“It could be a shake and bake, kind of slow, ‘sit in the sun and pedal your way to Alaska.’ Or we can have gales and wind advisories and all sorts of things.”īut that won’t be news to about 30% of the racers, who are what Wiegel calls “repeat customers.” They’ve done the race before, and they’re doing it again this year. “Funny thing about Race to Alaska is that we planted it right here in June just because it’s hard to tell what the weather is going to do,” he said.

There are squalls, killer whales, tidal currents that run upwards of 20 miles an hour, and some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.”Īs far as what they’ll face on the water, Wiegel isn’t sure. The idea is described like this on the race’s website: “It’s like the Iditarod, on a boat, with a chance of drowning, being run down by a freighter, or eaten by a grizzly bear. Wiegel said about three of the 39 registered vessels have arrived at the start line, and the rest are expected over the weekend. “The weather forecast is looking relatively tame for the start of the race, but that can change in a heartbeat,” said Jesse Wiegel, the “race boss.” The idea is simple, but the race is not: no motors, no engines, and 750 miles from Port Townsend to Ketchikan, tagging Victoria, British Columbia along the way. There’s a number of fan-favorite teams coming back for another shot at glory - and, of course, steak knives. Intrepid competitors are pouring into Port Townsend, Washington to enjoy their last few days on land. The 750-mile Race to Alaska starts Monday.

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