Start/Pre-race Meeting: August 2, 2025 Time 10:15 AM, one hour after the arrival of the second ferry. Pre-race meeting is in open field near the shelter about 9:30 AM.
Level: 3
Distance: 14mi
Check In: Near the shelter as soon as your ferry arrives.
Director: Herbie Weisse and Carrie Weisse
Phone: Herbie Weisse 425.263.0520
Carrie Weisse 425.232.7858
Email for questions: Herbie Weisse and Carrie Weisse
The Shaw Island Race made its informal debut in 1978 when Don Cameron and 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.
Race Requirements
Must be able to self rescue.
Wear or have life vest attached to boat. Youth under 18 must wear vest.
Must have whistle.
Bring cell phone in waterproof case. Herb Weisse will be emergency number at 425-263-0520. Be aware cell phone is limited, particularly on the south side of the island.
Must assist anyone who flips. Stay with paddler/rower until they are in their boat.
Getting to the Start/Ferry Reservations
Catch the Island ferry at Anacortes. On the day of the race there is a 5:45 am and 7:25 am sailing from Anacortes to Shaw. Please check ferry schedule for other options. From the dock head south to Indian Cove. It is critical to make a reservation to Shaw. Ferry schedules can be found at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. Ferry to return to Anacortes is first come/first serve. No cost to make a reservation if you cancel one day in advance.
Race Registration
Please register online for the race. It is OK to signup and decide not to attend the race. Online registration is free and closes at 9 pm on THURSDAY, July 31. On site registration is $20 per person.
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. Racers can choose their direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
Course Record
Rob O’Brien/Jeff Knakal, 1:39:45 in 2003 in a 2X.
Awards
Ribbons awarded for 1st-3rd by category. Please see Carrie or Herb Weisse for your ribbon as come off the water. We are assuming many participates will want to get in line for the ferry immediately after the race.
Shaw Camping is only available for Saturday Night!!
We were not able to get reservations for Friday night this year. If you don’t want to rush back on Saturday after the race we have the group site (site 10 and 11) available (open at 2 pm). So you can return on Sunday. A donation of $20/person is requested to offset the $210 reservation fee, plus a fee for parking overnight. You can not car-camp in your vehicle.
There is potluck on for Saturday night camper, please bring a dish to share. Chips, salad, anything. The race directors will bring chili.
Facilities at the park only provide cold water and pit toilets.
For cyclers or kayaker/rowers arriving by water, there is marine site or cycling campsite available for Friday night and Saturday. Checkout time is 1 pm, so Friday only campers need to checkout before the race.