On June 12, Graeme Esarey, President of Industrial Revolution, and team Elsie Piddock won the Race to Alaska. The team of three was the first to pull into Ketchikan, Alaska after sailing 750 miles, unassisted, in just five days. Greeting race participants with 50 degree waters that carry squalls, killer whales and 20 mph tidal currents, North America’s longest human and wind-powered race is for those seeking the ultimate thrill on the water.
“This race was one of the most interesting, challenging things I have done. I knew as soon as I heard about it that this race – through the PNW without engines, support crews, completely self reliant – was a gauntlet that someone had thrown down and that I should pick it up if I could,” said Esarey. “My teammates were rock solid, the boat was fast, and we had a lot of luck too. That’s about what it takes to win a race like this.”
The Race to Alaska is a fully self-supported race with no supply drops or safety nets. Only boats without motors can participate and, other than two waypoints, race participants choose their route. In total, 40 teams signed up and began the race from Port Townsend, Wash.
“This was never about the money. This was about the accomplishment, about reconnecting people to the adventure of the water and to the fellowship that can create,” notes R2AK representatives of Team Elsie Piddock’s win. “Money in hand Team Elsie Piddock are staying to cheer and welcome the next sets of winners across the line. Class act. As sailors and humans these guys are the real deal.”
