The “Proving Ground” stage of the Race to Alaska (R2AK) is completed, with 32 teams having proven themselves ready for the full trek to Ketchikan from Victoria, starting at noon today. While it howled and thumped in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, some teams felt waiting it out was the right move. A steady stream of competitors came into Victoria yesterday, coming in before the extended deadline. From the R2AK Facebook page:
Great photo of all the teams at the lighthouse on Dungeness. Blaine, the keeper was fantastic and rolled out the hospitality cart for them. The teams are staying put until Wednesday morning to cross, but have enough people for a good badminton tournament in the meanwhile.
Teams are: Wave Forager, Oarcle, Zen Dog, Don’t Tell Mom, Let’s Row Maybe
Teams stuck on Dungeness Spit have been earning their keep by clearing the pond and lining the paths with driftwood. The spirit of R2AK is strong.
Helen Baker photo
This year the course has opened up teams going up the west side of Vancouver Island. R2AK Field Reporter Jim Meyer breaks down the outside inside question here. And Seattle world class sailors Jonathan McKee and Matt Pistay discuss the safety aspects here:
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.