2022 PACIFIC CUP RACE ANNOUNCES ALASKA AIRLINES TO RETURN AS A MAJOR SPONSOR
Alaska Airlines is returning as a major sponsor of the 2022 Pacific Cup yacht race. The race, which runs in even years from San Francisco, California to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, attracts racers from around the world and is known as “the FUN Race to Hawaii.” “We’re thrilled that Alaska is renewing our relationship and can’t wait to partner with them to offer a compelling program again in 2022,” said Jim Quanci, PCYC Commodore.
Alaska will again be the Pacific Cup’s official airline sponsor and continue as a Division Sponsor and presenting sponsor of the Pacific Offshore Academy series of educational seminars designed to prepare the racers for a fun and safe race to Hawaii. In addition, Alaska will play a key role in the pre-race events and help support the racers and their families with discounted airfare as they prepare for or return from their crossing.
“We are excited to be the official airline sponsor of the Pacific Cup sailing race for the fourth race in a row,” said Julie Kurtz, Alaska Airlines corporate sales manager. “Alaska has a deep commitment to the Bay Area community, and we are invested in supporting the communities we serve – including the Bay Area and Hawaii.”
This 2022 Pacific Cup race is slated to start in a staggered format on July 4, 2022. Once again, Alaska will sponsor its namesake racing division – the Alaska Airlines racing division. The 2070-mile race includes 70 boats and almost 400 sailors, with thousands of race fans following along online.
“Alaska’s involvement extends far beyond the race itself,” said Caitlin Gutekunst, PCYC Board Member and Marketing Chair. “They play a key role in the education and preparation for our sailors to have a safe race and sponsor a pre-departure event that helps build community among the race participants. Finally, as our official airline sponsor, Alaska supports the racers and their families with special airfares to and from Honolulu (HNL). We really appreciate Alaska’s continued partnership and support of the Pacific Cup, a world-class event that requires determination, spirit, and resourcefulness for all involved.”
Alaska and the Pacific Cup Race share common goals to protect our environment and promote diversity and inclusion. Alaska recently announced a five-part plan to be net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, as well as committed to be a more inclusive workforce by 2025.
Many sailors enjoy the mostly downwind trip from San Francisco to Hawaii and then either ship their boats home or hire a delivery crew to avoid the more challenging or uncomfortable upwind return trip. “Nothing goes to weather like a jetliner,” goes a popular saying.
ABOUT THE PACIFIC CUP
The Pacific Cup has taken thousands of sailors downwind from San Francisco to the welcoming shores of Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii. A true bucket list event, the Pacific Cup draws sailors from near and far to participate both on the water and online, as the entire marine community closely follows the race participants in this trans-Pacific race. Running every even year, the next race starts on July 4, 2022, with an awards ceremony held at the Kaneohe Yacht Club on July 22, 2022.