Sea Race Challenge: 70 Miles in 48 Hours, No Motors or Support

SEVENTY48 returns with 116 teams paddling from Tacoma to Port Townsend, Washington

News provided by

Tacoma South Sound Sports Commission

May 14, 2019, 07:48 ET

TACOMA, Wash., May 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Relaxing views of Mount Rainier will contrast with the clamor of splashing oars when the SEVENTY48 sea race begins May 31 along the waterfront in Tacoma, Washington. About 200 people on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats and other craft will be in the early phase of their 70-mile journey to Port Townsend, Washington.

SEVENTY48 will start at 7 p.m. from the Thea Foss Waterway with 166 teams. Their goal is to ring the bell on the Port Townsend dock within 48 hours. No motors, no sails, no support boats are allowed. This race is human powered only.

Platt Canyon High School students from Colorado designed and built their craft for the SEVENTY48 sea race from Tacoma to Port Townsend, Washington. Platt Canyon and 115 other teams will try to finish the 70-mile course in 48 hours using human power only. No motors, sails or support boats allowed. SEVENTY48 begins May 31.

"SEVENTY48 celebrates our relationship with the water. It's exciting for us to reconnect with the restored waterway in an epic event like this," said Dean Burke, CEO, Travel Tacoma and Tacoma South Sound Sports Commission.

Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend created SEVENTY48 and is the event organizer. Burke and TSSSC were instrumental in developing SEVENTY48, recognizing the event's potential to positively impact Tacoma and its recreational waterways.

SEVENTY48 festivities begin with a free Pre-Funk party, starting at noon May 31 at Social Bar & Grill. Enjoy live music and a specially crafted beer by Tacoma's own Harmon Brewing.

When the race begins at 7 p.m., spectators have lots of options to catch the excitement. Find a spot at the Foss Waterway Marina start line, reserve a table at a Ruston Way waterfront restaurant or bring lawn chairs to spacious Owen Beach. Port Townsend also has plenty of viewing spots so fans can celebrate team arrivals June 1 and 2.

With SEVENTY48 as the anchor of your Tacoma trip, you can plan an extra day or two to explore local activities from mountain to city to sea. Hike at Mount Rainier National Park, just 35 miles away. Check out downtown Tacoma's walkable museum district or the South Sound Craft Crawl, a craft beer trail with over 30 locations. Or get on the water yourself with kayak rentals or a boat tour. Find details on where to stay and play at TravelTacoma.com.

SOURCE Tacoma South Sound Sports Commission