Race to Alaska Podcast
Published on May 16th, 2024
The Race to Alaska will hold its 8th edition in 2024, continuing with its 750-mile course from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK. And now there is a podcast series prior to the June 9 start. In this episode, three teams get quizzed about their questionable use of PTO:
Team Outtaspace
This mother and son team (along with some other guy) say of their R2AK: “We will be soaked, cramped, and seasick—and stand no chance of winning.” On their Alien 21, they may have the most realistic self-assessment of any team this year.
Team Fossil Fuel
In an interview coming to you from Romania, we bring you Paul—the solo sailor riding an Olson 30 in this year’s water-stampede. He’s using this year’s R2AK as a training run for the Single-Handed Transpac next year—we think maybe he has things backwards.
Team Sailor Swift
In this interview, learn about the history of John Fluevog shoes, a little-known pop singer named Taylor Swift, and how to sibling on a Ross 930 sailboat.
Race details: https://r2ak.com/
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.