Team members: Rob Bean, Bill Muir
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO, USA
Race vessel: Tremolino T-Gull Trimaran
LOA: 23′
Human propulsion: Pedal (Prop) & Paddles
Connect: instagram, youtube, website
This is what happens when two men meet in the middle of a strait at sunset, realize their current boats are “a little too small and a lot too wet,” and decide that shared follicular challenges are a solid basis for a partnership. Comprised of Rob, a retired marketing pro with a history of “suffering in silence” in 300-mile canoe races, and Bill, a mechanical engineer who used to build satellite antennas, the team is leaning hard into the “Bold, Bald, and Beautiful” aesthetic.
Their original craft—a Farrier Tramp, a vintage folding trimaran that Bill had systematically reinforced with G10 plate after identifying factory layup flaws—did not survive training. In what can only be described as a classic Farrier failure, the bulkhead let go in spectacular fashion somewhere in the Bay Area. With turnaround measured in days, Rob got on a plane, bought something else, and now they’re bringing a different boat north. We’re pretty sure they know how to sail it.
They aren’t looking to be “completely obliterated” by the finish line. They’ve packed heated jackets for Rob’s post-heart-surgery circulation and enough epoxy to rebuild an ama from scratch. “Something’s gonna break,” Rob admits, but between Bill’s “MacGyvering” and Rob’s refusal to ever row again, they intend to keep their bald heads beautiful all the way to Ketchikan.
The Race to Alaska Podcast
Episode 10: Team Mike Marty and The Bonesaw, Team Triple Threat, Team Salmon Hat
→ Listen on Spotify
→ Listen on YouTube
→ Listen on Apple Podcasts
First things first, why Race to Alaska?
We’re both drawn to Race to Alaska for the challenges – known and unknown. We like the fact that we can point on a globe and say, “from here to here, we traveled using wind, muscle and determination!” We’re looking forward to experiencing the wild nature of this part of the world and enjoying everything the race has in store for us. Best of all, we’re racing with people who share the same spirit for adventure!
What part of this race keeps you up at night?
Rambunctious orcas, bored of their stylish fish hats, decide 2026 is the year follow their Spanish brethren and start chewing on rudders. More realistically, submerged deadheads and large logs.
Luck/Skill Ratio
40:60
Confidence Level
99.9%