I received the following in my mid-morning email - "After numerous debriefs with safety personnel, race staff, event sponsors and others, we have decided to move forward with a second Race to Alaska. Besides, there may have been a full-blown revolt if we hadn't run this again," said Jake Beattie, Executive Director of the Northwest Maritime Center, R2AK's host organization. The race will start on June 23 in Port Townsend, WA; all other details regarding the second iteration of the race will be released on September 11 at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. "There will be changes and some fun additions to the 2016 challenge," says Race Boss Daniel Evans, on board for his second year as Race Director. The first-ever R2AK Blazer Party will also be held at the Wooden Boat Festival; this event is free to racers and $25 for all others. Attendees can come rub elbows with R2AK teams, see the second place steak knives, and be the first to hear the details of next year's event. In mock formality, there will be a rack of thrift store R2AK-emblazoned jackets for the racers to wear (racers who completed both stages of the race get one with two arms). For more information about the Race to Alaska, visit www.r2ak.com, and attend the R2AK Blazer Party at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival on September 11! Thanks for following the Race to Alaska! The R2AK Command Central Team -- :: Dave Scobie :: former M15 owner - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com