Race to Alaska 2017

[Graham W]

In case you're casting around for something a bit tougher than Sail Caledonia in 2017, how about the 750-mile long r2ak? There are numerous entries already.  The two-man crew of an open Drascombe Longboat (Wabi-Sabi) did a careful analysis of the crews that did well in the 2016 race and discovered that they shared the following characteristics:
* A bigger boat
* 3 or more crew
* Some sort of cabin
* More than one hull
Clearly they fitted well with all of these points and have duly registered for the race.  Likewise a stand-up paddle board!

The race starts on 8th June in Port Townsend, Washington State and finishes some time later in Ketchikan, Alaska.  Here's the website https://r2ak.com

[Bill Rollo]

Graham

this looks quite severe but tremendous to do.

One could devise some local warms ups (probably not the right phrase) first?

2 bayraiders lashed together?!

Bill

[Andy Dingle]

Reminded me of these two intrepid chaps following in Franklins footsteps (or should that be wake? Perhaps not, bad choice of word there!) in a sail and oar raid boat, a Norse boat 17.5, making a damn fine go at sailing through the North West Passage. (Canada, not the Caledonian Canal..)

http://duckworksmagazine.com/09/outings/norseboat/index.htm

The Norse Boat 17.5 seems not that much different than a BR20.. ? Just need a couple of Royal Marines.. Anyone?! Should be ok as long as you avoid the Polar Bear Burgers....

http://www.norseboat.com/NorseBoat_17.5.html

[Graham W]

On Tim Riley's recommendation, I've just watched an Amazon Prime film of the 2016 event.  It's called "Go fast. Go North" and is filmed mostly from the point of view of Team Hot Mess in an Olson 30 monohull.  They came 12th out of 26 finishers and 43 starters.  It makes Sail Caledonia look like a walk in the park.