Marshall Cat takes on the Race to Alaska

The Race to Alaska will hold its 8th edition in 2024, continuing with its 750-mile course from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK. Planning to be at the start on June 9 is SAIL Technical Editor Adam Cove, describing his plan in this report:

Grizzly bears? Check. Tidal currents at up to 15 knots? Check. Wild weather? Check.

This is the Race to Alaska (R2AK), 750 nautical miles of unsupported racing through Canadian wilderness from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska. Oh, and you can’t have an engine…at all, even if it’s disabled.

Instead of studying the Gulf Stream for another Bermuda race, I’m preparing for a different challenge this summer. Offshore racing is a blast, and there is nothing like seeing land emerge from the horizon after being at sea with an endless horizon for days or even weeks. But I’ve always found coastal racing to be more challenging. There are simply more variables, more traffic, and the looming threat of land. Most coastal races are over within a day, though, and don’t require the endurance and preparation of an offshore race. The R2AK has all of it. – Full report