Round Shaw Row
Start : August 10, 2013 11:00 AM
Level: 3
Distance: 14mi
Meeting: 10:15 AM
Director : Joost Zeegers
Phone: 360.961.1627
The Shaw Island Race made its informal debut in 1978 when Don Cameron & Nick Fahey challenged sailors in a circumnavigation of the island and won. The following year, 1979, a dozen kayaks and rowing shells raced the loop, marking the official beginning of what is now the longest running people-powered boat race in the Pacific Northwest. Since then, participation has ranged from a handful to a hundred.
Getting to the Start
Catch the Island ferry at Anacortes (get in the line for Shaw, of course). From the dock head south to Indian Cove. Ferry schedules can be found at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
Race Registration
If you would like to fill out your entry form ahead of the race (especially if you are under 18 years of age and need parental permission) you can get a copy here: Entry/Release Form (PDF).
Race Course
The Round Shaw Race is a world-class 14 mile event which will present a challenge for even the most accomplished open water racer. There is nearly always some rough water and strong tidal currents during the race. At the same time, island ‘ease’ dominates the weekend. The starting time of 11am is "loose" in order to accommodate the Island Ferry Schedule. Racers can choose their direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) and it’s highly recommended that you go the direction Shane Baker goes even if the tidal charts and wind predictions suggest otherwise.
We encourage everyone to come Friday afternoon and camp out for the weekend. There is a big grassy area at the end of the park near the boat launch, which has traditionally been used for camping out the night before if all 9 regular campsites are full. The facilities at the park are very primitive with only cold running water, but the outhouse has been upscaled in a music-deco motif. Nice. The grassy area is famous for possessing the largest stampeding herd of horse-sized slugs in the entire galaxy, possibly the entire known universe.
Course Record
Rob O’Brien/Jeff Knakal, 1:39:45 in 2003 in a 2X.
Entry Fees
Free for all participants
Awards
Ribbons awarded for 1st-3rd by category.
Camping
Shaw Island County Park, reservations taken only by website: www.sanjuanco.com/parks/shaw.aspx
Traditionally, if all campsites are booked, the parks department has been kind enough to let campers overflow onto the grassy area central to the park.
If you do this, please make sure you register and pay the camping fee.
It’s critical to the park’s upkeep and to our being allowed to use it.
Thanks.