First wave begins 2023 Transpac Race

Los Angeles, CA (June 27, 2023) – Under clear Southern California skies, 6-10 knots of wind, and just a hint of fog out on the western horizon, the first of three starts for the 2023 Transpac Race got underway today. Nine entries in Division 7 and six in Division 8 are now on the 2225nm course toward Honolulu, Hawaii.

One Hawaiian-based entry in the latter class – Russ Johnson’s Jeanneau 52.2 Blue Moon – only arrived last night and received permission to delay their start until the next group sets off on June 29.

A team who is taking on this race for the first time and on one of the smallest boats in the fleet is Herwig Baumgartner’s 1D35 Black Marlin (Los Angeles, CA) with an assembled amateur crew of seven on board. This morning before leaving the dock at the Cabrillo Way Marina (San Pedro, CA) they “were looking forward to the tradewinds and the legendary downwind sailing Transpac offers.”

Another first-time skipper, Michael Marion on his Dufour 50 Insoumise said, “Frankly, I am the least experienced open water sailor,” but he has high confidence in his boat and the collective experience assembled on his team. “Insoumise is worthy to cross oceans, and I am prepared physically and mentally for this challenge!”

The Insoumise team is also sailing this race for a higher purpose: to raise funds for their friend Park Eddy’s family and the High Hopes Head Injury Program.

In this group of starters are also numerous teams who have done multiple Transpacs over the past few decades. This includes Dan Merino’s Express 37 Juno (San Diego, CA) and Greg Dorn’s Favonius (Newport Beach, CA).

Also competing (again) is the boat that has done more Transpacs than any other since they were launched in 1976, including an overall win in 1981. Dean Treadway’s Farr 36 Sweet Okole from San Francisco was built in cold-molded wood in the IOR era yet still remains a relevant offshore competitor today.

Another entry of note who set off today: Jerome Samarcelli and Ben Kallwoda (Los Angeles, CA) on their Carbon 32 Sam are competing in the race as not only the shortest boat in the fleet but only one of two Double Handed entries as well.

These two will have to brave not only a full variety of open Pacific wind and sea conditions for the next 9-11 days, but take care of all the other tasks necessary to push themselves and their boat to the finish line at Diamond Head.

Event details – Entry list – Tracker – Facebook

Staggered Starts
June 27 – Division 7, 8
June 29 – Division 4, 5, 6
July 1 – Division 1, 2, 3, 9

Source: TYC