Already down three competitors, during its “proving ground” seagoing trip to Victoria, the Race to Alaska (R2AK) fleet takes off Wednesday at noon. When it does, Saanich paddlers Janice Mason and Ian Graeme are once again on the starting line of one of North America’s most unusual and demanding adventure races. The R2AK is a unique, engine-free, unsupported adventure race along the spectacular coast of B.C. and southeast Alaska. Competitors travel by sail, oar, paddle, pedal or any combination of human and wind power, navigating
strong currents, changing weather, and remote coastlines. Mason and Graeme met at the event a decade ago. READ ALSO: Finding Bigfoot – Greater Victoria research trio tracks Sasquatch on Island READ ALSO: You can thank bats for tequila’ and other juicy tidbits as B.C. bats emerge Competing as Team Oaracle, the pair successfully completed the 65-kilometre proving ground from Port Townsend, Washington, to settle into the Inner Harbour on June 14, qualifying for the main stage. More than 60 teams will depart on the 1,200-kilometre
final stage to Ketchikan, Alaska June 17 at noon. This year, Mason, 66, and Graeme, 65, race in their 18.5-foot Clipper tripping canoe. For Team Oaracle, the race is both a challenge and a tradition. The pair has completed three full R2AKs together, racing by rowboat, tandem kayak and now canoe. Mason brings an exceptional paddling and rowing resume to the team. A retired physician and former kayak guide, she competed in the 1984 Olympic Games, won a World Championship Gold Medal in rowing, and
twice won the Yukon River Quest. Graeme is a retired forester experienced in wilderness travel and adventuring and has successfully completed five full R2AKs. “Every Race to Alaska is different,” said Graeme. “It is a complicated undertaking. You plan and prepare, but ultimately the weather, tides, currents, team dynamics and many decisions you make on the water shape the outcome.” While many teams focus on speed, Team Oaracle’s goal is simple: travel safely, enjoy the journey, and complete another memorable expedition through some of the
most spectacular coastal waters in North America. Team Oaracle is expected to spend approximately three weeks on the race course, depending on weather and sea conditions. Race fans can follow at www.r2ak.com or facebook.com/TeamOaracle. The Lower Causeway marina is open to the public on Tuesday between noon and 5 p.m. for visitors to see the Race to Alaska vessels (from kayaks to catamarans) and their crews. Do you have a story tip? Email: christine.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca.
Race to Alaska, R2AK, Team Oaracle, Janice Mason, Ian Graeme, Saanich paddlers, canoe, Ketchikan, proving ground, Port Townsend, Inner Harbour, British Columbia, southeast Alaska, Lower Causeway marina
So they’re just canoeing all the way to Alaska with no engine? Respect but also kinda wild lol.
I saw “engine-free” and thought it was like they’re escaping something? Also 1,200 km sounds like a lot like… way more than 3 weeks in my head.
Wait the “proving ground” is 65 km? That seems like a warmup, not proving. But then they’re racing 1,200 km after like ??? I’m confused. My cousin said you can just sail it though, right?
This is giving me “trust the tides” energy. Like weather and currents decide everything, so why even plan? I don’t know, I feel like if they’re not using engines it’s just more risk for no reason, but then they say goal is safe and enjoy. Ok but still… Alaska canoe sounds scary.