Team ORCA
Kayleen and Sylvia have been best friends since elementary school. It’s time to put their friendship to the test, combine their skills and knowledge, and make their mark together in the Race to Alaska history. So, you know the history, but what about the present? After returning from Mexico, Kayleen and Sylvia were catching up on a bike ride, which continued over a bottle of wine, the idea of entering the R2AK was formed. The rest of the evening was spent scouring marketplace. In the depths of marketplace was a shitty little photo of the perfect boat. Fast forward a few weeks later, Kayleen and Sylvia were driving home with their very own 20’ sailboat. Enter ORCA. With Kayleen’s big dream of sailing to Mexico and back finished, much to her fiance’s despair, there was now two boats! Luckily, Kayleen and Sylvia put their money where their mouths are and are now busy preparing the boat and rowing their butts off. They have now taken her for her first spin in salt water and the list of preparations is in full swing!
Sylvia Watkins
Chief Navigator, Meteorologist, Endurance Athlete, Chief of Safety.
Sylvia joined Kayleen’s family on sailing adventures in her youth, including circumnavigating Vancouver Island, which she puked her way down the outside coast, all with a smile on her face.
In more current years, Sylvia is now Bridge Watch for BC Ferries northern route and a bear guide in the Broughton Archipelago. Sylvia knows the northern coast inside and out and has the certs to back it up. Don’t let her blonde hair and innocent blue eyes fool you, her grit and tenacity are feared by the saltiest of men.
Kayleen VanderRee
Captain, Rowing Muscle, and Chief of Logistics, Fixer of all Broken Things.
Kayleen grew up on her parent’s sailboat cruising the inside passage with the most remote waterways as her playground. Over her 31 years she’s earned a few swallows. Most recently she’s completed the Clipper Route from Mexico to Canada in a 44 day passage on her sailboat. Most sane people ask “Why didn’t you stop in Hawaii?” Her response: For the challenge?
And challenge it was. She dealt with breaking parts and losing a her water tank. But the biggest hurdle of the whole trip? Dealing with Canadian customs upon return. But that’s a story for another time.
Make a donation.
Directly help Team ORCA’s costs associated with the Race to Alaska. Your contribution will help us focus more on racing and less if we are able to afford a warm bed when we get to Ketchikan. And for that we thank you.
Sponsors
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Helly Hansen - Title Sponsor
Designed for the coastal elements, Helly Hansen’s gear is exactly what Team Orca needs to focus more on our performance and less about staying dry and warm! A huge thank you to Helly Hansen for covering all race fees providing gear for this suffer fest.
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McCubbin McGarvey Law
Fans of sailing and supporting local athletes, Courtenay law firm, McCubbin McGarvey, are generously covering costs of transporting Orca to and from race start/finish.
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Light Leaf Solar
Keeping or navigation lights running, our VHF and GPS charged more importantly our speaker pumping the tunes is crucial for success. Light Leaf Solar is kindly donating their 110W seaLeaf panel.
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Precision Sails
Vancouver Island local sail loft is helping us out with a brand new mainsail better suited for the waters and winds ahead. Equiped with two deep reef points and partial battens, it’s clear our Santana 20 isn’t just here for daysails, but for the long haul to Ketchikan.
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Passage Marine
Campbell River marine specialists, Chris & Megan, have donated their time and resorces to create a custom mount for our rowing platform!
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Peak Nautical
Courtenay local mechanic is donating his Yamaha 9.9hp so we can bring Orca home at the end of the race without having to touch the oars again! Thanks Tom!
2 Girls. 1 Boat. No Motor.