Pacific Cup: The Attrition Begins

The biennial Pacific Cup attracted 64 entrants for the 2070 nm course from San Francisco to Hawaii, with the fleet divided among four staggered starts on July 11, 12, 14, and 15. With 50 of the 64 teams underway, here is a report from the race office on July 13…

Everyone appears to be in for a relatively quick race to Hawaii with typically strong winds offshore and the Pacific High poised to move to its desired location. Most are handling it well, however, there are some that have been forced back.

The doublehanded Santa Cruz 27, Alternate Reality, had dismasted, and is heading toward Santa Barbara with no reports of any injuries. Skipper Darrel Jensen, sailing with his brother Doug, is a veteran of four Pac Cups, one Transpac, a Vic Maui and many other offshore races.

Steve Calhoun’s Cal 40 Psyche has also turned back and is nearing Monterey Bay after dismasting. Psyche and her crew aren’t new to ocean racing having previously sailed two Transpacs.

Matt Shore’s Nelson Marek 36 Alegria was forced to turn back due to a fuel leak and is now safely in Half Moon Bay. Also, Tom Keffer’s J/42 Velocity is returning home after her fresh water tanks became contaminated with salt water and Kirk Denebeim’s A35 Mirthmaker has had to turn around due to a non life-threatening crew injury.
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There are four starts on July 11, 12, 14, and 15 for the 64 entrants. The race begins from the starting line at or near the St. Francis Yacht Club. Viewing opportunities for the starts include the StFYC race deck, Crissy Field, the Golden Gate Bridge, and on the water. Richmond Yacht Club volunteers will be organizing “Aloha Boats” to take competitor family and friends out on the Bay to cheer the sailors on to Hawaii.

Event details – Tracker – Division splits – Facebook

Background: The Pacific Cup Yacht Club is responsible for organizing the biennial Pacific Cup, dubbed the “FUN race to Hawaii.” Since 1980, the Pacific Cup has been sailed from San Francisco Bay to Hawaii every other year, and since 1988 the finish has been at the warm and welcoming Kaneohe Yacht Club on the island of Oahu. With an emphasis on pre-race preparation for the 2070 nm race, PCYC’s volunteer membership has helped to ensure that thousands of racers have been delighted with their Pacific Cup experience.

Source: Pacific Cup Yacht Club