Rowing in Style

The Michael Storer Skiff wasn't finished in time for Seventy48 but thankfully that's OK with Randy. He wasn't going to race in the warm-up event to the Race to Alaska anyway. Speaking of the Race to Alaska, what about those women?!

Sail Like a Girl, with a team of seven women won the 750 mile race from Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska. It seems they peddled-powered their Melges 32 half the way on this motor-less event. Congratulations to those hard working women.

Here at home, a slightly less exciting victory - the MSD skiff is complete and ready for her first splash. Randy Jones, her proud owner will announce a launch date soon and I'll be sure to pass it on.

There have been a few setbacks during this build and no one is happier to see it finished than I. We have the highest expectations for this simple, elegant design. She came in at just around 100 pounds, not bad for a sixteen foot boat built to carry half a ton.

Randy says:
"Her first launch is set for noon on Saturday, July 7th at Mystery Bay State Park, Nordland WA. The curious are welcome and encouraged to bring their own boats. I'll noodle around for a few hours and let everyone take a test row."

R2AK Pre-Race Ruckus

Down on the waterfront, the excitement is contagious. Tonight was a big party for the public to meet and greet the stalwart souls intent on winning the Race to Alaska, a 750 nautical mile voyage from Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska.

The contestants will leave Port Townsend tomorrow morning at 5:00AM, PDT for the first stop in Victoria BC. After a send-off from the Canadians, the racers will be on their own.

Good Luck to All!

More photos at Saltwater People Log
R2AK Race Tracker