Start preparing for Transpac 2025

by Transpacific Yacht Club 30 Jul 2024 19:12 BST

Start preparing for Transpac 2025 © Stephen R Cloutier

Entries are open for the 2025 Transpacific Yacht Race, a historic 2,225 race from Los Angeles to Honolulu.

Already 17 boats have registered for what's considered to be one of the greatest ocean races in the world.

When it comes to a 2,200+ mile race across the Pacific Ocean, it's never too early to start your preparations.

"It's a big undertaking with lots of details and requirements to complete," said Transpac Yacht Club Commodore Bill Guilfoyle during the July 2 Prep Seminar. "This year to make that task a little easier we've partnered with a new regatta management company called Nautical Cloud and that should simplify the process and make it easier than ever to communicate with your team, complete the pre-race safety and equipment requirements and track your progress so you know when you're done. I know the first year I did the race I was never quite sure until I went to the skippers meeting whether I was really done."

"We want you to enjoy the day or two before the start and know that you're ready to cast off and enjoy the race." — Transpac Yacht Club Commodore Bill Guilfoyle

The seminar also included presentations from:

Bruce Cooper—Owner, Ullman Sails Newport Beach
Chris Busch—2023 Winning Transpac Navigator from Westerly
Randy Smith—13x Transpac Race veteran, crew member Rock N Roll
Kerry Deaver—9x Transpac Race veteran, Chief Inspector, Crew Member on Vincitore

Kerry Deaver went over Boat Inspections (View PDF) and the process inspectors will be using (View PDF).

If you want to check your notes, or if you missed the presentation, please watch the video and learn about topics such as race requirements, safety, sail inventory planning, practice, strategies and keys to winning.

Save the date: A navigator looks at Transpac

On November 13, 2024, at 6:00pm PT, join Peter Isler for a class aimed at the navigator, but that will also benefit the afterguard and anyone who is going to be looking at the computer screen and considering information coming from the "box" during the race.

Isler is a Transpac and America's Cup-winning navigator and co-founder of Marine Weather University. He will cover topics such as:

Expedition Navigation software: Tips and Techniques to get the most out of Expedition.
Navigator/Afterguard/Watch Captain Communication: How to get the most out of change-of-watch weather/position briefings.
Weather Routing considerations for Transpac.
Navigator Safety considerations.
Race Prep: Systems, instruments, ensemble routing and team communication practice.

Knowledge is power, and Isler will share his techniques and philosophies for how to get the most out of the team. Setting strategy, communicating and agreeing on the plan, and helping the speed team will all be presented from a navigator's perspective.

Don't just send your navigator—anyone involved in helping the boat go fast in the right way will benefit from learning about the navigator's toolbox.

Save the date and look for future announcements on additional Transpac Prep Seminars!

Complete a requirement: Safety at sea

One of the requirements for Transpac 2025 is that the Person in Charge and watch captains, and at least 60% of the crew, have a valid certificate for:

A US Sailing International Offshore Safety at Sea with Hands-on Training Course, or
The combination of a US Sailing Hands-On Safety at Sea Course and a US Sailing On-Line Offshore Safety at Sea course both taken in the same calendar year; or
A World Sailing Approved Offshore Personal Survival Training Course certificate issued by another country.

For double-handed entries both crew members must meet this requirement.

US Sailing has several upcoming Safety at Sea courses around the country. Here are a few dates for those of you in Southern California:

Del Rey Yacht Club, October 5-6, 2024
San Diego Yacht Club, San Diego, February 8-9, 2025
Southwestern Yacht Club, San Diego, June 7-8, 2025

Sail Aweigh instructor John Miller is extending Transpac racers a discount of $50.00 for early registration for the 2025 courses at San Diego Yacht Club and Southwestern Yacht Club listed above. Use coupon code "TP25" at checkout to receive the discount.

View all US Sailing SAS courses

How to enter the race

If you're ready to commit to the 2025 race, navigate your way to our customized Nautical Cloud platform where owners can create an account, add basic boat details and officially enter the race with the $250 entry deposit.

Throughout the coming year, owners can navigate through the Nautical Cloud platform, completing the task list to meet all entry requirements. Your crew members will also create their own individual accounts on the platform, and then be added to crew rosters and be assigned roles such as Person in Charge, so they can help manage all aspects of the entry process.

Start the entry process

Questions about the entry process?

We've created a detailed Transpac Entry Guide to take you step by step through the entry process, highlight some nuances to the system and answer frequently asked questions. We hope this guide smooths the process for you and your crew, but know that the Entry Committee is available for assistance at entry@transpacyc.com.

View entry guide

Important dates for Transpac 2025

Mark your calendars and make your plans to compete in Transpac 2025.