Know Your Seaster: Captain Mel
Catching up with our fearless leader
Mel is the owner of our boat, Wildcard, and the mastermind behind our team. After successfully completing the 2025 WA360, she rounded up a fresh gang of adventurers for Race to Alaska, 2026. We hear more from her, below!
Q: What’s your sailing background?
A: I learned to sail in 2021 on a J24 and quickly fell in love with the sailing. I then graduated to exploring the San Juan Islands in a co-owned Telstar trimaran 28, which was amazing for covering ground, but I found myself missing the healing and carving feel of a monohull. With the trimaran in the past, I am the owner of Wild Card, Santa Cruz 27 and I’ve raced in local races including the WA360, but nothing quite like the Race to Alaska.
Q: What kind of professional/recreational background do you bring?
A: I love all things water - from sailing, sea kayaking and diving to whitewater kayaking and rafting. I’m the proud owner of three boats: Wild Card, a Santa Cruz 27; La Boheme, my sea kayak; and Tiny Dancer, my sporty 13-foot whitewater cataraft. Professionally, I’ve spent the past 10 years working in social justice, and I currently support solar energy adoption by underserved communities. I bring a mix of hands-on adventure experience and problem-solving skills to the team - both on and off the water.”
Q: Why do you want to do the Race to Alaska?
A: I honestly can say that I just really really want to do it, and it’s hard to say specifically why! It’s the challenge, the difficulty, the learning, the boat maintenance the logistical problem solving, the camaraderie and community – I suppose. When I first learned about the Race to Alaska I just knew it was something I wanted to do!
Q: What’s the best part so far?
A: The training has been an absolute hoot – filled with laughs, strategy sessions and great company. We’ve also had some learning lessons and some intensity out there, and we continually push the boundaries of our comfort levels. I also love problem solving and a good logistics puzzle and I really get into the planning and logistics.
Q: Has anything surprised you?
A: I’m kinda good at boat projects!
Q: Anything you’re nervous about?
A: Big, downwind following seas at night with no sleep.
Q: If you could add one thing to the race to make it easier what would it be?
A: A flux capacitor.