The Pacific Cup is touted as the “FUN Race to Hawaii” and this year did not disappoint. Sixty four boats left San Francisco over several days in mid-July in a staggered start for the 2070 nm run to Kaneohe Bay on Oahu.
The early starters were handed a challenge, as winds were unusually light off the coast. Later starters had good breeze and some reported kites up in 24 hours or so – early for this route. Five boats retired due to various issues, including a reported shark hit, and had to turn back to California. However, fifty-nine teams were greeted at the dock at Kaneohe Yacht Club with leis and of course Mai Tais!
“It was a fantastic ride to Hawaii this year. For those of us lucky enough to start on Thursday, the last day of starters, the wind was pretty perfect the entire way. We had excellent high speed reaching the conditions the first few days. Later in the race, as we approached the Islands, we were far enough down the track to avoid the big squalls that hit the boats behind us. It was impressive to see so many fellow CCA members participating, and it was great fun cheering them on”” said Dave MacEwen, 2nd place overall finisher on his Rogers 44 Lucky Duck.
“The CCA was well represented in this year’s Pacific Cup. Not only were several members on the PacCup Board, many boats were skipped or crewed by CCA members as well. The question is, now that we have at least 65 new people that are qualified to join CCA how will we recruit?” said Michael Moradzadeh, CCA member and race PRO (meaning he unfortunately couldn’t sail with us as he managed the event from shore).
Even with the staggered start, boats arrive in Hawaii over several days. Each arrival is a celebration, and there are parties over several nights, including a Luau, a Rum Party and of course the Award Ceremony.
The Pacific Cup runs on even years from San Francisco to Kaneohe, opposite the TransPac which runs on odd years from Los Angeles to Honolulu. This year’s elapsed times ranged from 8 to 17 days, offering one of the longest ocean races available for US based sailors.
-Aaron Wangenheim, SF Station Next Watch Co-Captain
