Weather, injury pulls Vancouver Island team out of Alaska adventure race<\/p>\n
Published 10:00 am Monday, July 6, 2026<\/p>\n
With a focus on safety and enjoying the journey, a Saanich team taking in the Race To Alaska won\u2019t finish the task this time. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt is with heavy hearts and profound disappointment that Team Oaracle has made the difficult decision to retire from this year\u2019s R2AK and postpone our northward journey to Ketchikan for another time,\u201d the team said in an update. \u201cDespite an enforced three-day weather hold while wild winds swept through Johnstone Strait and Queen Charlotte Strait, Janice\u2019s rib injury has not improved enough to continue paddling safely.\u201d<\/p>\n
While many teams focus on speed, Team Oaracle goal from the outset was to travel safely, enjoy the journey, and complete another memorable expedition through some of the most spectacular coastal waters in North America. <\/p>\n
Janice Mason and Ian Graeme paddled out of Victoria\u2019s Inner Harbour in their 18.5-foot Clipper tripping canoe alongside 65 other teams in the unique, engine-free, unsupported adventure race. Competitors travel by sail, oar, paddle, pedal or any combination of human and wind power, navigating strong currents, changing weather and remote coastlines.<\/p>\n
Team Oaracle expected to spend approximately three weeks on the race course, depending on weather and sea conditions. <\/p>\n
\u201cTo everyone who has supported and encouraged us along the way \u2013 thank you. Your messages, cheers, and kindness have meant the world to us,\u201d the team said. \u201cWe\u2019ll be following the remaining teams as they make their final push to Ketchikan, and we wish them fair seas, favourable winds, and safe passages to the finish line\u201d <\/p>\n
The only other local in the race \u2013 Team Dreams and Kitemares made up of solo Victoria paddler Philip Montgomery \u2013 didn\u2019t finish the \u201cproving ground\u201d trip from Port Townsend, Wash., to Victoria in June. <\/p>\n
Winds came too late for Montgomery, in a custom touring foil he describes as four boats in one. Despite the ability to hydrofoil, surface kit, paddle or pedal, he didn\u2019t make it past the border.<\/p>\n
The first team to finish the race, Northbound Nutters, sailed into Ketchikan and rang the bell June 22. Other teams continue to make the trek.<\/p>\n
Follow the race online at r2ak.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n RELATED: Saanich pair canoes out of Victoria harbour on 3rd epic Race to Alaska<\/a><\/p>\n READ ALSO: \u2018Doing it for pops\u2019: Victoria News rider Tony Trozzo takes on Tour de Rock<\/a><\/p>\n READ ALSO: Micro grants of love: Victoria grassroots charity funds youth building community<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk<\/a><\/p>\n