Photograph: Ryan Cove
Grizzly bears? Examine. Tidal currents at as much as 15 knots? Examine. Wild climate? Examine.
That is the Race to Alaska (R2AK), 750 nautical miles of unsupported racing by way of Canadian wilderness from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska. Oh, and you’ll’t have an engine…in any respect, even when it’s disabled.
As a substitute of learning the Gulf Stream for one more Bermuda race, I’m making ready for a distinct problem this summer season. Offshore racing is a blast, and there may be nothing like seeing land emerge from the horizon after being at sea with an countless horizon for days and even weeks. However I’ve all the time discovered coastal racing to be tougher. There are merely extra variables, extra visitors, and the looming risk of land. Most coastal races are over inside a day, although, and don’t require the endurance and preparation of an offshore race. The R2AK has all of it.
I needed a extra advanced race; the Northwest Maritime Heart has delivered. I’m in.
There may be even a twist to this race: auxiliary propulsion is allowed, so long as it’s human-powered. When the wind drops off, I’ll be rowing. And there are additionally no restrictions on the kind of craft used. So, after I inform you I’m crusing an 18-foot sailboat to Alaska, it doesn’t sound so dangerous if you study another person intends to get there on a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak. All the things is relative, proper?
First place will get $10,000 money nailed to a board, second place will get a set of steak knives, that’s it. Any type of score system is tossed to the wind in favor of simplicity (for as soon as, there received’t be any complaints on the bar about unfair PHRF rankings). Throw up as a lot sail space as you need and even add pedal-driven propellers–the R2AK encourages countless creativity. It’s a grassroots sort of race that I think about harkens to early sailboat racing, a long time or centuries earlier than my time on the water.
I’ve opted for a bear-proof hull and a cushty trip: a Marshall 18 catboat. This comes with a couple of distinct benefits, together with a cushty place to sleep, simplicity in outfitting her, and a reasonably boat to impress the wildlife. However my favourite half is that Marshall Marine is a half-mile from my home and my brother, Ryan, runs the yard. It means we get to spend much more time collectively as I get Wildcat prepared.
That theme has carried by way of a lot of the preparation as associates have joined within the effort. I’ve come to comprehend that this race is a lot greater than the 750 nautical miles I’ll cowl, beginning June 9. The journey began the day I introduced I used to be accepted into the race, and it has been a possibility to take pleasure in time along with household and associates and construct group.
I ought to point out that I’m singlehanding. And if this wasn’t already one of many extra difficult races I’ve ready for, that definitely raises the bar. With gates at Seymour Narrows and Bella Bella, the course squeezes us by way of the Inside Passage. Navigational vigilance isn’t an possibility; it’s a necessity if I don’t wish to play bumper boat towards the exhausting edges of the slim passages.
The tides would even be higher measured in fathoms than ft, and that equates to robust currents. Mix all these elements and it means my sport plan is to push forward exhausting whereas the present is with me and anchor and relaxation when it turns. Seymour Narrows tops out at round 15 knots, whirlpools and all. If I time this proper, I could possibly set a catboat velocity file.
June all through the West Coast of Canada and into Alaska has loads of daylight—over 17 hours by the point I end, and it nonetheless by no means will get fully darkish. Exterior of wet days, that ought to present me with loads of solar energy to maintain the tunes going and Wildcat on monitor. Mix that with some Jetboil meals and morale will probably be in a great place.
I received’t have the quickest boat on the course, however this can be a take a look at of endurance for my physique and the boat and really an journey in itself. Whereas it’s exhausting for me to put down my aggressive aspect, part of me additionally doesn’t wish to rush the gorgeous views alongside the best way. The true problem is making it to Alaska, fully below wind and human energy, and the reward, I consider, would be the individuals I meet alongside the best way and tales I’ll share with you quickly sufficient.
For updates from Adam as he refits the boat, observe alongside on Instagram @sailmagazine or @adam.cove, and for extra data, go to at teamwildcat.org and r2ak.com.
Race map courtesy of Race to Alaska
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