It all started with three nuts….

In 2019 Homer Williams, Greg Flanigan, and Heather Jankens participated in a race called the Kraken Cup. It was a grueling 8-day journey off the coast of Africa. The goal was to race from the tip of Zanzibar Island to the mainland of Africa. 500 Km in a traditional local vessel that was never designed to be in the open ocean. They are called NGalawa’s, and amount to no more than a hollowed-out log with some sticks and a cotton sail.

It was tough. The team was shot at and shipwrecked, weathered heat and wind shears. The nuts finished the race after having to rebuild their boat on the fly on a small Island in the Indian Ocean.

The country was stunning and the people were friendly. Returning to their respective regions was a bit harder than anticipated. How do you follow such a grand adventure?

Months later the team gathered again to catch up and of course, go sailing. Greg was the one who asked THE question. “Have you guys ever heard of the Race to Alaska?”

Learn About R2AK Here!

Fast forward through a pandemic and life changes and the Unsalted Nuts are ready to do it again. Longer, harder, and likely crazier. The Nuts are accepted into the Race to Alaska, with three new team members and a rocket-sled they hope they are worthy of.

This website is for you to meet the vessel, the crew, our fantastic support, and our chosen charity.

Wait, Why “Unsalted Nuts”?

Originally the team was only Homer and Heather, with one more who just couldn’t commit. All of us being from the Midwest, it seemed like a funny play off of the fact we call the Great Lakes home. Now that we span the whole continent and Norway, it just seems ridiculous to change it to “Incredibly Salty Slightly Snarky Nuts.” So, we are leaving it be.

Germany-if you ever read this-Thanks for the name. We’re beating it up proudly.