The 2026 Pacific Cup will have its first starts on Monday, July 6, 2026, with successive classes starting over the rest of that week. The start date was chosen primarily to take advantage of a favorable ebb tide at the anticipated mid-morning start.
It's important for boats to get out the gate and into a sustained wind pattern several dozen miles offshore before the near-coastal winds die off as the Sun sets. An unfavorable tide, particularly in a light wind year, can leave many boats stalled and bobbing around all night, waiting for the offshore "synoptic" wind to pick up again.
The trade-off for the 2026 race will be that the moonlit hours will be quite limited. Sailing in a black night without a moon can be particularly challenging. On the plus side, once clear of the cloud covers, the views of the night sky with a rich tapestry of stars can be inspirational.
"We're looking to a great race in 2026," says Pac Cup vet and PCYC Commodore Bob Hinden. "From our start on the San Francisco cityfront to the finish at Kaneohe Yacht Club, this is two thousand miles of sailing that can't be beat."
The 2026 Pacific Cup will include a full schedule of preparation and safety seminars as well as social events that will allow participants to connect with each other and meet potential crew.
Start planning now for the FUN race, the adventure of a lifetime!