Team members: James Gibling
Hometown: Pasadena, CA, USA
Race vessel: Angus Sailing Rowcruiser
LOA: 19′
Human propulsion: Sliding seat rowing system
Connect: instagram, youtube
Bangarang.
The battle cry of the Lost Boys charging forces much larger than themselves. Shouting it before heading into the Inside Passage alone in a tiny boat? Rufio would approve.
James Gibling built the boat after seeing a photo of Colin Angus standing in one of his RowCruisers. He learned it was a kit you could build yourself, and went for it. The result is Bangarang, still about 99% faithful to the original design – though experience has definately refined some details.
For one, it’s got a bombproof daggerboard after the original snapped halfway between North America and Catalina island.
James is a sailor. Unfortunately, sailing skills are only occasionally useful on this particular boat, so he had to learn to row. He’s been doing that nonstop along the California coast, on lakes, and through inland waterways.
He knows how to pull now.
His first Race to Alaska attempt in 2022 ended in Bella Bella – thanks to tide timing issues, blistered hands, and some gear that went swimming. Everything north of there remains unknown.
This year, from that point on, the navigation plan is simple:
Straight on till morning.
The Race to Alaska Podcast
Episode 9: Teams Bangarang & Perseverance, Team Tips Up, Team Laughing Roomba
→ Listen on Spotify
→ Listen on YouTube
→ Listen on Apple Podcasts
First things first, why Race to Alaska?
I love Alaska. I lived in Fairbanks for 4 years but spent that time exploring the Alaska Range, Brooks Range and interior northwest arctic regions. I always wanted to paddle the Inside Passage after following Ray and Jenny Jardines adventures. I planned to follow in their footateps but Race to Alaska seemed like a more fun way to make this dream happen. My first attempt at R2AK was 2022 but I dropped out at Bella Bella. The region north looked amazing as I detoured to Bella Coola to get home. I’m stoked to see what lies ahead! After R2AK, (following years) my wife and I plan to continue paddling north in kayaks to Skagway to complete the Inside passage.
What’s the one piece of advice you’re absolutely going to ignore?
Never sail alone.
Luck/Skill Ratio
20:80
Duct Tape Fixes (Linear Feet)
10