Race to Alaska canceled for 2021 due to COVID pandemic

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R2AK — the renowned non-motorized maritime sprint from Port Townsend to Alaska organized by the Northwest Maritime Center — will not be making a triumphant return in 2021. 

But, as organizers say, it’s OK.

The race will not be going away permanently according to a Dec. 27 announcement from the Northwest Maritime Center. 

Once COVID-burdened communities along the race’s route are again safe for visitors, the race is expected to return. 

Instead of the 2021 R2AK, the Maritime Center will be organizing the Washington360, the longest race of its kind in Washington and, similar to its Alaskan counterpart, it will be an engine-less, unsupported race and spanning
360 miles of Washington’s waters. The SEVENTY48 race will also be happening in 2021. 

COVID-19 safety measures are expected to be maintained for the races. 

Applications for the Washington360 will be accepted starting Friday, Jan. 15 and can be found at nwmaritime.org/wa360. 

The Washington360 race will start June 7. Questions on the race may be addressed to info@wa360.org.