Five Boats Turn Back for 2024 Pacific Cup
The second and third days of starts went well. However the voyage ended too soon for a few boats.
It’s a matter of history and statistics that a percentage of boats will turn back early on for one reason or another. For the 2024 race, we are experiencing a similar rate of cancelled trips as prior years. Four boats have headed back to shore with steering issues and one with medical and comms challenges.
Imagine, a Davidson 44 skippered by Wyatt Jones, has reported problems with their steering pedestal and is returning to shore, selecting Santa Cruz or Monterey as their destination. Their autopilot is able to manage the steering function.
Keaka, an Olson 34 skippered by Chris Maher reports “We are experiencing rudder issues and out of an abundance of caution will be retiring.” They are heading for a Southern California port.
After enduring a rather sloppy light air night at sea, Rum Tum Tugger, a Beneteau First 10R, safely docked back in Richmond, returning on advice from our medical consultants at GW University. All are safe.
Just when we thought we had satisfied our statistical norm, we got word that Pendragon, another Davidson 44 that their Starlink and steering were both not working, so they have retired also.
Finally, Rapid Transit, a sleek custom Antrim-designed racer skippered by Jim Partridge texted our PRO and our Commodore to inform us that they had hit a shark. A big shark. A shark big enough to tear the rudder mounting partly off the transom, requiring a return to base.
The shark encounter is interesting, as a competitor, Hula, a much heavier boat, noted her encounter with a large shark who circled the boat and then charged at a high speed, breaking off at the last minute. One wonders if this was the same fellow.
Rapid Transit reports seeing the shark carcass, which may be a relief to other mariners.
Using a variety of technologies, race organizers monitor the progress of the participants from start to finish and can reach out to coordinate assistance in case of need.