R2AK: Living in liquid suspense
Published on June 17th, 2024
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 5 report:
It’s a big day for the Santa’s elves in Race to Alaska’s High Command. In all likelihood, today is the day when the tidal wave of racer energy washes onto Ketchikan shores and the first teams cross the finish line, ring the bell, and flop exhausted into the warm embrace of the 49th’s first city. We’re madly hanging banners with care, in hopes it’s ready ‘fore the finishing teams will be here.
There is of course news from the course. There is so much racing, in so many races, and all in the same race. At the fore is the tip of the spear, the 35-foot trimaran Team Malolo who punched into the U S of A sometime in the wee hours of Day 6; Wayne Tater would be proud. The wind is filling in and doesn’t look like it’s going to let up until they are well inside of their approach to KTN.
But then there are logs, torn sails, and any number of other issues that have turned presumptive winners into steak knives over the years. Even with 100 miles to go, it’s too early to lock in your offshore bets for the winner, despite whatever the tracker inaccurately claims (yes we know, and yes we’re working on it). – 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