Pacific Cup 2020 - Preview: The fun race to Hawaii

Start of the 2018 Pacific Cup, D division © Erik S Simonson / www.h2oshots.com

Entries for the 2020 Pacific Cup, the FUN race to Hawaii, are now open. The race is open to seaworthy boats in fully-crewed, doublehanded, and cruiser divisions. The race will start over several days beginning June 29, 2020.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2020, the race has taken thousands of sailors 2070 downwind miles to the welcoming shores of Kaneohe Bay. Entrants benefit from a range of pre-race activities, including preparation seminars, intensive weather and medical courses and, of course, parties. By the time the 70 or so entrants reach the starting line, many lifelong friendships have formed among the crews.

Hands-on Safety at Sea seminars at Encinal Yacht Club are scheduled for April 13 and 14. Required for a portion of the crew, these seminars are part of the preparation support provided by the Pacific Cup.

"Crossing the Pacific to Hawaii is a life-changing experience," said Pacific Cup Commodore and ten-time crosser Michael Moradzadeh. "Preparing for and accomplishing this task is immensely rewarding, and the crossing itself is simply magical, from the amazing downwind sailing to the spectacular glory of the mid-ocean night sky."

Slower boats and cruising division entrants will start on the first date, Monday, June 29. Faster boats will start on later days with the goal of all arriving in time for a set of arrival parties in Kaneohe, typically including a traditional luau and an awards event.

The notice of race and entry form are available at the Pacific Cup website: PacificCup.org

Entries are limited, so early entry is a good move both to secure an entrant's spot and to get rolling on the all-important preparation and planning.

"The race begins the day you decide to go," says Commodore Moradzadeh. "We welcome you to join us!"