Distance Racing - West Coast Style

by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 2 Jul 2010 Every area has its classic distance race: On the east coast, the storied Newport-Bermuda commands the loftiest perch of all American offshore races, but here on the west coast we have our own traditions as well. Being shy of an island that's 'only' 635 nautical miles offshore, our sailors have to race a bit further, but when the destination is Hawaii, it's hard to complain.

As far as Hawaiian races go, the biennial Transpacific Yacht Race (held on odd years) commands the top-flight rung as far as prestige goes, but two other races, each held on even years, also vie for participants.

The 2308 nautical mile Victoria-Maui (or the Vic-Maui, as it's known colloquially) and the 2070 nautical mile Pacific Cup (San Francisco to Hawaii) draw boats that that are based up north, or that are interested in a friendlier, fun-focused race.

The Vic-Maui Division 2 started yesterday during abnormally cool conditions (what we call 'June-uary' here in the Pacific Northwest), and the fleet is no doubt pounding to weather, patiently awaiting the brochure-like off-the-breeze conditions that everyone craves.

The Pacific Cup starts on July 5 from San Francisco's St. Francis Yacht Club, and while these sailors historically take less of an upwind drubbing, they too are no doubt preparing for a few days of serious upwind sailing.

But once the kites come on deck, it immediately becomes obvious why west coast sailors were some of the early converts to the concept of Ultra Lightweight Displacement Boats, such as Bill Lee's classic Santa Cruz 70's: a long waterline, coupled with an aggressive sailplan and minimal weight quickly translates to huge smiles on deck once the party starts.

Fingers crossed that this year's Vic-Maui and Pacific Cup sailors get the surfing conditions they came for!