The 2024 Pacific Cup: A Sailboat Race to Remember

The 2024 Pacific Cup Sailboat Race, often dubbed the “FUN race to Hawaii,” lived up to its reputation this year with a mix of thrilling competition, unexpected challenges, and memorable moments. Starting from the picturesque San Francisco Bay, the race saw sailors navigate the vast Pacific Ocean to reach the welcoming shores of Kaneohe Yacht Club in Hawaii.

A Shark Encounter to Remember

One of the most talked-about incidents of this year’s race involved a dramatic encounter with a shark. The sleek custom Antrim-designed racer, Rapid Transit, skippered by Jim Partridge, had an unexpected collision with a large shark. The impact was so severe that it tore the rudder mounting partly off the transom, forcing the crew to return to base for repairs [1] [2]. This incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of ocean racing and the resilience of the sailors who face such challenges head-on.

Interestingly, another competitor, Hula, a much heavier boat, also reported an encounter with a large shark. The shark circled the boat and then charged at high speed, breaking off at the last minute [2]. These encounters added an element of excitement and unpredictability to the race, reminding everyone of the raw power of nature.

2024 Pacific Cup Race Results

Here are the top finishers in each class and the boat that came in last place:

Mahina DoubleHanded 1:

Accelerando (Moore 24) – Erica Mattson Siegel

WILDER (Santa Cruz 27) – Ian Sprenger

HULA (Westsail 32) – Darlene Woo

Last Place: Missed Check-in (Carodon Custom) – Heather Richard

Pasha Doublehanded 2:

Moonshine (Dogpatch 26) – David Rogers

Wolfpack (Donovan 30) – Andrew Hamilton

Pell Mell (Pt Bonita 27) – Alex Simanis

Last Place: Domino (Wilderness 30) – Austin & Ashley Book

Weems & Plath PHRF 1:

Azure (Cal 40) – Rodney Pimentel

Velvet Hammer (J/125) – Zachery Anderson

Lucky Duck (J/125) – Greg Slyngstad

Last Place: Outsider (Azzura 310) – Greg Nelsen

Other Noteworthy Moments

The race wasn’t just about shark encounters. Several boats faced their own set of challenges:

Imagine, a Davidson 44, had to turn back due to steering issues [1].

Keaka, an Olson 34, retired because of rudder problems [1].

Rum Tum Tugger, a Beneteau First 10R, returned to shore following medical advice [1].

Pendragon, another Davidson 44, faced issues with both their Starlink and steering, leading to their retirement [1].

Despite these setbacks, the spirit of the Pacific Cup remained undeterred. The race continued with many boats successfully making it to Kaneohe Bay, showcasing the determination and skill of the sailors.

Celebrating the Finishers

As the boats crossed the finish line, they were greeted with cheers and celebrations at Kaneohe Yacht Club. The camaraderie among the sailors, the shared stories of challenges faced and overcome, and the sheer joy of completing the race made the 2024 Pacific Cup a truly unforgettable event.

In conclusion, the 2024 Pacific Cup was a testament to the adventurous spirit of ocean racing. From thrilling shark encounters to the resilience of sailors facing mechanical issues, this year’s race had it all. Here’s to the next edition of the “FUN race to Hawaii” and the many more stories it will bring!

KYC Lei Greeting

The finishers of the 2024 Pacific Cup race were warmly welcomed at the Kaneohe Yacht Club (KYC) with a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting. As each boat crossed the finish line, they were met by the dedicated “Leis and Trays” committee, who presented the sailors with beautiful, handcrafted leis made from vibrant Hawaiian foliage ¹ ². These leis, adorned with cheery messages written by the givers, symbolized the spirit of aloha and the warm hospitality of the islands ².

The welcoming effort at KYC didn’t stop there. An escort boat guided the tired crews to the KYC harbor, where they were greeted with not only the leis but also consumable tokens of welcome ¹. This heartfelt reception created a memorable and emotional end to the grueling race, leaving the sailors with a lasting impression of the camaraderie and community spirit that defines the Kaneohe Yacht Club ¹

Photos and Videos Wanted!

Outdoor chamaps is actively seeking your videos and photos to ad to / update this article and welcomes the chance to link them to your social media or site. Please email us at: 2024paccup@outdoorchamps.com

[1]: Latitude 38 [2]: Pacific Cup

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 8/1/2024