PORT TOWNSEND — Watercraft under human power will race for awards during the Rat Island Regatta on Saturday.
Two courses are offered: a short race of 2.9 miles and a long course of 7.8 miles.
All start at the Fort Worden pier on the east side of the fort.
Races start at 10 a.m., or 9 a.m. for slower craft on the long course.
Preregistration is $15 per person or $10 for members of Sound Rowers and juniors 18 or younger.
Registration the day of the races, from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., is $20 per person or $15 for members of Sound Rowers.
Racers will meet at 9:15 a.m., or 8:15 a.m. for early starters.
The long course starts and finishes at Fort Worden State Park at the Kitchen Shelter, proceeds southeast by Point Hudson, then crosses the bay, goes around Rat Island and back.
The start and finish are the same for the short course, but participants turn at Point Hudson.
Ribbons will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place finishers in each category.
After the race, a potluck is planned. Fish will be provided for the barbecue. Participants are asked to bring side dishes to share.
The races are sponsored by Sound Rowers Open Water Rowing and Paddling Club, a volunteer group that conducts races for all seaworthy human-powered watercraft, such as kayaks, surf skis, rowing shells, rowboats, canoes, pedal boats and others.
Discover Passes are needed to park at Fort Worden. These cost $10 daily or $30 for an annual pass. They can be purchased at the park office, the Commons Building, a kiosk near the Kitchen Shelter parking area or online.
For more information or to preregister, see www.soundrowers.org.