the crossing through open water, tidal rapids and a coastline carved by glaciers.
The race features two stages, with the first from Port Townsend, Wash. to Victoria with a 36-hour time limit. Those who make the cut, learn and go on to tackle the next leg to Ketchikan, Alaska.
Every team pays $50 to enter, but then must get past the Vetting Team. A cap on applications is likely. Find the details online at r2ak.com.
