On the surface, R2AK is simple: race from Port Townsend, Wa. to Ketchikan, Alaska. Except you’re not allowed to use a motor – human or wind power only. Also, you’ve got to sail or paddle through gnarly stretches of British Columbia’s and Southeast Alaska’s coastline. And there are no support boats.
The grand prize is $10,000 cash nailed to a piece of wood. Second place gets a set of steak knives. Everyone else gets a pat on the back.
Sounds fun, right?
Team Big Broderna races toward Ketchikan on Thursday, June 15, 2017, during the Race To Alaska. ©Ketchikan Daily News
Karl Kruger — the first stand-up paddleboarder to finish the 750-mile Race to Alaska — embraces his wife Jessica Kruger and daughter Dagny Kruger as an amazed crowd applauds Sunday, June 25, 2017, in Thomas Basin. Karl, the lone member of Team Heart Of Gold, finished the race in 14 days. ©Ketchikan Daily News
Mike Fiari of Team Ketchikan tends to lines aboard the Santa Cruz 27 named Kermit on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in the Tongass Narrows. ©Ketchikan Daily News
The three-person crew of Team Elsie Piddock (left to right: Captain Al Hughes, Matt Steverson, Graeme Esarey) holds their $10,000 cash prize up on Friday, June 12, 2015. © Ketchikan Daily News
Team Barefoot Wooden Boats pulls up to the Baranof Fishing docks in Thomas Basin on Thursday, July 2, 2015, after becoming the final team to finish the 2015 Race to Alaska. ©Ketchikan Daily News
Kristin Crowley dances in front of The Unexpected Brass Band on Monday, June 3, 2019, during the start of the Race to Alaska in Port Townsend, WA.
Team Alula member Zach Tapec, right, takes a selfie with captain Spike Kane, left, and Team Ain't Brain Surgery member Mark Eastham aboard their F-27 trimaran Tuesday after completing the Race To Alaska in Thomas Basin boat harbor. Team Alula, comprised of three paraplegic athletes and sailors, was officially disqualified from the race after its third member, Bruno Hansan, had to drop out of the race in early July. However, Tapec and Kane still wanted to finish the race. Morgan Tedrow from Team MOB Mentality filled the third slot and helped Alula to Bella Bella and Eastham helped get Alula to Ketchikan. In addition to holding the record for the fastest disqualified time, Team Alula also received a set of steak knives for finishing after Team Excellent Adventure. ©Ketchikan Daily News
Team Ketchikan captain Charlie Starr laughs and smiles as he rings a ceremonial bell signifying his team's completion of the Race to Alaska on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at the Baranof Fishing docks in Thomas Basin. ©Ketchikan Daily News
Michael Scholz watches as Frederic Chanut, right, pops a bottle of champagne Friday, June 23, 2017, as the pair finished the Race To Alaska. © Ketchikan Daily News
Race To Alaska Team Ketchikan members Mike Fiari, left, Charley Starr, middle, and Tom Logan work to get Kermit, their Santa Cruz 27, out of Thomas Basin harbor on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. ©Ketchikan Daily News
Racing vessels prepare to begin the Race to Alaska on Monday, June 3, 2019, in Port Townsend, WA.