Ready, Get Set, Go
Starts begin Monday and extend through Saturday, July 19. Variable wind patterns should make for an interesting race. All boats signed up are reported ready for the starting line, despite a few last-minute glitches as reported in the blogs. Fair winds to all racers...
All Systems are Go for 2008
This year's Pacific Cup will see 61 sailboats across the 2070 miles from San Francisco to Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. The first, and biggest, start will be Monday, July 14 at Saint Francis Yacht Club. Division A, consisting of a mini-fleet of Cal 40's and other boats with similar speed ratings, as well as both double-handed fleets will head out under the gate, leading the way for the faster-rated boats to start at staggered intervals on each day until Saturday, July 19.
Most racers anticipate arrival around July 26-29, with that date range varying by several days on either side depending on weather, course selection, and boathandling. This race, taking sailors about as far from land as it is possible to get on the surface of the planet, tests skills as sailor, planner, cook, engineer, repairman, navigator, and radio operator -- all of these are important to a successful and victorious race.
Records to be set?
Our division F boasts some frighteningly fast boats skippered by dedicated and aggressive racers. Philippe Kahn aboard Pegasus (OP-50) seeks to best the record for fastest doublehanded passage. As the fastest-rated boat in the fleet, he may set a pace for the rest. The other boats in Division F are fully-crewed, generally meaning they will benefit from less fatigue and more aggressive sailhandling. 70-foot sleds like Velos, Holua, and Rage will spar with Pegasus as well as Criminal Mischief and Flash, designed to take advantage of light weight, surfing all the way to Hawaii. Surfing, that is, if conditions are right.
Team Trophy, and Family Prize
2008 will see some special trophies.
Blue Water Sailing magazine, dedicated to offshore racing and cruising, is a family-run operation. They've stepped up to support a prize this year for the "Fastest Family Afloat." At least eight boats have declared as family efforts, with at least three relatives aboard, or two for doublehanders. These include perennial Pac Cup buffs Jim Quanci and Mary Lovely aboard Green Buffalo, the Jensen family aboard Alternate Reality, and the Cayard family aboard Hula Girl. Competition for the prize is expected to be spirited, but race officials do not anticipate DNA tests to prove consanguinuity will be needed.
Race co-organizer Storm Trysail Club proposed a Team Trophy. This prize will go to the three boat team from a single yacht club with combined best performances against the overal fleet and each boat's division. Over nine teams have signed up to defend their yacht club's honor.
The Pacific Cup
All monohulls compete for the Pacific Cup, the trophy that gives the race its name. This is awarded to the boat completing the course with the best corrected time. Super-racers compete with mom'n'pop for this coveted prize. In the highly variable conditions of the Pacific, and under the strictures of the race, it's as likely that the trophy will be carried away by a general purpose sailboat of modest design as it is to be taken by the all-out race machine. What's always debatable, of course, is which group of sailors had more fun!
Daily Updates
The Pacific Cup website, www.PacificCup.org, will be updated daily or better during the course of the race. Official standings, racer blogs, race commentary, and satellite tracks will be made available for the enjoyment and information of family, friends, and lovers of the race.
