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Episode #98: Live from the 2023 Transpac Aboard Westerly

This week’s hosts, John Arndt and Nicki Bennett, are joined by the winning Westerly crew LIVE from the 2023 Transpacific Yacht Race! Hear the Santa Cruz 52 Owner Dave Moore, Watch Captain Andy Schwenk, and Support Crew Lead Jessica Offenberger in real time on Days 1, 8, and 9 of their triumphant Transpac journey.

Hear the crew answer questions from Latitude 38 readers, share how they divide up their tasks, what’s different about their boat and the race from previous years, how to stay safe in the middle of the Pacific, and share stories of the beautiful flying fish, whales, and other sea life they’ve been able to say hello to on their way to victory.

 

This episode covers everything from not shaving to how far away the horizon is. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • How was Westerly’s start?
  • What was their goal for this race?
  • Has Andy Dippel always been so handsome?
  • Who’s in charge of cooking?
  • How do you manage squalls?
  • What’s different vs. previous Transpacs?
  • Are they seeing any boats?
  • What was their best guess for a finish time?

Watch the livestreams at https://www.youtube.com/@Latitude38Magazine/streams.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite podcast spots – follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

This episode is brought to you by EWOL propellers. Learn more at EWOLTech.com

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

  • Live from the 2023 Transpac Aboard Westerly: Day 1
    • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
    • [0:28] Nicki Bennett & John Arndt
    • [0:32] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
    • [0:34] Watch the livestreams at https://www.youtube.com/@Latitude38Magazine/streams
    • [1:02] Catalina Island
    • [1:08] How much wind is there?
    • [1:57] How was Westerly’s start?
    • [2:12] Where are the competitors?
    • [5:12] What is Westerly’s goal for this race?
    • [6:01] Singlehanded Transpac (SHTP)
    • [6:42] Has Andy Dippel always been so handsome?
    • [11:11] What will the first few days and nights look like for Westerly?
    • [13:38] Daylight Saving Time (DST)
    • [14:34] What’s new on their Santa Cruz 52?
    • [20:03] What’s the meal for tonight?
    • [21:52] Who’s in charge of cooking?
    • [23:10] This episode is brought to you by EWOL propellers. Learn more at EWOLTech.com
    • Day 8
    • [24:02] What is Andy doing right now?
    • [25:12] How’s the race going?
    • [25:29] Tracker
    • [26:27] Any other squalls or sea life?
    • [27:00] How do you manage squalls?
    • [28:19] What’s their best guess for a finish time?
    • [30:08] How was the whale mating zone?
    • [31:38] What’s different vs. previous Transpacs?
    • [33:50] Mai Tai
    • [34:38] Flying Fish 
    • [34:54] This episode is brought to you by EWOL propellers. Learn more at EWOLTech.com
    • Day 9
    • [35:55] What’s Jessica’s role?
    • [43:47] What does the delivery back look like for Westerly?
    • [45:31] The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
    • [45:40] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
    • [48:04] Are they seeing any boats?
    • [51:02] How was the overnight last night?
    • [51:43] Any other squalls?
    • [53:48] Watch the livestreams at https://www.youtube.com/@Latitude38Magazine/streams
    • [54:20] What final thoughts does the Westerly crew have?
    • [54:42] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
    • [54:47] Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
    • [54:52] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
    • [55:01] Email [email protected] to advertise on this podcast or in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
    • [55:08] Check out the July 2023 issue of Latitude 38
    • Theme Song: Pineapple Dream by SOLXIS

Thanks for listening to the Westerly crew, John Arndt, and Nicki Bennett on Good Jibes with Latitude 38. Subscribe here to receive Latitude 38 to your home each month.

This episode is brought to you by EWOL propellers. Learn more at EWOLTech.com

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