Changing with the times...
NOW THAT we are a quarter way into the 21st century, it's only right that the Pacific Cup continue to change with the times. We've been proud to be among the leaders in communications, environment, and tracking adoption. For the 2026 race, we're looking at a few more steps.
 

PHRF vs ORR, You Choose.

Most boats will be able to decide whether they want to race ORR or PHRF. We'll be awarding top honors in both categories. Boats with a faster rating than a limit (being calculated now) will be racing ORR. We hope and expect that this freedom of choice will encourage participation from a wide range of intrepid ocean-crossers.
 

 Forecast Time Scoring for ORR

For boats in the ORR division, we intend to adopt the "Forecast Time Correction Factor" scoring method. Successfully adopted in a number of ocean races already, the method is fiendishly simple: The ratings office has your VPP polars, so they grab the latest weather forecast to calculate your optimal routing. Then your actual performance time is compared to the forecast time. Whoever has the best ratio wins. We'll use some arithmetic to make the results look like traditional "corrected times."

Several advantages to this system:

  • Dramatic reduction in the "you started on the light air day" method of losing
  • Predicted winds customized to where your boat would likely go, rather than a grid of the whole ocean

  • Weather customized to best information available before your start.

     

Paid Weather

Consistent with the practice of several other races, as well as an upcoming rules change (ahem "reinterpretation") by World Sailing, we'll also be allowing paid weather services like WRI or PredictWind to be used. IMPORTANTLY, however, this does not allow off-boat routing, and it does not allow weather customized for your boat. We'll be continuing to keep our eye on weather sources, particularly as potential changes on NOAA seem to be in the offing.


BROADBAND!

As more and more boats adopt cheaper and cheaper access to Internet on board, we plan to take advantage of it. First, you won't be required to participate in these activities for the most part. Many of us still relish the isolation that the sea provides. For those who want it, however, we're formulating a plan for an online offshore chat. Likely much like "Children's Hour," the radio chat room operated for many years at 5 pm during our races, this will provide a safety channel as well as a fun interaction between our participants.