Pacific Cupdate

As the strong downwind rides start to develop, it’s time to check in on the PNW contingent in the Pacific Cup.

The smaller/slower boats suffered light air in the early stages of the race, but by the time the Alaska Airlines class (the biggest, fastest boats) started the winds were more typical of San Francisco Bay. All the fleets have had some less than thrilling winds to contend with. Predictably, the PNW is well represented. I count 15 boats.

Note that when you read this, things may have changed. Go to pacificcup.org to check out the tracker and other news!

As of this writing:

Moonshine (Marc Andrea Klimaschewski, Sloop Tavern and CYC Seattle, Dogpatch 26, Kolea Doublehanded division) This little boat has been toying with the corrected time lead in their division the whole time on the north edge of the fleet, and they currently lie 2nd.

Alternate Reality (Ian, Mitchell and Darrel Jensen, Sloop Tavern YC, Express 27, Ocean Navigator class). Alternate Reality suffered slow going in the early parts of the race and then made the decision to head south for better conditions in the long run. Time will tell if it pays off. They’re currently lying fourth in class.

Dash (Stephanie Arnold & Ken Machtley, Orcas Island YC, J/99, Mahina DH2) Dash had an excellent beginning of the race and was, for a while, toying with the lead. She is now in fifth in her class.

Free Bowl of Soup (Erik Hopper & Douglass Schenk, Portland YC & CYC Portland, J/105, Weems and Plath) This J/105 logs a lot of traveling miles. Currently lying second in her class, FBoS is looking for a strong finish.

the Boss (Chad Stenwick, West Sound CYC, J/35, North Sails division) Well known to Puget Sound sailors under previous owners, the Boss is continuing her racy ways. She’s currently second in the North Sails division.

Lodos (Tolga Cezik, CYC Seattle, J/111, Goslings Rum division) Lodos suffered somewhat on a more northerly course, but is picking up the pace now and is currently sixth in the Goslings Rum division)

Such Fast (David Garman, SSS, One Design 35, Goslings Rum division) SUCH FAST has had a less than fast race so far – she’s trailing the fleet, for now anyway.

Freja (Jonathan Cruse, Sloop Tavern YC & CYC Seattle, Aerodyne 43, Goslings Rum division) Freja has been building up to this race, and the light and fast Aerodyne 43 is well suited for it. My colleague Molly Howe and her husband Jake are onboard, which is certainly a big help. They are currently fifth in division.

Raku (Christina and Justine Wolfe, Orcas Island YC, J/111, Mahina DH2) The Wolfes made a bold move to the south early, and it appears to be paying off as they continue to sail in better breeze than the bulk of the fleet. They are currently winning their division.

Hamachi (Jason Andrews and Shawn Dougherty, CYC Seattle & Sloop Tavern YC, J/125, BMW of San Rafael division) Hamachi is one of the best optimized J/125s for this race, and there are several other 125s in the race. The team has one a Hawaii race before and are currently second in class.

Blue (Michael Schoendorf, South Shore YC, Pacific Cup YC, Riptide 41, BMW of San Rafael) While not strictly a PNW boat, Blue was designed by Paul Bieker, built by Betts and features NW talent such as Jonathan McKee. So we get to adopt her. While Blue is leading her class on the water, she hasn’t had the chance to leg out on the J/125s and other longer waterline boats in her class. That time may yet come as they approach Hawaii.

Rage (David Raney, Corinthian YC Portland, Wylie 70, Alaska Airlines class) Built by Schooner Creek, the well travelled Rage is a very impressive ULDB. One time holder of the Pacific Cup elapsed time record, Rage will log some serious miles as the wind moves aft and builds. She’s currently standing fifth in the Alaska Airlines class.

Westerly (Stuart Dahlgren, Royal Victoria YC, Santa Cruz 70, Alaska Airlines class) The Dahlgrens didn’t let a serious bump in the delivery stop them from competing. On the delivery down, the keel was damaged. Working up to the last minute, Westerly was fixed and relaunched in time for the start. She currently lies second in class.

Shadow II (Peter McCarthy, West Vancouver YC, TP52, Alaska Airlines class) This is the kind of race the TPs were designed for. Shadow II was one of the most northerly of boats, and has been making up ground as of late. She’s currently lying fourth in class.

Zvi (Alan Lubner, Seattle YC, Reichel/Pugh 55, Alaska Airlines class) This multi-year program continues to add talent and performance. If it weren’t for the mighty Pyewacket, Zvi would be the 800-pound guerilla of the fleet. She is well behind Pyewacket and well ahead of the rest of the American Airlines fleet. Approaching the islands she should achieve some remarkable speeds.