In 2024, after meeting race participants, exploring their boats and propulsion systems, and understanding more about the R2AK, I instantly knew I had to do this race. I thrive on adventure and challenges. My 40 years of sailing (12 years sailing the Pacific Northwest), coupled with my competitive history means I know what it takes physically and mentally for an event like this. I’m excited to push myself and deepen my sailing expertise with these four incredible women.
“Hell yes, I’m in!” Why? Because, adventure is my guiding core value, and this is obviously a great one! This race is an opportunity to grow my skills, as it requires a kind of sailing I’ll never encounter on the Great Lakes. Lastly, I want to inspire girls and women of all types to pursue their big dreams, take risks, and not wait for the perfect time. The right time is NOW.
I don’t know of another race where I can use my physical strength and bicycling endurance while sailing. I like competing and learning new things. I have confidence in my teammates’ abilities to make it to the finish line. The R2AK is a chance for me to contribute to the team and show why we are named Team Fly Girls.
I’ve always been drawn to competing and setting goals that test my physical and mental strengths. Most of my accomplishments have been in skydiving and flying. The R2AK excites me. It opens a door for me to use some of my skills and experiences to help my team cross the finish line and ring that bell!
I jumped on board (not literally, because I was buckled up in the back seat of a car) when invited to join Team Fly Girls for the 2026 R2AK. Unless I join the Navy Seals, where else can I help propel a boat 750 miles while being wet, cold, and tired? It’s a challenge and adventure right up my alley and I’m going for it!
It’s like the Iditarod, on a boat, with a chance of drowning, being run down by a freighter, or eaten by a grizzly bear. There are squalls, killer whales, tidal currents that run upwards of 20 miles an hour, and some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.
North America’s longest human and wind powered race, it’s a 750-mile boat race from Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska, with only two rules:
No motors.
No support.
Fast Forward is a 1982 Hobie 33. We are hard at work updating her interior, waxing her hull, and upgrading her rigging so she’ll be ready to carry the Fly Girls on our epic adventure northward. She may be a little short on creature comforts, but she’s fast, so we won’t have to do without for long! Fast Forward is being outfitted with all equipment dictated by international, US and Canadian laws, plus a stern-mounted, dual pedal drive system whose propellers will be powered by crew members when the wind won’t play nice.
