Saanich pair canoes out of Victoria harbour on 3rd epic Race to Alaska - Vancouver Island Free Daily

Victoria’s Inner Harbour buzzed as 66 teams gathered ahead of the June 17 noon start to Ketchikan for the Race to Alaska. A challenging proving ground from Port Townsend, Washington, whittled the field, with three entrants failing to reach the border, including Dreams, Kitemares, and solo paddler Philip Montgomery, who described his four-in-one touring foil as “four boats in one.” Erik Strickler, a competitor from Bainbridge, warned that even favorable conditions tested crews, predicting a two- to three-week voyage along the coast. Team Oaracle, Janice Mason (66) and Ian Graeme (65), completed the 65-kilometre proving ground in their 18.5-foot Clipper.