R2AK Memories

 Two years and one day ago the Singawing had the distinct pleasure of running the R2AK course WITHOUT participating. We were carrying a film crew made up of 3 determined, hardworking men following and filming the journey of veteran, soloing the whole thing on a paddleboard, such a heroic feat.  If I was more on my game lately I would have had this up yesterday, the actual anniversary of our departure, but life is life and time is weird right now.  Apologies.

 We arrived at the boat at 3:30 a.m. to prepare for the 5 a.m. start of the race. The dock was already crowded and bustling with participants and well wishers, families gathered to say good-bye and good luck, a couple lucky dogs bouncing around in the excitement.  As the sun rose we kicked off, out into the bay to circle and wait for the starting bell. Promptly at 5 the participants took off, man powered, sailing, all the various vessels (you can look the participants up at R2AK.com) were off on their way to Victoria, the first leg and proving ground of the race. Our job was to keep the film crew close enough to their participant that they could film him, but far enough away so we were in no way interfering or assisting. We did this with great joy, taking turns keeping eyes on him with binoculars and going ahead, falling behind, pacing ourselves with his momentum.

 It was a gorgeous day for a race, and a hero's welcome as the participants filtered into Victoria to ring the bell, one by one. After a nights rest in Victoria the racers set out on the second leg of the journey, the long one, the one all the way to Ketchikan.  I'll be spreading the rest of the story over the next few blogs since it was the longest charter we've had yet to date, 26 days on the water!

 Parting Note: The caption photo for this entry is the actual morning of the R2AK departure, just as we were leaving Port Townsend. : )