News

Better safe than sorry! Velocity is returning home after her fresh water tanks became contaminated with salt water. The experts at Maritime Medical Access advised them that drinking the water could be hazardous, so they sadly turned around. Read the details in their blog. Mirthmaker has also had to turn around due to a non-life-threatening crew injury.

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

Point Richmond, CA, July 12, 2016 – In a second day of ideal conditions, the next wave of twenty five competitors in the 19th Pacific Cup crossed the start line in three divisions this morning on their way to Hawaii. "This is such a gorgeous day -- for both racers and their cheerleaders," says Danielle Wells, who was one of the many spectators on the St. Francis Yacht Club race deck to cheer on the Hobbie 33 Aero skippered by her husband Joe.

The first two dozen competitors in the 19thPacific Cup crossed the start line this morning in nearly perfect conditions on their way to Hawaii. With 12-15 knots of breeze, bright sunshine over San Francisco Bay, fog rising over the Golden Gate Bridge, and an ebb tide, all the boats made their way under the Golden Gate quickly after crossing the line on port tack. “The conditions were awesome for a Pac Cup start,” says Bobbi Tosse, who was heading up the race deck at the St. Francis Yacht Club. A special treat greeted the racers as they sailed beyond the Golden Gate — several pods of whales, actively spouting and breaching. Luckily there were no reports of any whales coming in contact with any of the boats.

Feverish preparations. Sweet farewells. Last minute crew shuffles. These are all the stuff of the commencement of a long ocean race. For our Monday starts, this is the day!

Our entire start schedule is below. Click the division for its entry list.  Best wishes to all participants.