21) TransPac 2011 : How Much to TransPac

February 25, 2011 – San Pedro to Honolulu

John Kilroy Jr.'s TP 52 Samba Pa Ti frolicking in the Molokai channel on the way to the overall win in the '09 TransPac. Ever wonder what the entry fee for one of the world's oldest ocean races is?  © 2011 Sharon Green

Ever wonder how much it costs to enter the Los Angeles to Honolulu TransPac?  Well, we've got the answer — and some good news.  The good news is that if you sign up by February 27 — that's this Sunday — there are early entry discounts ranging from $250 to $2,500 depending on the size of your boat. Entry fees before the discounts are as follows: 

Boats under 40 feet — $1,500
Boats under 59 feet — $2,300
Boats under 85 feet — $3,800
Boats 85 feet-plus — $8,000

Three things that are different about this year's TransPac are that there will only be two starts (the slower boats start on July 4, and the second date isn't set yet), that boats will be permitted to communicate by sat-phone in lieu of SSB radio, and racers will no longer have to prove they took at least one celestial sight.  As for the entries, here's the most current list — it is stacked with some serious bling: 

Different Drummer, Fast 40, Frank Atkinson
Magnitude 80, Andrews 80, Doug Baker
Espiritu Santi, Atlantic 57 cat, Santiago Becerra
Peligroso, Kernan 70, Lorenzo Berho
Artemis, Andrews 53, Louis Bianco
Chasch Mer, SC 50, Gib Black
California Condor, Antrim Class 40, Buzz Blackett
CaZan,  DK / 46, Scott Bradley
Vincitore,  R/P 52, Ricardo Brockmann
Bebe, J-130, Charles Browning
Flaca, SC 50, Paul Casanova
O CANADA, Open 60, Richard Clarke
Narrow Escape, Fast 40, Greg Constable
Double Trouble, J-125, Andy Costello
NAOS two, Beneteau First 40, Charles-Etienne DEVANNEAUX
Holua, SC 70, Brack Duker
Relentless, SC 52, Will Durant
Wind Dancer, Catalina 42 Mk. I, Paul Edwards, M.D.
Bella Mente, R.P Mini Maxi, Hap Fauth
Locomotion, Andrews 45, Ed Feo
Relentless, Jeanneau Sunfast 3200, Peter Fray
Resolute, J/125, Tim Fuller
Peregrine, Hobie 33, Simon Garland
Gracie, Morris 46, Eric Gray
Prevail, SC 52, William Guilfoyle
Deception, SC 50, William Helvestine
Strewth, TP52, Geoff Hill
Bad Pak, J/145, Tom Holthus
Jazz, J-145,Ichiro Iraha
Pegasus-MotionX, Andrews 70, Philippe Kahn
DONNA J, S-40, Seiji Kawakami
Medicine Man, Andrews 63, Robert Lane
Traveler, North Wind 47, Michael Lawler
Pendragon VI, Davidson 70, John MacLaurin
Paddy Wagon, Ross 40, Richard Mainland
Hassle, Catalina 38, Larry Malmberg
Petite, X-41, Akio Matsumoto
Black Watch, C&C 39, Daniel Matthieu
Pyewacket, SC 70, William McClure
Grand Illusion, SC 70, James McDowell
Criminal Mischief, R/P 45, Chip Megeath
Truth, Eco 50, Alex Mehran Jr.
Allure, SC 50, Jim Morgan
Rio, TP52, Manouch Moshayedi
Bengal 7, Ohashi 46, Yoshihiko Murase
Alchemy, Andrews 70, Per Peterson
Bolt, N/M 55, Craig L Reynolds
Patches, TP 52, Jorge Ripstein
Katana, Kernan 47, Laura Schlessinger
Cheetah, Peterson 68, Chris Slagerman
Peregrine, Catalina 38, Steve Smolinske
Horizon, SC 50, Jack Taylor
Condor, Andrews 70, Lindy Thomas
Bodacious 3, R/P 45, Jeffrey Urbina
Van Diemen, Muir 64, Robert Vaughan
Paranoia, SC 52, Rick von Heydenreich
Ragtime, Spencer 65, Chris Welsh
J World's Hula Girl, SC 50T, Wayne Zittel

- latitude

20) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 17

This may seem trivial, but do we need to supply bean bags for the delivery? 

 Dave

Best question yet!  4 will be aboard, please take good care as they are custom made.
Aloha,
Gib

...Attached is the start of the provisions spreadsheet.  This is rough and can use any help.

It is best if we all modify it and send it back to me and I coordinate the provisions.  At the least enter yes or no so we can calculate volumes.

Also add any items you want and make a note to the right to help in calculations.

After the ingredients have been picked we can work on a daily menu.

Please don't say I'll eat anything because it backfires in the volumes and attempts to cook.

There potentially will be: no in-depth cooking for the 1st 3 days; a several-day long stretch of good cooking; less cooking as we approach CA.

I am a proponent of freeze-dried ready to eat meals and once it gets cold and rough these are the quickest ways to get a meal.  I also eat tuna/chicken etc right out of the can when it is too uncomfortable to cook.

I plan to stick to my normal diet to maintain stability.  The shock to the system is bad enough to acclimate.  

Dave


2/26/11

...I am bringing a Standard Horizon VHF HX471S but don't want to bring the charging base because of its weight.  Are any of you bringing a charging base that is compatible?
Dave

I'm bringing one, but it's a West Marine.  I doubt the chargers are compatible.

Bill
 

2/27/11

Dave,

This looks great!  I apologize for the delay.  I have been out of town and not checking my email.

I would like to add canned green beans, instant potatoes, and Nutella (yum).  I believe they make bathroom wipes.  That might be an easy way to clean the head.  I'm fine with just going with minced garlic in a jar unless someone wants fresh garlic.

Also, maybe some other kind of meat for dinner.  Brats, Italian sausage, ???.

Did your ice last the entire Transpac?  I'm thinking we will probably run out of ice about half way through.  Maybe taking a cooler with dry ice with the lid duck taped?

About the rum and beer...  I'm thinking just a liter of rum and a 12-pack of good beer with Gib's approval.

How will does milk freeze?  That would be much less expensive than Parmalat.  We could take some of both.  Apple juice doesn't have to be refrigerated until opened.  Also other canned juices.

I am hoping to just drop off the list at the grocery store and have them pull and box everything.

Thanks!

Bill

2/27/11

Gib,

Attached is a rough-draft list of questions for Bill.  I have done research and there is practically nothing written for historical purposes about the SC50.  I have several pages written leading up to the SC50 and have done well enough to establish an SC Yachts introduction but came to a stop at the 50. 

My intent is to not ask questions that have nothing to do with the SC50.  I want answers that are detail-specific with respect to: why 50'?; where did the idea come from? (there is plenty to document where Merlin came from), etc.

These questions should also be directed at the owners of the boats to get other points of view that can confirm or substantiate Bill's answers.

I would like to get feedback from you on the doc I attached.  Insert your responses and questions and answers on the page.  These questions are an opportunity to shed light on the missing page of the SC50 history.

Dave 

2/28/11

I did not monitor the ice for the Transpac so I don't have an answer.

Last Oct I did the Baja Ha-Ha and we had a Styrofoam cooler filled with food and dry-ice; taped and wrapped in blankets, etc.  Easily a week or more into the storage of it we had hard ice cream from it so it works.  The rest of the frozen food stayed for a long time but the ice deteriorated quickly.

Not to confuse the issue but I do like rum and beer.  I've been a home-brewer for 11 years and prefer rum straight on the rocks.

I only cook with milk and do not know how it handles the freeze issue.  It has fat in it and will freeze/thaw at an unsteady rate.  Not sure if the U.S. has milk in a box yet like MX.  Everywhere else in the world it is available and does not fail on the shelf.

It may be easier to get packages of food that are sized to be consumed by all 4 in 1 sitting.  I prefer to open whatever it is and use it and get rid of it.  Like, a glass jar of apple juice can go overboard but a carton can't.  I know the fear of glass on a boat and I have no problems as long as it is stored correctly.  The issue of discarding overboard can turn into an issue on the passage.  I have no problem tossing everything but plastic.  I never liked pulling up to paradise with a group of garbage bags that the natives just go throw in the trees for a few bucks.

Dave

19) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 16 : article idea

Sent to Latitude 38:

Richard,

I am delivering S/V Chasch Mer SC 50 hull #1 in April from Kaneohe Bay to Long Beach to stage for the Transpac.  I will then do the Transpac on this boat, again.

There is material here for an article on the life of this boat and the round-trip.  I will blog it if you guys don't want to pick it up and thought it was worth running by you first.

Dave


Dave -

Thanks for thinking of us, but if somebody is going to write something, it has to be about a much more specific topic. Maybe something will come up.

2/17/11

Gib,

I feel I should run this by you.

I intend to blog the delivery and Transpac but intend to stay connected and not take as many shots.  I listen to you.

I contacted Latitude 38 to see if they were interested in writing about the life of #1 and this round-trip.  They bounced back with a let's wait and see if it can be developed.

If they don't pick it up I intend to blog it on my site:  http://itsforsail.blogspot.com/

But, I now have another idea.  I'm thinking of writing a book titled The Life of Hull #1.  There is a massive amount of information that needs to be developed to create this and it would involve me capitalizing on you and Chasch Mer.  I can't do that in good conscience.  This would have to be collaborative.

To get this in or out of my head so I can adjust my focus should I pursue an attempt at a book or stick to my blog.  Don't be shy about your opinion.  Writing the book will take monumental effort and it could be easier to walk away.

Dave 

Kevin, (my atty)

I got the green light of cooperation today from a key source of information for me to move forward writing a limited-appeal book about some long-distance sailing that I have scheduled this year.

In effect, there are about 20 people immediately affected and potentially 100+ more.

My concern is that I know nothing of the legal end of getting releases, etc for a venture of this kind.  I know what the book is about and how to get the info I need but I don't know how to cover my *ss.

The basis of the source material will be collected by the end of July this year.  I intend to have a rough draft sometime late this year.

Do you fit in this picture to handle legal stuff?

Dave

2/18/11

Kevin,

Your time is valuable and I don't want to take it up on a fishing expedition.  Before I make any substantial move I'll contact you again and then we'll work out the details and you can point me in the right direction.

In a nutshell this is the basis of the book:

* in April (4) of us are delivering S/V Chasch Mer Santa Cruz 50 hull #1 from Kaneohe Bay to Long Beach to prep for the July '11 Transpac.

* i did the '07 TP on this boat and will do it again in July.

* Roy Disney filmed the '07 TP race and Disney released Morning Light as a full-feature film.

* the owner of Chasch Mer is willing to work with me and has book publishing experience and sailing contacts that I need.

* the gist of the book is to document the delivery prep and delivery, the TP prep and the race, brief history of the Transpac, brief history of Santa Cruz 50s, personal stories from Santa Cruz 50 crew's.

The Santa Cruz 50 is the foundation of sleds for downhill offshore sailing and I am in a unique position to document the year in the life of this ground-breaking ultra-light.

Dave

Guys,

I am in the planning stage of documenting the delivery and it has morphed into something bigger.  I planned to blog this delivery and the Transpac but it seems I might write a book about it.  I talked to Gib and will get all the cooperation and guidance I may need from him.  I have also talked to my atty about the legal crap.

I am still in the sleeping on it planning stage and nothing is set.  No matter what, I plan to take video and stills and journalize the delivery and this impacts all of you.  Let me know up front right now if that would be a problem.

If it is not a problem,  please take as many pics as you possibly can and keep a journal if possible.  A section of the book will be about crews as related to SC50s exclusively. 

This will be a wet ride.  Ah hell, every ride is a wet ride.  Plan cameras accordingly.  Full HD and water-resistant.

I am currently eying another Sony Xacti.  My other one? at the bottom of the bay south of the bay bridge.  Bye-Bye $400.  The neck strap failed and it slid all the way down my foulies as I was working the bow for a gybe in a race.

Dave 

Hi Dave,

Click away, no problem!  I want to check out the movie Morning Light, that Bill mentioned.

Mark

...Cool!  I think that's an excellent idea.  I'll be keeping a log and a journal.  I bought a waterproof Olympus camera that also takes HD video.

I set up a Facebook group for Chasch Mer.  We can post to it from the boat via email over the satphone.  We won't be able to post photos or videos until we get back due to the limited bandwidth.  It seemed an easier way than than using Mark M's blog.

Bill

Dave,

OK with me!

Clive

Kevin,

I remember that your son was interested in sailing and just want to pass on the info that there is a crew position available for the 2011 Transpac on S/V Chasch Mer.  I have experience on this sled and here are some links:

http://www.chaschmer.com/

http://www.transpacrace.com/

The primary requirement is the skill and ability to drive a sled in all conditions day & night.  This is formula 1 where the big boys play.  It is tough getting a break into this arena and usually a catch-22.  But, any fast driving & trimming experience will at  least get you an interview.

If your son is not available this is an open call for talent.

Dave   

Dave,

            Thanks for thinking of him. However between work, school and this skill set being over his head I think it will be a pass. --Kevin

2/19/11

Dad,


I fly to Honolulu on April 18 for a 20th departure.  We're all busy working out the details.  I got everyone on the same page to take pics and carry a journal.  I intend to blog it but that morphed into a book idea.  Gib, the owner, gave me the green light of cooperation and now I have the basis for Days in the life of hull #1.  I plan to chronicle the delivery and the Transpac and enhance it with Transpac and Santa Cruz 50 history including crew stories.  It goes well beyond the immediate couple of dozen people to potentially more than a hundred. 


I am updating my blog about last Oct's trip to Cabo and thought you might be interested in this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGgTywpKoGk


The behind the scenes: I had to set up the camera on the stanchion well before sunrise.  I'm in the yellow hood.


David

2/21/11

Gib,

I am going to move forward and start collecting information.  I've done some research and so far have not discovered any book with the material that is laid out before me right now.  I have a good concept and can visualize the final product so the biggest hurdle is behind me.

I appreciate your offer to help and I am now asking for your help.  I would be indebted for any introductions you can make and any connections or information you can provide me.

I would appreciate you breaking the ice with the owners of all the existing 50s that you know.  As of right now I do not know how many of the original 28 are still in service.

I will contact each and every one of them because I think it is extremely important to include all the perspectives and experiences with the 50s.

The sections of the book will include an introduction, sc50 history, the delivery, the Transpac, sister ships, crew stories/experiences.

I will gladly accept any ideas you can send my way.

Once again, thanks for your support.

dammitDave 


2/22/11


OK Dave.
I will prepare a cover letter to Bill Lee & the others I know.  This letter will be sent to you 1st for clarification.
There are also, some assumptions I will be making to make this sing a little more to the others.  You will need to edit or decide if these will help.

As soon as I have time.  Meantime send me what you have.

Aloha,
     GIB 


Gib,


I attached a resume so that you can get a better picture as to some of my sailing credibility.  There are a 1000 stories between the lines and I have managed to write some of them in my blog.


I have 19,800 offshore miles consisting of an inordinate amount of solo watch time in that number and a limited amount of high-performance catamaran.


I cut my teeth on S/V Learjet an '89 56' Nelson-Marek.


Dave  

3/2/11

Sun> pm

I did not have a problem with grammatical correction.  Some of the sentence structures could be different, but maybe not necessarily better than they are now.  I know that you should not start a sentence with a "preposition: ie., of, for, from, with, between; or because of; instead of; in spite of, etc. 

I cannot understand some sentences - either because I am not the final audience who will understand the story;  or you have not explained/written your thoughts succinctly.  (that's a two-bit word).

I have found that readers of my blog are not sailors and still find interest in the story.  What I am attempting at this point is for the reader to comprehend what is being said without having a sailing background.

I think that if you are going to "publish" this, meaning to the public, then I think you should think about paying a "real book editor" to do the job "right".  If it is written for Latidude38, then maybe they have their own editors.  Just my thoughts.

This will be self-published and that means "we" have to do all the work.  I'm sure there is something to be gained from this.

You seem to be writing this in sort of a "short/clipped" manner.  Your normal writing is so wonderful, and meaningful.  I know that you cannot put a whole story in sec. 1, so lets re-visit this section for content, after more sections are written.   Do put some "meat" on all the "bones" you are presenting in the story.

Shit!!   it sounds like I know what the hell I am talking about.

Ah yes, the difficulty of writing someone else's story has bled through my arrangement of the words I found.  This SC50 intro will be the most difficult section to produce and that is why I started with it first.  It is not my story and I have to reproduce what has already been said.  But, I have to re-arrange the words.  A side note, maybe this part of the intro is short phrases/paragraphs with lots of pictures.

The SC50 is a scaled down version of Merlin but there is no collection of information about Merlin in one place.  Bill's story is not in one place either.  What I wrote is the basis of what I think needs to be told in order to set up the intro to the SC50 of which there is nothing available.  I am going to need a massive amount of info from Bill Lee otherwise the entry gets modified and blended into the story.  It could be that Merlin and the SC50 are the same boat.


I have a massive amount of topics that I want to put in this book and don't think I will have a problem creating enough pages. 


The delivery and Transpac will be my words and my story that will unfold as it happens and there will be no right or wrong, only writing technique that can be judged.


The crew interviews will also be told by others and recorded by me. 


You as editor cannot hurt my feelings by criticizing the work; that is your job.  I sent out a request for a blog entry in the past and got 2 responses; one thought it was good and didn't need any changes and one thought it needed a complete re-write eliminating half of it.

I will take anything you can offer; re-write a sentence; re-arrange the sentences, create a topic; branch off the topic, etc.

David  

Wed. pm

Well, I finally finished.  I can't wait to see future installments.  I hope that after all the changes I made, you will  let me "edit" again.

Love,

Dad

3/2/11

Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 1:36 PM

I have found that readers of my blog are not sailors and still find interest in the story.  What I am attempting at this point is for the reader to comprehend what is being said without having a sailing background.  (this would seem to allow you to explain some of the sailboat jargon or procedures. I remember in an earlier writing, you created a whole list of items that were wrong with the Trinidad boat.  I really liked that;  some of those types of items could be further defined in describing why The Merlin is different/futuristic etc. (I hate the word "etc." - what meaning does it really have? (other than I do not know what else to add.)

I think that if you are going to "publish" this, meaning to the public, then I think you should think about paying a "real book editor" to do the job "right".  If it is written for Latidude38, then maybe they have their own editors.  Just my thoughts.

This will be self-published and that means "we" have to do all the work.  I'm sure there is something to be gained from this.   Yes, and I will gain knowledge by gleaning help from five grammar and writing books that Betty gave me to help me edit.  I want to point out something that I feel regarding grammar and  first impressions.  Every day that I read the newspaper, I find on almost every lengthy article, basic grammatical errors.  My first impression is that the writer does not know his Enlish language, and even moreso how to structure a sentence.      Here is from this morning's Mercury news (note that morning has an apostrophe between g and s to denote one morning, not multiple which would be mornings'.)

FIVE TOWNS HAVE AGREED TO LOBBY ON TRAIN ISSUES AS A GROUP OF BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS DISCUSS IDEA.       It would read much better if it said;  Five towns have agreed as a group to lobby on train issues, as the Board of Supervisors and other council members discuss the idea.  

You as editor cannot hurt my feelings by criticizing the work; that is your job.  I sent out a request for a blog entry in the past and got 2 responses; one thought it was good and didn't need any changes and one thought it needed a complete re-write eliminating half of it. There you go; didn't I say that you can't please everyone, but you need to please yourself. 

I will take anything you can offer; re-write a sentence; re-arrange the sentences, create a topic; branch off the topic, etc.  Tell me, after you have finished with the edit that I suggested, if you see improvements that I need to do to make it easier for you.

 

March 3, 2011 7:09:32 AM
Subject: Re: Merlin

Hi, I have not looked at the returned docs yet.  I inserted some answers in the text below.

3/3/11

Thanks for the explanations - that helps me a lot when I read and edit. I made some comments below in RED.

Dad

 ps.  looks like you have taken on a large task; that is, writing from outside your personal knowledge/experience of the subject (Merlin-Bill Lee). 

3/3/11

I just popped open the docs you sent back and relieved by the red ink.  That's what I want from the editor's.  I don't have time this morning to work on it but it is on the short-short list of things to do.

A special note: at the bottom of my writing there is a Notes: section.  These are my notes that were copied from other docs.  I will use it to glean info and use as a thinking tool.  I did not write this stuff.  What you see in those mixed-up out of place words is all that is available about the SC50.  That is why I am attempting to write this book.

The intro I wrote is pretty much all that needs to be told about Merlin and it stops because I now need info from Bill Lee.

David

 

18) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 15 : MOB practice

I need real-time mono-hull MOB practice preferably in SF rough water under sail.  If anyone knows anyone willing to go out and do some serious practice please make the connection for me.  I need to complete this prior to an April delivery.

Also, I need hands-on training to re-fresh bleeding a diesel.  Preferably, on an '07 Vetus 32 hp.  But, any newer diesel will do. 

thanks.

Dave 

Dave,

If possible, sign me up for the MOB also.

I want to get out on the Bay a least a couple of times simply to sail as I'm rusty.  In the next 4-6 weeks, are you up for going out at least if the weather is not good for you to work ie potentially week days?

Clive

...Yes, get a boat and we'll do our own double-handed mob stuff.  That will be good light-handed training.  Let the desk know we want short notice so we can get a windy day?  You can also appeal to them that we want to practice 3 active crew mob procedures as that is what we will be dealing with and we need a 3rd & possibly 4th.

I have no positive hits back yet.

I can make most any day of the week work.

Dave

2/15/11

Dave,

Have you and Bill decided on the 4-person depicted?

Clive

 

...He has not responded yet.  I think this might be a committee decision.  I have preferences on what I want and just waiting for the discussion to start. 

I just contacted him regarding provisions and I will now assemble the spreadsheet and spearhead the galley issues.

Send an em to all of us with your preferences and opinions about the watch schedule to get the dialog started.

Dave

2/22/11

Dave,

I'm focusing on weekdays because its much easier to get a boat with 24-48 hours notice than on weekend (which is typically more like 1-3 weeks to get reservation). That way we have good shot at reserving a boat just 1-2 days ahead when we know there'll be some wind etc., but avoid risk of significant cancellation fees. That said, time is going by both for me to get the rust out as well as MOB practice. Looking at weather outlook, there's nothing really substantial in next couple of weeks, just modest winds. But, I'd like to get out there - could you do 3/7 (mon) or 3/8 (tues)?

Clive

2/25/11

Hey Dave – I hope you find a boat to do this in rough ocean conditions – more than I’m up for in the winter. I did sail a couple of hours last weekend, though, wearing my Mustang suit – it was fine, but hard on the face.  

 

Also, my engine is an old Universal M-20, easy to bleed but likely much different from the Vetus.

 

If you get the urge to go out on the Bay and abuse someone else’s boat, give me a call. Good luck on the delivery trip. Tried to meet up with Craig recently via cell and radio contact on the bay, but we didn’t spot each other –it was odd.

 

--John

2/28/11

Dave,

Looks like there's easy availability at Club Nautique next monday 3/7. But, it will be out of their Alameda location (sausalito location closed mon/tues in winter) - we'll just have to motor some. Right now forecast looks like we would get decent winds. You still on for 3/7? I'll book it in another couple of days - keep eye on forecast.

Clive

PS Saw your vhf and provisioning emails - will be updating my vhf, but haven't looked at models/reviews/prices yet. Will respond to provisioning in coming days - hectic right now.

3/7/11 

Bill,

A front rolled thru here last night and today was a very windy day.  Clive and I went out and did a concentrated MOB practice.  We want to address this while we are sitting on shore in Kaneohe and make sure we are all on the same page.  If I forget, please make sure this is on your checklist for things to do prior to departure.

Dave 

It definitely is.  It may be required.  It is for the Chicago Mac.
Bill

17) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 14

Bill,

I assume you have plenty to think about in preparation for the delivery.  I am willing to jump-start the provisioning list by creating the ingredients spreadsheet.  I can also work with Gib regarding galley supplies/tools, etc.

I do intend to eat well or at least eat stuff that tastes good.  What I plan to prepare is basic using simple ingredients with the least amount of effort/propane.

Let me know.

Dave 

Dave,

That would be great!  I've started working on a spreadsheet which I've attached.  Feel feel to use it or not.

I REALLY appreciate the help!

Bill

Dave & Eric,

Thank you both for digging in to meet Lance & Mike.  I thought they both could work out & fit into our Transpac crew program.  In the end both are having to drop out for financial reasons.
The search goes on.

Again thank you both.

Aloha,
      gib

Things are getting hotter over our start date.  Read this one.    g

Gentlemen,
Below is our letter to Bill Lee of Transpac concerning the issue of the starting sequence for this years race.  I hope I've not misrepresented anyone I've spoken with as some have had other objections to the announced plan.  I simply believe their current plan is unfair to our rating band.  And make no mistake, personally I've never had as much fun or felt more accomplished as finishing last years PacCup a half a day in front of a RP 66, Pegasus and the Criminals...in spite of the unevenness of the starting days weather.

Bill,
After your communications with us last week and the Transpac meeting last Saturday where you're absence was noticed by all in attendance, we've decided to try one last time to have an intelligent discussion with you about the actual issues surrounding the purposed starting sequence for this year’s event.  Both Jerry Montgomery and Dave Cort told us that we still needed to talk with you, giving the impression it is your decision or at least your agenda.  To our way of thinking there is only one issue.  If you reject the single start day concept and decide to stagger the starting days you have an OBLIGATION TO THE ENTIRE FLEET in trying to make a fair starting sequence for everyone in that fleet.  In this case you've decided to give the big boys everything they want…the guarantee of finishing first.  The other comments that you made in you're emails with me have nothing to do with this issue and are simply presented as a smokescreen to keep from discussing this actual issue.  At this point, since the Saturday meeting we've talked with EVERY SC 50 owner (and we understand they've emailed you as well) and we have their support for giving the FAST 40's and 50 footers a Wednesday Start.  We also spoke with a SC 52 owner who shared our viewpoint and I'm sure the NM 55 owner is also aboard.  Also my old yacht Artimis (ex Cantata, Andrews 53 from Seattle) feels strongly about this as well.  Also the J-125 from SF has issues with your decisions as well, as indicated in their blog on Sailing Anarchy.  This 3 start day sequence, will make a fairer race for everyone.  With only 48 hours between starts and not the 72 hours that Transpac has used in the past, the finishing group should be nicely packed together with small, medium and large yachts arriving somewhat together and it still gives the larger and fastest handicapped boats a time advantage in finishing first.  Start everyone together and you have a level playing field, (if watching the finishers come in by size and speed is the goal); continue on the path you're on and you've mandated the finishing sequence and our rating band (the 50 footers) get screwed on the water.  We watch the Monday starters sail away (unless they have the worst weather luck this year) with the faster Monday finishers done 3+/- days in front of us, and at the same time the sleds, TP 52 and modern beasts leave us all in the dust.  Finishing overlapped with an Aloha boat at the finish line is not the way any SC 50 owner or crew thinks Transpac should treat this dynamic class who have long supported this race and frankly telling us so in an email is a bit insulting to us all.  Bill, we hope you can put your preconceived notions aside, and look into what will actually advance the Transpac Race and what will only make for continued hard feelings. The fact that no fifty class representation is on the board is no reason to harbor a grudge. Remember a few of the more ridiculous decisions that prior boards have made, restricting the rating bands so only certain maxis qualify or one that had us personally livid; the Kokopelli issue from a few years ago...lets not go down this path again and let's remember you came aboard as a new and fresh administration hoping to right the wrongs of Transpac's past.
PS. If the cost of the extra starting day is a real issue Jack Taylor, owner of Horizon will gladly donate $100 toward offsetting the cost of that start day and I'm sure a number of the other owner's of 50 footers would also contribute.  We would like a timely reply to this so we can determine our next step.
Jon Shampain
Horizon SC 50 

16) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's : watch schedule

Watch schedule e/m'd to delivery crew.

15) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 13

Aloha Dave & Lance,

This is to introduce the 2 of you as you both live in the Bay area.
Dave Berke, affectionately called DammitDave, sailed the 2oo9 Transpac aboard Chasch Mer & he has kindly consented to join in again. I enjoyed my time with Dave.  Lance Kim is interested in doing this years event with us.  I think Lance has a lot to offer our program & he may have questions beyond what we have reviewed.  So please talk.

If we do not have a fit, I need to know soon.

Thank you.

Aloha,
    gib

2/11/11

Lance,

I did the '07 Transpac on Chasch Mer and was unable to do the '09.

I am very confident with CM and with Gib's program and committed to the '11 TP as well as the April delivery.

Contact me if you have any questions.  If Gib is considering you as crew for the TP that says a lot.  He's a genuine hand-shake guy and I have a lot of respect for him. 

Dave

...As of a minute ago there are 44 entry's with NINE SC50s & SC52s.  That's a
nice group.

Sorry to say our start date remains the same 4/8.

Aloha,
    gib 

2/12/11

Aloha Dave,

Checking in to see if you and Lance hooked up at all.  Eric Conn met another
guy in Long Beach who sounds good and we have two more I am interviewing.
With any luck we will have the crew slots filled soon.  It is hard to 1) get
good drivers,  2) Bowman  3) Medic.

Bill tells me your friend Clive will be the forth on the delivery.  Please
ask him to contact me.  I would like to meet him and exchange information
prior to your departure.

Aloha
    gib 

Gib,

I immediately sent a hello e/m to lance but have not heard back.

I've asked Clive several times about doing the tp but he claims something about having a job.

Dammitdave

Oh!  I better let Bill know about Clive.  At this point I believe Bill is counting on him.  I'm sure Bill will follow through quickly.

Thanks for the heads up on Lance.

Aloha,
    gib

...Clive committed to the delivery and that is a done deal.  I'm trying to talk him into the transpac.

Dave

...OK, I got it wrong.  We will be fine with crew for the race.  I just like to pull everything together early.

Aloha,
     gib

14) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 12

Hey Guys,

Some interesting news on our Transpac effort.  I will be forwarding info
and emails on 2 topics: Penalty Pole/Rating and our class start date.

We will be carrying 2 asymmetrical kites along with symmetrical sails this
race.  Because of this we may also buy a longer pole which the sail makers
strongly recommend.  The pros and cons are not fully clear so the jury is
out.  You will be getting some of this correspondence.

I have been concerned about the 2 start dates and have expressed this to
Bill & to the race committee.  As of yesterday morning all the other SC50
owners have jumped in to express their disappointment.  You will get some of
those letters.  Their is a Transpac meeting today where the other SC50 owners
will become vocal on this topic.  Stand by.

DO NOT RESPOND TO ANY OF THE ABOVE.  This is for your information only.
Call or email me if you have questions.

For the past couple of weeks I have been working with 4 Ausie sailors to
join in on our fun.  They would be good crew mates, are aggressive &
knowledgeable.  However, with the cyclone Yazi devastating so much of
Australia, I have lost contact.  Wish them well & hope they can join us.
Interviews for crew have not been very fruitful.  Either lots of talent & no
money or the other way around.
I will keep on this.

Aloha,
    gib

13) TransPac 2011 delivery e/m's 11

Hello from Horizon!

Our 1st Transpac meeting is tomorrow and I understand that there can be as many as 3-4 of the SC 50’s attending.  This year we will have as many as seven in our class and hopefully the Transpac Board recognizes our effort and affords us our own class.  Horizon will be participating in all the pre race events as well as the parties in Hawaii.   I’m hoping that we can get together prior to the Transpac race and start developing  a dialogue that would include sharing our race schedules as well as protecting the integrity of our class.  I would be more than willing to host a dinner or pick a central location where we can all meet and spend a little time together.  If anyone is interested please let me know.

In addition I know that some of you have spoken with Jon Shampain concerning the ridiculous starting dates.  We all spend a bundle of money and time to make this race a memorable experience for our crew and families.  I must say that it’s very disappointing that our class is shoved off to the side in favor of the BIG boys!  If we are all on the same page I would think that the Transpac Board would realize their mistake and include a third starting date so we have a chance to finish in the top of the fleet and possible be 1st to finish.  If the start dates remain the same we will finish near or at the end of the fleet and possibly last to finish.  I’m sure that none of us want that honor!

Once again I’m looking forward to seeing everyone!  
 
Jack Taylor

Jack, thanks for getting us all on the same 'page'.
Yes I got a call from Jon.  I will be glad to talk about this and have us all agree on something that allows us to be competitive.
Another way to look at this is that it is in our best interest to start with our strongest competitors.  The first days of the race are the most critical/volatile, and I would not like to be in a different weather that could ruin our chances.
As others have said, starting 3 or 4 days apart could either be a blessing or a nightmare.
Just a thought.
Thanks, and see you tomorrow.
Paul C.

Jack,
Our ability to finish first is exactly why the "big boys" complained.  The thinking is, if its a slow couple of first days for them vs. us, we'll get them at the finish line.  That ignores the opposite may be true ( a 50/50 chance..)  My vote is for the same starting sequence as the past three races.
Regards,
Jim

Jack,
As a class can't we ask for our own start?
G  

Good afternoon Bill & Dave,

I am haunted by the new start schedule and that it appears the slowest rated
boat in our start could be the last to finish.  Why not start everyone at
once or go back to the three starting dates?  Is the new schedule done or is
there room to maneuver?

I need to figure this out by the end of February.

Thanks for listening & Dave & I can go over this while he is here.

Aloha,
    gib

Hi Gib,

We discussed this again, and Jon Shampain's letter, at the board meeting
last night.  The board remains convinced that the approach to consolidate
starts for all the faster boats in the race is the fairest way to eliminate
as much as possible the large variations in weather that can occur over the
two or three day period between starts.  Certainly the weather strongly
influenced the winners in both 2007 and 2009.  We want the fairest possible
race for as many boats as possible.

With the Santa Cruz 50s starting on Friday, they should arrive in Honolulu
the following Monday or early Tuesday, hardly "last to finish"!

It will be great to see you guys next week.

Cheers,

DaveC 

Hi Gib:

The board discussed the pros and cons.  At the end of the discussion, there
was not sufficient support to generate a motion to deviate away from the two
start plan - either to one start or back to three.

Because so many boats are much faster than 30 years ago, a one start plan
would need a major regroup on how the Honolulu Committee would manage it,
schedule the parties, etc.

The two start plan will do the following:
1) Make the racing more fair.
2) Maintain a reasonable finish window for the Honolulu
Committee.
3) Schedule finishes neither to early or too late the wonderful
party schedule.   

I think it best to plan around the 2 start system.

Bill Lee
Commodore, Transpacific Yacht Club - 2010-2011
The Wizard Sez:
     "More sailboat races are won by going the right way than anything else"

 2/5/11

Jack,
Would enjoy meeting you next time I am in the south or when you come to Honolulu.
I too, am disappointed in the start program & have expressed this to Bill & Dave.  Chasch Mer has the slowest rating and Randy Parker would not like it if I drive SC50 #1 to last.
I hope you create a real SC50 class.
Aloha,
Gib 

Hi Jack -

Great to hear from you...  I hope all is well!

Yes, we too are quite disappointed.  We have a crew that is coming from around the world for this event, and for most of them, it is truly a opportunity of a lifetime, and something they have always wanted to do.  I do not look forward to describing to them the new starting arrangement which more or less condemns our group to being the last boats to Hawaii, and I don't really have a good explanation as to why it was implemented.  I can understand and justify truly staggered start as in the past; and I can understand and justify a single start day as in other noteworthy offshore races.  A 'halfway' solution as proposed. however, does not make any sense at all.

I am in Puerto Vallarta so will be unable to attend the meeting, but I will send Bill and email this evening, and will do what I can to assist in both this matter and all facets of continuing interest to the SC50 fleet...

Looking forward to Cabo!!

All the best,

Wayne