It’s not unusual to see boats flying above the water—literally—during Wrangell’s annual Fourth of July boat races. And this year, the action returns soon with the eighth annual competition just around the corner.
The event features two racing categories: unlimited with engines over 200 horsepower and limited capped at 115 horsepower.
In the unlimited class, racers launch in drag-style, reaching speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Meanwhile, limited boats compete in circular lap races, clocking in between 60 and 70 miles per hour.
Circular racing seems to be a favorite
Limited races run in heats—groups of up to five boats. If more than five register, organizers typically hold two heats. Top finishers from each heat then go head-to-head in a final run.
Penny Allen, president of the Stikine River Rats Racing Club, said fans tend to favor the limited-class circular races, though both categories draw enthusiastic crowds.
Allen remembers quirky race formats from past decades, including tugboat and funny boat races that required participants to swim to their boats and then back to the dock. She said the funny boat races were her favorite.
“We did try that for a couple years, but we only had a couple people sign up for it,” she said. “It’s a lot more work to set up. And with all volunteers, there’s already a lot for us to do.”
This year, organizers plan to award a total of $5,800 in prize money, with $1,300 for first place, $900 for second, and $700 for third in each category.
“We’re really lucky in this town…”
And safety remains a top priority in the race. Racers must wear goggles, life jackets and helmets. The race costs around $15,000 to organize annually, and the club continues to invest in additional safety gear with proceeds made.
Allen said about 40 volunteers will help run the event this year, taking on roles like scorers, safety inspectors and referees.
“We’re really lucky in this town that we have so many people who support the races and volunteer their time,” she said.
The club is still seeking additional safety boats to support the event. Allen said any kind of boat can serve as a safety boat.
Monitoring for marine life
Additionally, a new role the club has to enforce this year includes monitoring for marine wildlife.
“We have to have one person dedicated to looking out for sea lions and killer whales,” Allen said. “Though we’ve never seen them on the course, but they have the sea lion over there at Lesnoi on the island, close enough, I guess.”
Race day kicks off with a mandatory boat check at 1:30 p.m., followed by a safety meeting at 3 p.m. and racing begins at 4:30 p.m.
Spectators can enjoy the event for free at City Dock. Flying drones over the course is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns.
Racers must pay a $100 entry fee on race day, but they can save $20 by registering at the Show and Shine event on July 3. More information is available on the Stikine River Rats Racing Club website.
