The Northwest Maritime Center announced April 24 two major summer races, the Race to Alaska and the Seventy48 race from Tacoma, are canceled due to closures from the coronavirus. 

The Seventy48, a motorless paddle race from Tacoma to Port Townsend, was set to take place June 5-7. The Race to Alaska, a motorless sail race from Port Townsend to Ketchikan, was set to begin its first stage on June 8. 

One of the main reasons for canceling the R2AK is the Canadian travel restrictions due to coronavirus. On April 18 the U.S. and Canada agreed to keep their shared border closed for nonessential travel for 30 more days. This is to prevent the spread of the virus.

“We could race,” wrote R2AK Race Boss Daniel Evans in a press release on April 24. “There is a route around all the closures, but, like driving with your feet, could isn’t should, and it’s not worth the risk for racers or communities along the way.”

On March 27, the Heiltsuk banned non-residents and non-Heiltsuk from entering their territory, including Bella Bella, which is one of the major stopping points on the R2AK route. 

“Out of all the scenarios, pandemic was not a culprit calculated to close our races,” Evans said. “Dates are already set for next year (June 7, 2021) and barring, I don’t know, gigantic dinosaur extinguishing comets, we will be on the water in 2021 taking pictures like tourists and high fiving finishers. We hope to see you all there, and stay tuned for next steps.”

The Center also announced the Wooden Boat Festival, an annual weekend event in September, is canceled this year. 

“There is great uncertainty of festivals being allowed to happen come fall, and if they are allowed, the conditions may be ones that defy the heart of our Festival—being together, boats rafted up, sharing the docks, the presentations, the food court, the dance floor,” wrote Festival Director Barb Trailer in a press release on April 24.

This year would have marked the 44th festival since its start in 1977. It will be the first year the festival has been canceled in its history. 

“What is fall without the festival?” Trailer wrote. “For the sponsors, boaters, vendors, volunteers, presenters, the RV’ers, and all the people that come every year, it's part of our annual rhythm and lives.”

The 2020 theme was planned to showcase Croatia and Croatian Americans, with a focus on the fishing industry. 

But Trailer pointed to the 2021 festival, which will feature Nordic boat building, including hosting The Draken, the largest Viking ship in the world. 

“This pandemic has changed many things in our lives but the Wooden Boat Festival will be back,” she wrote. “It's in our blood and in our hearts.”