PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. – The U.S. Coast Guard and other boats had to come to the rescue of at least four contestants in a marine race from Washington to Alaska on Monday, June 13th.

KOMO reports racers were buffeted by high winds and choppy water while crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Organizers of the Race to Alaska said seven boats dropped out of the race because of the conditions.

It’s a race of human or wind-powered craft from Port Townsend to Ketchikan, Alaska.

The first place prize is $10,000 in cash nailed to a block of wood.