J/Teams Battled Light-Air Pacific Cup Race to Hawaii
(San Francisco, CA)- The Pacific Cup is a premier offshore sailing race that challenges participants with an exhilarating journey from San Francisco, California to Kaneohe, Hawaii. Held on even-numbered years since 1980, this renowned ocean race spans over 2,100 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean, offering both seasoned racers and passionate amateurs a unique test of skill, endurance, and seamanship.
Hosted by the Pacific Cup Yacht Club, “the fun Race to Hawaii” is known for its welcoming spirit, competitive yet laid-back atmosphere, and unforgettable camaraderie among participants. Open to a variety of yacht classes, the race balances serious offshore competition with the thrill of adventure and the reward of a warm Hawaiian welcome at the finish line.
The 48 teams finished the biennial 2,070 nm race from San Francisco, California, to Kaneohe, Hawaii, over a week ago. Veterans of the 2026 race will all share a common narrative: how they avoided, or dealt with, a massive, immovable patch of light air that dominated the middle of the course. At the end of the day, the trio of J/Teams navigated that scenario relatively well, as no real winners were dealing with such a catastrophic weather anomaly.
ORR 2 Division
Sailing in this fleet was Michael Spies’s J/160 MARITIMO 160 from Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. They had been at the top of the leaderboard for much of the race. Ultimately, they finished fourth in their inaugural offshore race with the boat they bought in the spring of 2026 and commissioned in Los Angeles, CA.
ORR 3 Division
Two J/Teams were sailing in this fleet. Both teams had been doing well and vying for the top of the leaderboard for most of the race. Tim Roche’s J/92 ZAFF from Richmond Yacht Club took the silver medal, just over 3 hours from winning their fleet… after 11 days of racing! Falk Meissner’s J/99 SHARK ON BLUEGRASS from Berkeley Yacht Club ended up in fifth place.
For more Pacific Cup Race sailing information
https://pacificcup.org/