PORT TOWNSEND — Long distance rowers, paddlers and sailors are already stepping up to compete next summer in an inaugural Race to Alaska that offers a $10,000 prize — and no fuel bill.
The Northwest Maritime Center has begun accepting applicants for the non-motorized, 750-mile marathon scheduled to begin June 4 with competitors leaving from Port Townsend Bay.
The cash prize of $10,000 will go to the first team to reach Ketchikan, Alaska, without the aid of an engine, said Jake Beattie, maritime center executive director.
“It’s kind of a Gold Rush thing,” Beattie said. “If you get there first, you win 10 grand.”
The team arriving second will get a set of steak knives while others will enjoy “cathartic elation if you can simply complete the course,” according to the event’s website at www.racetoalaska.com.
The 40-mile first leg will be to Victoria. Any paddler, rower or sailor is invited to participate in that leg without committing to the full race to Ketchikan.
Racers who complete the first leg without assistance will qualify for the full race, scheduled to begin the following day.
The cost is $650 for the full race or $50 for only the first leg to Victoria, Beattie said.
Four teams had been accepted to compete in the full race as of Friday, Beattie said.
Two teams had been accepted for the first leg only.
Another five teams had applied and were being considered for acceptance.
Contestants will not be allowed to have any kind of motor on board — neither gas nor electric, Beattie said.
The race must be done without supply drops or safety nets.
There is no limit on the number of crew members, but no substitutions will be allowed.
To qualify for the prize, racers must be on board for the entire race.
“People do this trip in engine-less boats every year,” Beattie said, “but there’s never been a race.
“Our goal is to do something cool that inspires people to adventure, that pays for itself and which helps raise awareness about accessibility to the water.”
Successful race applicants must be proficient in navigation, first aid, radio use and logistics and be able to demonstrate that they have the physical ability and equipment to make the voyage, Beattie said.
For more information, visit www.RacetoAlaska.com or contact Beattie at Jake@racetoalaska.com, at the maritime center at 431 Water St., or at 360-385-3628, ext. 105.
