Our Belfast entry in the Race To Alaska 2023, Dameon Colbry, is positioned in Port Townsend WA for tomorrow’s start. An intriguing aspect to this year’s race is the high number of solo competitors including Dameon: 12. Two no shows, a sailboat, one hybrid rowboat/sailboat, a stand up paddle board, three rowboats, and 4 kayak/surf ski. Among them are a kayaker forced to drop out last year due to hand injuries from paddling and a rower who dropped out at Bella Bella. Who will persevere this year?
Tomorrow’s crossing of the Juan de Fuca Strait looks to be light winds for a change. After last year’s disastrous start the US Coast Guard attended the captain’s meeting this year, presumably to threaten any imprudent crews.
At least one solo competitor knows what it takes to wake up every morning and finish rowing 750 miles; here’s wishing Dameon fair winds and following seas.