2014 PACIFIC CUP R
acers participating in this year's biennial PacCup will pass under the Golden Gate Bridge between July 6 and 11 and head toward Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu some 2,300 miles into the Pacific Ocean. Staggered starts are employed to at least make it possible theoretically for each division to arrive in Hawaii as closely as possible to the others — thus making for a better party at the finish. This year's event has changed fundamentally from those in years past — consider it an update, if you will. A great effort has been made to make the event even more user-friendly. This experience initially centers around the event's revamped website (www.pacificcup.org) where seemingly everything you'd need to manage your participation is available. The revamp extends beyond the website and has been adapted for use on anyone's iPhone or Android device as well. The new downloadable app brings a plethora of resources within reach of
— last but not least — Latitude 38. Working in part with sponsors, Pacific Cup YC has created a PacCup Village set to open at Richmond YC just before this issue goes to press on June 30. Each night through July 5 the Village will feature either a new speaker, live music, a dining event or an activity such as a Beer Can race for visitors. Speakers include the likes of Kame Richards, Scott Easom and Will Paxton — each well versed in his field of expertise and hugely knowledgeable about racing to Hawaii. Sponsors will be providing a variety of services and/or a variety of food and drink as well. Competitors from the Bay Area are ready to go, and others have made long journeys to get here. Competitors have arrived from the greater Pacific Coast and as far away as Melbourne, Australia, and Lima, Peru.
ERIK KRISTIANSEN
'Locura' hails from Lima, Peru, and measures in at an impressive 92 feet.
one's fingertips, making pre-and postrace planning as easy as possible. There are also some new and returning sponsors this year, including Sonnen BMW, Alaska Airlines, Quantum Sails, Passage Yachts, Rockskipper Photography, Bay Marine Boatworks, Lee Chesneau's Marine Weather, Easom Rigging, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Matson Shipping, Weems & Plath, Blue Water Sailing, Dry Creek Vineyards, Spectra Watermakers, Clif Bar, West Marine and Page 94 •
Latitude 38
• July, 2014
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ou'll notice that each of the divisions is now either named after a sponsor or given an aptly-appointed Hawaiian name association.
Holo Holo Cruising Division Holo Holo means something akin to going out for a leisurely ride. From the looks of it that's what this division of five boats is all about. This newest addition to the PacCup fleet is based on the premise that you aren't racing so much as you are enjoying the ride. One of Latitude 38's avid readers, Bernard Debbasch, has been putting a lot of time and effort into outfitting his Beneteau 411 for the event — like most other PacCup sailors. "I was going to be in the Pacific Cup in 2014 regardless," he says. "But Med Viking has a furling main, a big heavy arch with solar panels, old sails, fishing gear, etc.," His expectations are realistic and well within the parameters of the Holo Holo's. "We can definitely sail but we would never be able to compete with racers. When the Pacific Cup decided to create a cruising division, I thought that it was a perfect fit
for our boat. While motoring is allowed, we will be very happy and proud if we never have to put the engine in gear. On the other hand, if we get stuck too close to the Pacific High and there is wind 30 miles south, we will just get there and enjoy the rest of the ride. "When sailing we will go as fast as we can without compromising the safety of
Med Viking
the crew and in the integrity of the boat," continues Bernard who is apparently very good at keeping this all in perspective. "This might be the only real difference between a racer and a cruising crew like us. We do the Newport-Ensenada as cruisers and with the same spirit!" Alaska Airlines Division A The semi-cruising nature of the nine boats in this division shouldn't fool anybody. There are two Cal 40s racing, and they were practically designed for this race, as many will tell you. Rodney Pimentel raced Azure in 2012 and won this division. Victoria Lessley and husband Timm have raced California Girl to Hawaii numerous times and may very well be the boat to watch this year. But don't count out the likes of Michael Moradzadeh, who's racing his Passport 40 Cayanne to Kaneoe Bay for the third time — he placed third twice before. "For me the approach is to stay
Azure
out of the light air, make fewer mistakes, and don't break stuff," Mike says matterof-factly. "I have a great crew this year and think we will be stronger tactically and make better decisions." Michael's done this race a total of seven times and