R2AK: Not such a scary bedtime story

The 8th edition of the 750 mile Race to Alaska (R2AK) began June 9 with a 40-mile “proving stage” from Port Townsend, WA to Victoria, BC. For those that finished within 36 hours, they were allowed to start the remaining 710 miles on June 12 to Ketchikan, AK. Here’s the Stage 2/Day 4 report:

Either this is the most wind-starved Race to Alaska in recent memory or we’re suffering from early onset whatever it’s called.

Seriously though, it’s like the wind was cut off because we forgot to pay the bill. Not a great look for a race that bills itself as “the most hardcore, go if you dare, ‘there be dragons,’ bronco-busting boat rodeo.” With a normal year’s wind, R2AK goes through places so terrifying that they are the scary bedtime stories for the monsters that live under your bed.

The monsters in the R2AK are many. The deadly currents of Seymour Narrows. Oooh! The notorious headwinds and massive seas of Johnstone Strait. Ahhhh! The exposed crossing to Cape Caution, and the Cape itself; the anvil the Pacific hammers into storm after ferocious storm. Gasp! Hecate Strait, the punching bag of the Pacific that routinely passes on the abuse to whatever vessel dares venture into it. Poop! – Full report

Event information – Entry list – Tracker

The 8th edition of the Race to Alaska (R2AK) returns again in 2024 for the 750 mile course from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK.

Stage 1: The Proving Ground – June 9 start
Port Townsend, WA to Victoria, BC (40 miles)

R2AK starts with an initial jaunt across open water, two sets of shipping lanes, and an international border. While not a race in itself, the Proving Ground is designed as a qualifier for the full race and as a stand-alone 40 mile sprint for people who just want to put their toe in.

Stage 2: To the Bitter End – June 12 start
Victoria, BC to Ketchikan, AK (710 miles)

Racers start in Victoria at high noon and continue until they reach Ketchikan—or are tapped out by the sweep boat. Unlike the 2022 and 2023 races, the western side of Vancouver Island is no longer an option as the course has returned to the original format with two waypoints at Seymour Narrows and Bella Bella.

Source: R2AK