Despite small craft warnings and winds gusting into the 30’s the R2AK organizers launched on schedule today. Almost all rowboats and kayaks wisely stayed out of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and some worked their way west to Dungeness Spit. From there it will be a shorter crossing to Victoria. While Tuesday will have similar bad conditions, race officials extended the time limit to report at Victoria by 24 hours in order to allow a crossing on Wednesday when seas should be one foot or less.
While many sailboats were able to cross today, a few wish they hadn’t tried. Three sailboats capsized and one dismasted. All crews are safe and the US Coast Guard rescued at least one crew.
Leigh reports that she had some of the toughest rowing of her life getting to Dungeness and that Clare took it in stride. Our team can look forward to a two-night stay on the Spit with fellow paddlers/rowers. Will there be sing-alongs and s’mores?
For the live stream video: The race starts @ minute 2:58 and you can catch a glimpse of Leigh and Clare @ minute 3:17
I followed your track yesterday with one eye on Windfinder ( steady 30+ winds & no doubt scary huge rollers! ) saw you smartly head into the lee of that spit…. Even getting that far with all that on your nose very impressive and glad to read everyone well and safe. Wishing you a fair crossing to Victoria tomorrow, and a great to row to Ketchikan after. Safe home.