Race to Alaska
Team Natural Disaster
Racing a 30 Foot Sailboat from Port Townsend Washington to Ketchikan Alaska to promote coastal stewardship in sailing
What is does it mean to be a steward of the sea?
subversion of natural disasters
Team Natural Disaster is bringing together an ambitious team of Seattle-based sailors who want to test our skills in the changing currents and waterways of British Columbia and Alaska. Our goal is to be safe, have fun, make it to Ketchikan, and race our best. We will take full precautions to prepare for a cold-water offshore passage, plan for all emergency scenarios, and practice MOB recovery and reboarding drills.Team Natural Disaster is committed to the subversion of natural disasters (although not even YOU can prevent Wildfire). In our campaign, we intend to raise awareness on the effects of natural disasters, particularly wildfires and wildfire smoke, on the local ecosystem. And, to surface the stories and slooperstitions from the water, land, creatures and people, of their wild strengths and unique adaptations—to withstand shocks and stresses, and promote healing or prevention. As sailors, we come into close relationship with the places we sail and the conditions present, and we want to convey these feelings to a broader audience, through the lens of adventure and exploration.
The Race
Stage 1 Race start: Sunday, June 9, 2024, 5:00 AM, Port Townsend, Washington
Stage 2 Race start: Wednesday, June 12, 2024, High Noon, Victoria, BCThe inside passage to Alaska has been paddled by native canoes since time immemorial, sailing craft for centuries, and after someone found gold in the Klondike the route was jammed with steamboats full of prospectors elbowing each other out of the way for the promise of fortune.It’s in the spirit of tradition, exploration, and self-reliance that Race to Alaska was born. R2AK is the first of its kind and North America’s longest human and wind powered race, and currently the largest cash prize for a race of its kind.
Wildfire Awareness
Wildfire is a cause of concern for us all in the Evergreen State. While wildfire has historically played a crucial role in Washington's forest ecology, climate change and other factors have led to longer, more destructive fire seasons, which threaten communities throughout the state's diverse landscape.
The Crew
The Boat
"Wildfire" is a 1985 Olson 30 which raced R2AK in 2023 with team 'Monkeyfist."
We'll have two pedal drives to take us noth while the wind slacks off; and a total of two bunks for our crew of four while we head north over the 850 miles.
North We go