Widely regarded as one the best offshore race in the world, “the Transpac,” as it is affectionately known, is 2,225 nautical miles in length which sees yachts tackle the challenges from Los Angeles to Hawaii in what is typically a downwind race. The first-ever race took place in 1906, with the Transpac boasting an illustrious history with some of the most sought after trophies for the yachts that lead the fleet across the Pacific Ocean every two years.
Like most sports, sailing has been part of an innovative transformation that has seen a variety of yachts compete for the Transpac silverware over its 115-year history—boasting entries from all over the globe, with 2019 a record entry year with 90 yachts on the start line. This year’s race already showcases a strong entry list with Division Three stacked with Doyle powered entries.
The Pac52 ‘Callisto’ will be looking to add to their recent success in the California Offshore Race Week last month and will be on the start line. Alongside any campaign of this calibre, a team of experts are required to ensure it all runs as seamlessly as possible. Bill Colombo and Doyle Sails are proud to have been part of both Jim Murray’s J/109 and now the Pac 52, working alongside the crew to deliver world-class sails and service the entire way. In this instance, Bill Colombo is supported by Justin Ferris, a well-respected offshore sailor with extensive experience in the Pac 52 fleet and as a Grand Prix expert in sail design and technology for Doyle Sails. Justin and Bill work with Jim consistently to ensure that the inventory of sails not only meets the design and performance brief but fits well within any rating or rule requirements.
‘Callisto’ has taken the opportunity to maximise the yacht’s performance with the Structured Luff and Cableless technology exclusive to Doyle Sails. The technology reduces luff sag and loads, creating more driving force from greater projection. Their 2021 season has seen the inclusion of a new Offshore Mainsail, a Structured Luff Spin Staysail, Genoa Staysail and J1.5 plus a new A2+ and A4.
Other notable Doyle powered entries include Chris Sheehan’s Pac52 ‘Warrior One’, who has Doyle Grand Prix expert and Ocean Racing legend Stu Bannatyne onboard as Tactician and Thomas Furlong’s RP52 ‘Vitesse’. Vitesse, has spent weeks prepping for the start line, this will be their second TransPac with a full Doyle wardrobe.
Seattle local Alan Lubner’s recently acquired ‘Zvi’ will debut in this year’s Transpac Race, powered by Doyle Sails. ‘Zvi’ has lately been through a complete refit, including a completely new sail inventory with a new wardrobe of upwind and downwind sails utilising all of the Structured Luff and Cableless technology that Doyle Sails is renowned for. Alan commented, “Entering the Transpac has always been a dream of mine, and when the right boat and the right group of people came about, the timing seemed right to make a 2020 debut.”
The first Transpac race began off L.A.’s San Pedro breakwater at noon on June 11, 1906, between three yachts: Honolulu businessman and yachtsman Clarence Macfarlane’s “La Paloma“, Los Angeles businessman and South Coast Yacht Club member Harry Sinclair’s 86-foot schooner “Lurline “, and Charles Tutt’s 112-foot ketch Anemone flying the New York Yacht Club burgee. “Anemone“, under an earlier agreed upon handicap system, was the scratch boat and had to give Lurline and La Paloma 12 and 27 hours, respectively.
Lurline and her crew crossed the finish line off Oahu to become the Transpac’s first elapsed- and corrected-time winner, twelve days, nine hours, and 59 minutes after the start, on a passage so fast it was only eclipsed once in the next four decades.
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Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those who have the same passion for sailing as we do. Sailing is in our DNA, where the water unlocks our sense of adventure. We are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for close to four decades, and while our world changes around us, our commitment to sailors who seek the same enjoyment and adventure as we do hasn’t.
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