This morning, the 2017 Race to Alaska begins. Dozens of boats will take off from Port Townsend, Washington, headed for Ketchikan, Alaska, a distance of about 750 miles. Boats can be wind-powered or human-powered, but no engines are allowed. The website explains,
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. There are squalls, killer whales, tidal currents that run upwards of 20 miles an hour, and some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.
The winning team will receive $10,000, and the second-place finishers will receive a set of steak knives.The FAQs are fairly entertaining, as are the names of the participating teams and boats. Since the party was last night, some of the crew members will be hungover and/or sporting new tattoos. You can follow the race as it happens with this tracker. Watch an explainer from CBS Sunday Morning. -via Metafilter
(Image credit: Race To Alaska by Northwest Maritime Center)
"Published on Nov 30, 2016
Three paralyzed men take up one of sailing’s most grueling challenges — a 750 mile race to Alaska through some of the most treacherous and remote waters on the planet. With no motors allowed and many miles from any help, the competition can be too dangerous for the world’s most fearless sailors. This team is out to prove they have what it takes to finish. A film by Great Big Films. "