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History of
the Pacific Challenge
Three boats 'competed' in 1992; the
following year the number of competing boats doubled to six. The Pacific
Challenge has now grown in include up to fifteen boats representing eight
communities around Puget Sound as well as The annual event, hosted each year by a
different port community, is designed to test the nautical skills and knowledge
of young mariners aged 14-18 aboard traditional wooden longboats and
gigs. Long boats are 26 feet long with a 7 foot beam. They row
with 8 to 10 crew and require a coxswain at the rudder. The oars are 13
feet long and either sit in a port or are attached to a tholepin with a
grommet. Long boats also sail utilizing intentionally complex dipping
lugsails. The weekend event brings together youth,
their maritime mentors, and community supporters. The competition celebrates
the team’s achievements in teamwork, leadership, and their mastery of rowing,
sailing and seamanship. This is accomplished through friendly competition
rooted in long-standing tradition. For many of these young crews, the Pacific
Challenge is the culmination of a year's worth of studying and training in
their home maritime program. The event was modeled on the Atlantic
Challenge, an international contest of youth seamanship created to build
community among nations. The first such Challenge was held in 1986 and repeats
in a different Atlantic port every two years, with participants from ports
from around the world. There is some cross-over of Pacific Challenge
members participating in the Atlantic Challenge. The Pacific Challenge has been held in
the following communities in the following years:
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