Episode #99: Westerly Crew on Winning the 2023 Transpac

This week’s hosts, John Arndt and Nicki Bennett, are joined by the Westerly crew from Hawaii right after winning the 2023 Transpacific Yacht Race! Hear the Santa Cruz 52 Owner Dave Moore, Watch Captain Andy Schwenk, and Mid Bow Alec Offenberger reveal how Westerly won the overall race and their division.

Hear the preparation that went into the race, how the crew stayed calm, why the boat performed so well, the most satisfying moments from the race, and how they’re celebrating their victory.

This episode covers everything from the keys to victory to the rum squall. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

• How did the race preparation go?
• What are the secrets to Westerly’s success?
• How many years in the making was this victory?
• Did the crew see anything mysterious in the ocean?
• What was the most satisfying moment?
• How many miles did the crew sail?
• What is the awards ceremony like?
• How do you participate in a Transpac?

Watch all the Transpac 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!

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

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

Show Notes

• Westerly Crew on Winning the 2023 Transpac
  • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:26] Nicki Bennett & John Arndt
  • [0:28] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [0:30] Watch all the Transpac livestreams at https://www.youtube.com/@Latitude38Magazine/streams
  • [1:11] Did the Westerly crew know they’d win the race beforehand?
  • [1:42] How did the race preparation go?
  • [3:07] What are the secrets to Westerly’s success?
  • [4:02] How many years in the making was this victory?
  • [5:12] How was this year’s weather pattern?
  • [6:01] Was there anything the crew wished they did differently?
  • [7:17] Did they see anything mysterious in the ocean?
  • [11:08] How many times has Alec sailed across the Pacific?
  • [11:48] What was the most satisfying moment for him? 
  • [12:39] This episode is brought to you by EWOL propellers. Learn more at EWOLTech.com
  • [13:10] What was Andy’s role on Westerly?
  • [14:32] iPhone
  • [16:00] How many Transpacs has Dave competed in?
  • [18:43] Did Westerly use Expedition software?
  • [19:45] How many miles did the crew sail out there?
  • [21:48] How do you participate in a Transpac?
  • [23:46] How is Westerly getting home?
  • [24:14] What is the awards ceremony like?
  • [26:36] Where is the crew sitting right now?
  • [28:19] What’s Westerly going to do next?
  • [29:55] This episode is brought to you by EWOL propellers. Learn more at EWOLTech.com
  • [30:48] What worked so well for the crew?
  • [31:24] Starlink
  • [31:44] What moments stand out for the crew?
  • [33:07] What’s the top speed they hit?
  • [34:54] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • [35:01] Watch all the Transpac livestreams at https://www.youtube.com/@Latitude38Magazine/streams
  • [35:08] What final thoughts does the Westerly crew have?
  • [35:12] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [35:22] Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
  • [35:25] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [35:33] Email [email protected] to advertise on this podcast or in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • [35:41] 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