News

Perhaps we spoke too soon. When we checked the standings this morning, we found that James Nichols' Velvet Hammer has unseated Lucky Duck for the forecast Clean Sweep (First in division, ORR, and Pacific Cup) with an anticipated crossing time of under eight and a half days.

In the PHRF 1 Division, Michael Johnson's Vera Cruz has nosed out in front of the Cal 40s, with an eta barely half an hour corrected in front of his next challenger, Azure.

Winds in the mid-Pacific are strong, with forecasts in the steady 20s and reports of steady low 30s. This weather allows some dramatic speed runs, but

Midway through the 2024 Pacific Cup, some leaders are solidifying their positions. While the starting weather was somewhat random, punishing the Monday starters terribly, the mid-course conditions have lived up to “the brochure” offering great downwind sails.

The overall big-time leader right now is Lucky Duck, owned and skippered by Dave MacEwan of the St. Francis Yacht Club where he is Executive Race Council Chair. Dave traded in his Santa Cruz 52 of the same name for this Andrews 46. A multiple Transpac veteran, this is his first Pacific Cup. Threatening a clean sweep, the Duck currently

We invite the sailors to include news with their mandatory daily check-ins. (See them here).

For July 22, we were struck by two items. First, at least a half dozen have reported running into abandoned fishing nets. These hazards can get stuck on the boat, slowing progress and making engine propulsion difficult if needed. In most cases, heading straight into the wind and letting the boat back up will clear the problem. In severe cases, someone needs to go over with a knife. No cases of that have been reported.

The nets are, more tragically, also a hazard to marine life. Critters get stuck in the

With the leading boats about 1200 miles out, the structure of the race is pretty much shaping up. Everyone had adopted a somewhat southerly course to this point, but we are seeing a significant number start to alter their courses aiming at a point more northerly.

A look at the forecast shows modestly stronger wind, by a few knots, to the north. Boats who can get up there quickly will take advantage of the more favorable conditions, while slower boats may opt to carry on with their existing courses to minimize miles sailed.

We're interested to see that a few boats are breaking away from this

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