Rowcruiser Saga 6: Race to Alaska 502nm up the Inside Passage

My first attempt at Race to Alaska. Made it 502 nautical miles from Port Townsend Washington to Bella Coola British Columbia. Rqce started off pretty crazy and for the most part everything else went well. I was feeling good but due to unfavorable winds, the race was taking too long and I had to get back to work.

[@bigmoocanoe]

I got a Row Cruiser out of AZ recently and am looking to do R2AK in 2025, how many days were you in to the race when you reached Bella Bella? Also, what percentage of time were you rowing vs sailing last year? You looked like you were having a blast, I love how fast these boats sail. Strong effort, keep the videos coming.

[@vipermadman]

Thanks for commenting! I planned my whole race after Colin Angus’ r2ak of 12 days. I figured i would not be able to keep his pace but i hoped to complete in 3 weeks. I reached Bella Bella in about 18 days. Way longer then expected due consistent northwest winds, choppy seas that killed boat speed. I also did rather poor current planning which killed a few days for me. I sailed probably 75% of the time. I only had 2 days of strong south winds and those days i did 60 to 70 mile days. All in all i was proud of what i did. The rowcruiser was solid. Awesome boat! I was actually feeling really good physically and I know I could have finished. I just had to get back to work. Hope this helps! I think with good planning, a few more favorable days…a sub 2 week race is fully do-able in a rowcruiser.

[@georgepeat5269iearth]

Excellenti, charmingly oceanic happy video. Onward!

[@vipermadman]

@@georgepeat5269iearth Thanks man!!! Always appreciate the good vibes 😎 🤙

[@joeldelamirande5792]

Smart concept we’re you faster or slower than multihull and sailboat

[@vipermadman]

Thanks for the comment. In light to no air, I was faster. I could row (no wind) at 3 to 4 knots for hours on end when most mono hulls with peddle drives were doing 1.5 to 2 knots. But the inside passage always has wind eventually and they would inevitably be much faster. Especially upwind which this race is primarily. Length of boat to cut through choppy seas, sail area and pointing ability were their advantage. I think this boat could be competitive with improved hull and sail design for better upwind performance. One day! Cheers!

[@norml.hugh-mann]

that boat looks fun...sail on

[@vipermadman]

@@norml.hugh-mann thanks!!! It’s a great design. Kit boat you can order through Angus Rowboats.

[@MrEduardogomesan]

Please, mor vídeos! This maginific! Congrats!

[@vipermadman]

Thanks so much! Planning to do a 100 mile Catalina Island circumnavigation trip by the end of the summer and some inland trips in the big lakes of Utah this winter.

[@autonomous_collective]

Any update video's?

[@vipermadman]

We’re getting thick into fire season so work is taking up all my time. I’m hoping to finish Dana Point to San Diego soon and maybe a few other trips. Thanks for checking in!

[@akselschmidt501]

that's so cool. keep it up

[@autonomous_collective]

Thx for sharing...

[@vipermadman]

Anytime!

[@Bonthius]

Sick video!!!

[@vipermadman]

Thanks!!!

[@rcpmac]

Nice rig!

[@vipermadman]

Thanks!