This is an overview of the all-new Race to Alaska (R2AK) event, a self-supported, engineless 750-mile boat race. It runs from Port Townsend to Ketchikan and is the first race up the inside passage, and the longest race of its kind in North America.
To preserve the remote experience, organizers limited the requirements to the bare minimum: Participants must paddle, row or sail and can’t receive help from a support crew.
“You, a boat, a starting gun, $10,000 if you finish first. A set of steak knives if you’re second. Cathartic elation if you can simply complete the course.”
Clipper Canoes has built a special OC6 canoe for the Canoe to Ketchican six-man team. “We are truly excited to be a part of the action,” said Clippers Canoes in a statement about their Advantage 0C6 craft. Part of the six-man team includes British Columbia’s Henry Brothers, recently returned from a 4,500-mile sea kayaking journey.
