Good Jibes #203: Michael and Michelle Polkabla on Winning the 2025 Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race
Welcome to this week’s episode of Good Jibes! Tune in to Hanalei Bay on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, as host Christine Weaver chats with Michael and Michelle Polkabla right after Michael won the 2025 Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race. Michael finished first overall on his Monterey-based 1963 Cal 40 Solstice.
Hear why Michael hand-steered the last 20 hours of the race, about the difficult wind and wave conditions as the race progressed, what was going through Michelle’s mind waiting for her husband’s arrival, crazy stories of hallucinations and sleep deprivation, and about the most dangerous breakfast burrito of all time.
Here’s a sample of what you’ll hear in this episode:
- Michael’s sail configuration at the finish
- Why the last day of the race was the hardest
- What was going on in Michelle’s head during the race?
- Michael’s favorite part of the race
- Why you’re never 100% ready
Learn more about Michael and Michelle at SFBaySSS.org and on Instagram @MPSinglehandedTranspac.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!