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Pushing The Limits At The Race to Alaska
Every year for the past five years, participants of the Race to Alaska have braved over 1,200 kilometres of icy cold waters from Washington, the US to Ketchikan, Alaska. What makes this race different (and more exciting) is its unorthodox rules. There are no motors allowed in the race, and no support either. Participants are to navigate the treacherous seas by paddle, peddle or sail alone. Does this sound crazy? Maybe! And yet, year after year adventurous racers sign up for it – last year there were 37 entries.
Excitement Is Mounting For The 2019 Race To Alaska
This year, 46 interesting teams have signed up with a variety of boats in all shapes and sizes – 16 teams are braving the journey with vessels under 6 meters long! Team Pear Shaped Racing is signed up with a sporting a custom racing trimaran and is so far a firm favourite. Strong competition may come from Team Angry Beaver who are sailing a Shock 40 mono-hull complete with a canting ballast keel and foiling rudders on both sides. On the other hand, not all participants are in it to win it. Six of the teams are using only the strength of their backs and arms to negotiate the distance towards the finish line, and the prizes.
US$10,000 Or A Set Of Steak Knives
The boat that arrives first will win a whopping US$10,000, but its runner-up will have to settle for a set of steak knives. Considering that three teams are attempting the race by rowing traditional skiffs to Alaska, it’s obviously not the prizes that are the main motivation, but rather the stories that will undoubtedly come out of this fun race. For the organisers, participants and fans, this is what it’s all about.