“The Race to Alaska,” if you’re not a sailor, is the best way to experience one of the most bizarre sailing races in the world. Started by Jake Beattie, officially wearing the title “The Guy Who Thought of the Race to Alaska,” the rules are simple. Race from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK using any boat but it cannot have a motor aboard. If you know anything about sailing, wind is a must, but let’s face it, Mother Nature isn’t predictable nor is she reliable and a back up power source is a must. If not a motor, then what? The first year seemed to invite all the “boat dorks of the internet,” as sailors designed their sailing boat contraptions complete with bikes that pedaled a propeller to oars with a roller blading seat. The dangerous straits proved even more formidable as only the strong, resilient, and creative crossed the finish line 750 miles away.
We meet the co-founders of the race Josh Colvin and Jake Beattie, and the “Race Boss” Daniel Evans, along with many former participants who describe the beauty and the horrors of the race. We also ride along with them as they sail the Seymour Narrows and the Queen Charlotte Sound; the whirlpools pulling them in, the stormy seas about to devour them, and of course, the calm waters and sunsets you can never tire of seeing. It’s a dream followed by a nightmare and back again; a roller coaster of a sail trip that just might entice you to call your local sail club to learn more!
“The Race to Alaska” finds humor with not only the race itself, but with its cast of “characters” including an all female team and a stand up paddler competing for first or second place. The prize? No one really wants first place, the $10000 prize. They’re all vying for second place, the set of steak knives. The extreme challenge beckons all who want a unique challenge, bored by the typical or traditional sailing races. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is for true sailors.
Director Zach Carver brings you not only into the race, but allows you to meet and get to know the participants. As it buoys your heart, it also makes it race as you watch the small boats get tossed and the larger boats heel much too close the the water. As terrifying as it is, it’s invigorating and entertaining thanks to the cinematography that captures all the beauty and horror of the open seas.
If you’re a sailor, you’re going to love watching this crazy race filled with a wide array of participants. It might even motivate you to give sailing a try. To watch this movie, go to R2AK
3 1/2 Stars