A Mann, A Plan And A Sailboat, GME Races to Alaska

It is said that the shortest route between two points is a straight line. It’s a safe assumption that whoever coined this turn of phrase wasn’t taking into account that line bringing a person 20 miles off the coast of Canada, through 50-degree water and tides that can near 20mph. However, that’s exactly what the Race to Alaska (R2AK) route stands to do for nearly 100 brave sailors. One of which is solo record holder Roger Mann who looks to expand on his success of 2015 this year with Gas Monkey Energy.

The race may not be simple, but the rules are: Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK, two way points, wind and human power only and no outside assistance of any kind. On his record-setting solo run, Roger averaged 58 miles a day completing the 750-mile journey in 13 days, one hour and 10 minutes. This year he enters the race with the same goal in mind as that journey, to finish. “I enjoy getting out there and challenging myself,” said Roger. And a challenge it is with just 60% of the entries finishing last year.

In addition to the elements, which will have Roger wearing a dry suit the entire time, he will be competing against himself both mentally and physically. The extreme isolation of being at sea alone means that for a stretch Roger will be immune to most sights and sounds and “in [his] own head,” a feat that alone would terrify many. That coupled with the 20 hour days and constant strain on his body resulted in a 15-pound weight loss his prior R2AK run.

Roger will set sail on the first leg early June 8 which will take him to Victoria BC, Canada. A 40-mile run which will serve as both a qualifier and way of clearing customs for those that qualify for the remaining 710-mile run. From there, the race is on to Alaska in North America’s longest human and wind powered race. “You really don’t know why you get into it, but you do,” said Roger. Our sentiments mirror that of Roger, in that we’re not sure why you do it, but best of luck to you and the Gas Monkey Energy team.

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