John Thompson

North to Alaska John Thompson

Every year, the Race to Alaska challenges the skill and daring of many adventurers as they transit 750 miles of the Inside Passage from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK. Along the way, they face gales, dangerous currents, orcas, and even grizzly bears as they race north. No motors or outside assistance is allowed. All boats must be manually propelled along with the use of any sails. No other rules. $10,000 to the winner and a set of steak knives to the runner up.

The race begins long before the starting gun goes off. Gerald wants to sail the smallest boat ever to finish the race, which requires a custom-built boat. A medical emergency throws the whole project into jeopardy, but his dutiful son, Bobby, steps up at the last minute to build the boat for him. Of course, nothing goes as planned as time is short and an unexpected romance threatens to derail his schedule.

Eventually, they succeed and get the boat to the starting line and that's where the real adventure begins. A race within the race develops to see who the first solo finisher would be. Six teams chip in $200 each, the winner takes it all.