It’s Ragtime!
Yes, I’ve got my fat ass parked in front of my computer, giving you my something less, and embarrassingly incomplete expert analysis on the 2026 Pac Cup (Frisco to Hawaii). However, keep reading as I’ve got a good onboard report from Ragtime…
When the small fleet of big boats started on Friday, I remarked that it was great to see the Infinity 52 Zeus with the rare DSS foils system romping away from the fleet in the breezy conditions that the boat excels in.
I also said that when they encountered the lighter air ahead, it would be interesting to see if the boat could stay in the lead. Which they have, but the other fast boats are now going as fast or faster. And it doesn’t look too breezy down the line, so they must be nervous as hell on the Zeus! The rest of the fleet is a typical Pac Cup mix of entries – Cal 40’s, Hobie 33’s, very cruisy boats, etc. A somewhat weird mix of boats that seem to have this race on their “Bucket List”.
The aforementioned Ragtime is doing quite well – second in class so far. Here is a report from the boat:
We left the gate off StFYC in 20 kts, forecast was 7-10. Made for a fun whip through. Five miles or so offshore, seas developed into 5-7’ waves with plenty of spray. The fleet headed SW and soon Zeus sailed outta sight. We had Vitesse, Pyewacket, Pimu and Merlin in our sights till early evening. The fleet started to split, Zeus and Vitesse heading deeper south, leaving Pyewacket, Merlin, Pimu and us on curved course headed toward where we all think the ridge might be.
The night was very wet and cold. Waves occasionally filled over the starboard deck and I got two or three solidly in the face while grinding. It’s the ‘Fun’ race right?!?! Saturday proved to be shifty and unpredictable seas. We got the boat dry and even saw sun in the afternoon briefly to dry foulies before returning to them after sun down.
The night held mostly dry, albeit a 2 am shower. We had 6 kts and then 19 kts and then back to 14. A3, SS, GS all flying. Not as cold, still uncomfortable. Finally today what started as clouds broke to the sun! Shorts began to appear out of cubbies. A nice cloud line got us into and out of A3 and A2.5 several times while we chased speed. (That’s my buddy Eric Heim trying to prove that he’s “all about the fruit.” Sure buddy, let’s see the sugary snack you have squirreled away! – ed.)
Double Cheese Burgers for dinner last night! 🍔🍔🍔
