Island Paddlers: 2010 Orca Challenge race ~ Sept. 11th

Start: 10 am - Washington Park, Anacortes

Level: 3 *Strong rip currents & a wide open fetch exist throughout this 16 mile/ 25 km open water course*

Pre-Race Meeting: 9:15am

Getting to the Start: Take Interstate-5 - Travel approximately 90 minutes north of Seattle, approx. 30 min's south of Bellingham. From I-5, exit freeway in Mount Vernon onto Highway 20 West. Follow Hwy 20 for approx. 16 miles to Anacortes. Follow road as it winds into town and down along Commercial Ave to 12th street. Turn Left on 12th. Stay on 12th Ave approx. 4 miles until it dead ends at Washington Park. Race starts/finishes at boat launch.

Race Course: A world-class, 16 mile, open water race course- along rugged island shorelines, past remote isles, through strong eddies, rips and island channel currents. The 2010 Orca Challenge race course will present a 'challenge' for even the most accomplished open water racer.
Potential rough water and strong tidal currents possible throughout this San Juan island archipelago race course.

Starting at Washington Park boat launch, going south past Fidalgo island shorelines, racers will travel down Rosario Strait, passing Burrows and Allyn islands on the port side. Round Allyn island to the south to make a turn eastward towards Biz Point. Crossing end of Burrows Bay, continue along shorelines from Biz Point to Bowman Bay. The 1/2 way mark/ turnaround is Deception island. Racers will fight strong Deception Pass currents as they round Deception island to return to finish at WA Park.

On return, racers again follow Fidalgo island shorelines from Bowman Bay to Biz Point, then cross Burrows Bay back to Allyn & Burrows island. Hugging Allyn & Burrows on the portside, paddlers must keep small Young island on their starboard on return. Pass through Burrows Channel, turning north to re-enter Rosario Strait and finish at start.

* Strong wind and quickly changing marine weather conditions can potentially greatly increase ocean swells & waves along race course.
** Often especially increased in 'extended open fetch zone' & greatly more erratic in the frequent island reef & channel 'rip zones'.

Awards: Unique prizes for top 1-3 finishers in each category.

*Sound Rowers newest Open Water Paddling & Rowing race is unique from all others in the Pacific Northwest. It benefits not one, but TWO local non profits! While it is sponsored by a Seattle-based non-profit, the race is also a FUNDRAISING EVENT for Whidbey island's the Orca Network.