Everyone appears to be in for a realtively 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 a few have been forced back. Overnight we learned that the double handed Express 27, Alternate Reality, had dismasted, and is heading toward Santa Barbara. Their communication was calm and professional, and there were 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. Experience will certainly pay off as they make their way back to shore, safe, but undoubtedly disappointed. The 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. Read the story on their blog. The Nelson Marek 36 Alegria was forced to turn back due to a fuel leak, and is now safely in Half Moon Bay.
Weather guru Lee Chesneau has been providing morning weather briefings to Pac Cup participants in advance of their starts and the replay links can be found in the Forum under Participant Notices. Weather Routing Inc. is also providing weather forecasts during the race - see the link under "Quick Links" on the Pac Cup home page.
We'll be posting more frequent updates on Facebook -- follow Pacific Cup Yacht Club.