http://yb.tl/Transpac2013 Link shows current race status, delayed by 6 hours.

The boat I normally race on is in the Transpac. I didn't go, as they only needed 4 crew and they pretty much stuck to the youngest guys on the boat. (not to mention uh, work... sigh...)

The boat is a J-105, name of Creative. This is the first time for a J-105 in the race, and they are the smallest boat of the 59 boats in the race.

I did the delivery last weekend to Long Beach, and they took off yesterday at 13:00; it was rather exciting to see all the prep and hoopla pre-race. Creative is among the first boats to go, first wave. They expect to take 12 days.

Comments back from one of the youngest guys on board:
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"Flew through our first night, averaging over 7kts in 16-23 kts of breeze. To say this is a wet boat is the an understatement, we are part submarine at this point. Not a dry spot to be found. The skies are gray and the wind is still blowing 18. We just had to change Jibs as the light revealed a small tear in the first.

Everyone doing well so far for being battered around by the chop and constant spray from the bow."
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A J-105 is a pretty spartan boat... these guys are in for the ride of their lives. It will be interesting to hear their tales later, and to see what breaks and what doesn't. Several things were beefed up prior to the race, such as the bow sprit, which has an added sleeve inside to strengthen it, and they added a bob stay. They are also flying a mast head spinnaker vice the usual 7/8. They expect to start flying a code 0 in a day or so, and then switch to the kite for about 1/3 of the race or so. That boat can get up and plane downwind. I have been aboard racing when it has hit and sustained 15kts... pretty darn exciting.

Fair Winds guys... go Team Creative!