The wait is over. We’ve been dropping hints, teasing the possibilities, and now it’s time to reveal the details of the next bucket list item that Northwest Maritime has cooked up for you: WA360.
What?
WA360 is a 360-mile, sail, and human-powered race through Washington’s waterways. It’s a test of endurance, strategy, and skill, where the only power sources are wind, water, and muscle. The race has two classes:
- The Wind Division: Flying canvas? This is for you.
- The Muscle Group: Eat your Wheaties—this class is for entirely human-powered teams. Some might call this “The Hard Way.”
Where?
The race starts and ends in Port Townsend, Washington, with these required waypoints:
- Olympia Shoal, Budd Inlet: Go around the Rock.
- Goat Island: Teams must pass within one mile of Goat Island, setting them up for the choice between Deception Pass or Swinomish Channel.
- Bellingham Bay: The FL Y 10s PRIV buoy (north of Fairhaven) is the next mark. Put it to port as you head north.
- Point Roberts: Round the mark at Point Roberts (What mark? We’ll tell you later).
- Port Townsend: The race ends back where it began.
When?
Race Start is at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Teams have two weeks to complete the course, with the finish line slamming closed at noon on July 12, 2025.
The Rules
In keeping with the ethos of Northwest Maritime challenges, the rules are simple, nigh non-existent:
- No engines: Though you may keep one aboard, it will be tagged to ensure it’s not used.
- No pre-planned support: No supply drops, support vessels, or anything that isn’t available to all teams.
The Glory
Winning matters, but it’s not about new cars, instant fame, or a personal entourage clearing your path. It’s about personal triumph—overcoming challenges you never expected or wanted to face. The first way to win in WA360 is to finish, and to do so in a way that fills you with pride. But if you’re aiming higher, you can be the first in your class, securing your team’s name in the halls of glory and emblazoned on a big, freakin’ Championship Belt for all eternity.
We will also be announcing several Side Bets between now and race day. Care to create and sponsor a Side Bet? Reach out to sponsorship@nwmaritime.org.
The Youth Bonus
If we have learned one thing from the last few years of R2AK, it’s that young people are just as good (or better) at sailing and paddling as anybody else. It’s also true that they’re more likely than not to be broke and can need a little help getting a team off the ground. For this reason, we’re incentivizing skippers to take youth crew members on their team. We are waiving crew fees for racers under 18.
Keep an eye out for ways crew can connect.
Even better? Any team composed entirely of youth (under 18) pay no crew fees whatsoever and get a 25% discount off the base registration.
Application and Registration
Team Applications: Open on November 15, 2024, and close on May 1, 2025.
Team Registration: After vetting and acceptance, teams must register by May 15, 2025.
Everybody’s Race to Build
WA360 is more than just a race—it’s a time for the water communities of Washington to come together and celebrate our shared waterways. We encourage you to engage in any way you can think of: get on the water to toss pizza to racers, throw viewing parties on the beaches of the Puget Sound, or come up with your own creative ways to make WA360 your own.
You can also rally your local community organization, rowing club, or sailing center to create and sponsor a team. Use WA360 as the impetus to build a boat, train as a group, or reconnect with old friends. This race is as much yours to build as it is ours.
Visit the WA360 webpage to learn more.
See you on the water!
WA360 High Command