Congratulations, Lillian: First Female Solo Rower to Finish R2AK
We watched in awe as Lillian Kuehl of Port Angeles, Washington finished the 2026 Race to Alaska (R2AK). Lillian rowed her Expedition Wherry 750 miles north from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska. It was her third try with this boat; this time she finished, becoming the first female solo rower ever to do so. Also the only rower to finish the R2AK this year!
Read more from the Peninsula Daily News
You can watch the Facebook video of Lillian's finish here. She appears at the 10:40 mark, having picked up a fellow competitor and taken HIS boat in tow).
Huge congratulations to Lillian, and to everyone who dared to set off on this year's R2AK adventure, where there are "No Engines; No Support; All Guts."
Lillian's Expedition Wherry, "Patty B" beached during the Race to Alaska.
Lillian and "Patty B" reaching the finish line in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Expedition Wherry, "Patty B" on display at the Wooden Boat Festival.
