KETCHIKAN, Alaska — The second Race to Alaska is winding down, with four contestants still out to sea but with high hopes that two will reach the finish line today and that all will reach Ketchikan, Alaska, by the race’s end July 25.
It was an optimistic finish for the 750-mile race, which had more sophisticated boats earning faster times than last year.
“In general, this year’s teams were more prepared,” said Jake Beattie, executive director of the Northwest Maritime Center, which sponsored the race.
“A higher quality of sailors showed up.”
The race — the longest of its kind in North America, according to the maritime center — was open to any size boat or crew. The only rule was that the boat not have an engine onboard.
This year, 58 teams began the race, with 55 successfully completing the first leg to Victoria, while 32 participated in the competitive portion from Victoria to Ketchikan.
Winner
The race was won at 7:30 a.m. June 30 when Team Mad Dog Racing crossed the finish line at Ketchikan with a time of three days, 20 hours and 13 minutes, winning the $10,000 first prize.
As a comparison, it took five days for the 2015 winner, Team Elsie Piddock, to complete the race.
Team Skiff Foundation Jungle Kitty came in second this year at 11:59 p.m. June 30 to claim its prize, a set of eight steak knives.
As of Saturday afternoon, four teams were still in contention.
Two were expected to arrive today, according to Jared Scott, Race to Alaska communications manager.
It wasn’t know when to expect the last boat to arrive.
A sweep boat — nicknamed the Grim Sweeper — left Port Townsend on Friday to travel the race route. Any contestant the boat passes will be removed from the race.
Beattie doesn’t expect any of the remaining boats to be swept from the race. He’s confident that all of those still participating will cross the finish line prior to the July 25 race close.
Beattie returned to Port Townsend on Thursday, while race boss Daniel Evans will remain at the finish line to greet participants until the race is over.
Solo efforts
The two participants who finished Thursday, Team Liteboat and Team Sea Runners, were solo efforts.
Team Angus Rowboats was the first solo to finish, with the final solo racer, Team Can’t Anchor Us, still in contention.
Other active participants are Team Bunny Whaler, Team Squamish and Team Coastal Express.
While any participant finishing the 710-mile race earns admiration and respect, Beattie said the solo rowers deserve special recognition.
“There are only so many things you can do with two hands,” he said.
“If you want to get some water or make a sandwich, you have to stop rowing.”
Three solo racers dropped out between Victoria and Ketchikan.
The decision about sponsoring a third race will be announced sometime in August, organizers said.
For more information, go to www.r2ak.com.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.