Distance: 14 Miles (12.2 Nautical Miles)
Difficulty: 3
Pre-race meeting: 9:15 a.m.
Race start: 10:00 a.m.
The Shaw Island Race boasts a world-class 14 mile race course around Shaw Island 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. The starting time of 10 am is "loose" in order to accommodate the decidedly funky Island Ferry Schedule. Participants are well advised to catch an early ferry to compensate for "Island Time" ferry schedule delays. There is a big grassy area at the end of the park near the boat launch which can be 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 (no sinks or restrooms) and only pit toilets. The grassy area is famous for possessing the largest stampdeding herd of horse-sized slugs in the entire galaxy, possibly the entire known universe.
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.
The course starts and ends at the State Park at Indian Cove. Direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) is the racer's choice.
Rob O’Brien/Jeff Knakal, 1:39:45 in 2003 in a 2X.
None.
Hey, the race is its own reward!
Shaw Island County Park. You can make reservations for a limited number of campsites on the hill by calling San Juan County Parks at (360)378-1842, but the park allows us to camp on a grassy area right next to the beach on race weekend. Lots of room, no reservations needed. Avoid the sprint to the ferry line and relax in paradise. Web site: www.co.san-juan.wa.us/parks/index.html.