Team members: Matt Scharl
Hometown: Clarkston, MI, USA
Race vessel: Gougeon-inspired homebuilt trimaran
LOA: 23′
Human propulsion: Pedal (Prop)
Connect: instagram
R2AK Application: a hand-sketched drawing of a boat, seemingly drawn by a nine-year-old. Not charmingly vague—actually vague.
Fast forward, and there’s a trimaran sitting there, 23.5 by 17, stitched out of plywood and carbon and generally the shape the drawing promised. It has been in the water long enough to prove it doesn’t immediately sink. Beyond that, it’s still negotiating its identity.
Going solo, on that, should make good television. But the Vetting Team was pretty sure that Matt’s thirty years of sailing, a solo ocean crossing, and more long-distance Great Lakes Races than seem possible in the time span provided make him as good a bet as any to test-pilot a floating daydream to Alaska.
The Race to Alaska Podcast
Episode 14: Team Belly Full of Tea, Team Outliers, Team Lollipop
→ Listen on Spotify
→ Listen on YouTube
→ Listen on Apple Podcasts
First things first, why Race to Alaska?
When you build a boat, you need someplace to go. Why not Ketchikan?
What’s the biggest unknown for you right now?
The boat, at this point, considering I haven’t sailed it yet
Luck/Skill Ratio
30:70
Confidence Level
80%