Last Pacific Cup Start Today, and Other News
Today is the last start of the 2026 Pacific Cup, with two classes of hot rods jumping off the starting line at noon and 12:10. It looks as if the fast boats will have a somewhat brighter, sunnier day than the Monday and Tuesday starters, with more breeze to help them get offshore. Meanwhile, the early starters report that weather is warming up as they move south and the wind moves back, so kites are being set. Reports from onboard include dolphins racing alongside, squid on deck, and, reliably, good food being important to crew morale. Food reports look as if they’re succeeding.
By the time you read this all boats should be on the tracker, with the hot boats in hot pursuit of the early starters. Everyone is heading south around the Pacific High and also practicing squall management to find the fastest track while staying in control.
A Peek in the Fo’c’sle
We looked to see what’s new in our Classifieds, and, as always, we found some intriguing boats. There’s this Olson 30 for sale in Ventura, formerly of Point Richmond. Olson 30s remain one of the many great boats to come out of the magical Santa Cruz boatbuilding days.
If you act really fast, you could join the Corsair Nationals happening at Encinal Yacht Club, July 17–19, in this Corsair 27 that’s been stored inside for the past 26 years.
For those who became inspired by the look, feel and heritage of wooden boats at the recent Master Mariners Wooden Boat Show, you could fulfill your dream with this $1500 wooden Folkboat.
It’s been cool and foggy on the Bay, making it an ideal time to cruise the Delta (or bolt to Hawaii). Still, there will be some beautiful sunny afternoons to cruise the Bay, with the Oakland Estuary generally a good place to find some sun, flat water and gentler breezes. If you search our local microclimates, you’ll find good sailing. Our racing calendar shows some great weekend races will be underway, including a YRA Offshore Race and small-boat racing on Huntington Lake.
For a better summer, make sure you just go sailing, like this Tartan 3700, Annie Jane, that was out sailing on Summer Sailstice weekend.