Distances: 6 miles 14 miles 20 miles Difficulty:  3. Open ocean, marathon class Saturday July 10, 2010 Race start: 9:00 a.m. (8:30 a.m. pre-race meeting)
Human Powered Craft - kayaks, ocean canoes, rowing shells, warrior canoes, paddle wheels, etc.

This is a single-day, self-supported race for human powered boats of all types. The race should be challenging to all comers - presenting an array of strong tides, winds and currents, and a myriad of islets. However, if you’re ready, the weather is often glorious and the experience always exhilarating.

Racers can choose between three race lengths. All courses start and finish at Sitka Harbor on Japonski Island. All racers depart to the north in a counter-clockwise course. Each race length builds on the previous course. All racers follow the same route to the first checkpoint. 6-mile racers turn back there, 14 and 20 mile racers follow the same route to the second checkpoint. 14-mile racers turn there, and 20 mile racers follow a route to the thrid checkpoint. The race will start in the water as a mass start, and head north out of Sitka channel. Download the race route on the link to the left.

All racers are expected to attend the pre-race meeting 6:00 pm at the day before the race (July 9) at Harrigan Centennial Hall. There will also be a pre-race briefing 30 minutes prior to your race start.

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download map of the course (if it opens up in your web browser, come back and right click it)

Sitka Sound is protected on the north and west by Kruzof Island to the south by a natural arch in Baranof Island forming a peninsula at Povrotni Point. Mount Edgecumbe, an extinct volcano on Kruzof Island looms over Sitka Sound; views of the open Pacific Ocean to the west fill the horizon as far as the eye can see.

The area to the south west of Middle Island (after Checkpoint 2) can be rough at timee, as it is exposed to the Pacific Ocean. Racers must be capable of handling their craft in moderate chop and wind.

In the case of inclement weather, or other safety concerns, the Race Director may alter the route at his discretion.

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The Sitka Search and Rescue team and other coordinated volunteers will monitor the course. Participants acknowledge that advanced skills, conditioning and experience are essential to safe completion of the race and that they are prepared. The Race Director reserves the right to remove a racer with an unseaworthy vessel, who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or for unsportsmanlike conduct.

This is a self-supported race - you will need to carry everything that you need for the race, which can last up to six hours.

Required:

• All participants must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD with attached whistle per Alaska State law;
• be capable of self-righting their boat (this usually means carrying a paddle float for kayakers.)
• bilge/bailer pump
• Participants are expected to go immediately to the aid of a racer who has capsized (the race director will make his fairest allowance for lost time).
• All boats must meet industry standards of sea worthiness.

Recommended:

• Rescue line (65 ft floating line, weighted end)
• VHF radio or cell phone
• sunscreen
• plenty of water
• paddle leash
• paddle float
• non-cotton clothing (polypropylene)

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Almanac for July 10 in Sitka:

Temperature

Avg Low	Avg High	Avg Precip	Record Low	Record High
48°	61°	4.0 in.	38° (1929)	79° (1971)

Water Temperature around 55° F.

Tides:

Low	6:36 am	(-1.94 ft.)
High	1:12 pm	(+7.92 ft.)
Low	6:21 pm	(+3.13 ft.)

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Entry Fees

$15 Per Boat PLUS:
$25 per racer (if a member of the American Canoe Association*) OR
$30 per racer (if NOT a member of the American Canoe Association*)

Example:	1 person, non-member of ACA in single kayak: $15 + $30 = $45
	2 people, both non-members of ACA, in a double kayak: $15 + $30 + $30 = $75

*The American Canoe Association insures the SSOAR. All racers are required to be members of ACA. Racers who are not already members of ACA will pay a $5 fee to become a member for the day of the race.

We need a minimum of 8 participants REGISTERED for the 20 mile course to make it happen. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!

Entry Form

Download the entry form. The second page will look funny if you view it on your web browser, but it is fine on the download. (if it opens up in your web browser, come back and right click it)	Adult Form
	Minor Form

Who's Entered?

Check out the race roster (once we post it).

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Picnic

A picnic is planned at one o'clock at the Sitka Maritime Museum, which is also the Japonski Island Boathouse, which is right next to the start and finish line. Everyone is invited to enjoy grilled salmon, donated by NSRAA, and a dessert potluck.

Prizes

Awards will be presented at the post race picnic to first, second, and third place finishers in each race class.

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Getting Ready for the Race

Here's a few resources for getting ready for the big day from Heather Nelson in her blog www.ultramarathonpaddling.blogspot.com:

1. Set a goal – research the event. Know the miles, specific challenges, and your expected time.
2. Mark it on your calendar
3. Work backwards – where do you want to be 2-weeks before, a month before, two months before…and what do you need to get there in the 2 – 6 months before that?
4. Periodize your training – stroke technique, endurance, speed.
5. Give yourself mini goals and ‘tests’ along way to gauge your progress.
6. Listen to your body…if it needs a break, listen! If you have to miss a few days, that is fine, just pick up where you left off.
7. HAVE FUN!!! If you aren’t having fun…figure out how to make it fun, a big part of achieving your goals is enjoying the process of getting there.

Some other good links on training for long water races:

Fitness paddling website with some great suggested approaches by different types of racers.

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by sea:

From Juneau, Haines, Ketchikan, or Bellingham take Alaska Marine Ferry to Sitka terminal (6 miles from downtown Sitka. They charge a $30 flat fee to transport a kayak, or put it on your car. Go to Alaska Marine Highway website.

by air:

Alaska Airlines has daily northbound and southbound service to Sitka. Go to Alaska Airlines website.

in Sitka:

Race will start on Japonski Island (airport side of Sitka) at the University of Alaska boat ramp. There will be signs identifying the race start.

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Kayak rentals may be available through Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures 907-752-0660. Don't wait until the last minute to reserve a boat.

Here's the web site: kayaksitka.com

Camping

Camping is available at two U.S.F.S sites: Starrigavan campground near the ferry terminal at the north end of town (7 miles from downtown) and Blue Lake campground at the south end of town (6 miles from downtown). Go to Forest Service Camping site.

Housing and Hotels

There are several hotels in Sitka but space is limited and prices are high due to large influx of tourists from June to September.

Totem Square Inn – Newly remodeled hotel right downtown. Complimentary continental breakfast, and free high-speed internet and Wifi.
www.totemsquareinn.com
866-300-1353

Sitka Hotel - Oldest hotel in Sitka, right downtown.
907-747-3288

Westmark Sitka - Free High Speed Internet Access, Raven Dining Room & Lounge.
http://www.westmarkhotels.com/sitka.php
1-800-544-0970

Super 8 Motel - Easy walk to downtown. Complimentary continental breakfast, and free high-speed internet and Wifi.
http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03097&brandInfo=SE
907-747-8804

Sheldon Jackson College has dorms rooms on a limited basis. Contact for SJC is 907-747-2552.

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Come see why we're so spoiled. If you are coming over for the race, stay a few days and discover this amazing place. In addition to kayaking, there's mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and some of the best fishing in Alaska. Definitely worth exploring!

Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau

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