KG. The Transpac rules and regs start out qualifying the boat. I find it interesting when you get to:
Section 8.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
8.1 Yacht and Crew Qualifications
The Transpac Race is a challenging race for very experienced sailors on well-equipped yachts where weather conditions and sea state can be unpredictable. Racing from Los Angeles to Honolulu while enjoying the Eastern Pacific trade winds can result in conditions that range from pleasantly exhilarating to serious tests of seamanship. Crews must be prepared to deal with poor conditions, injuries, and potential equipment failures without the prospect of immediate assistance or rescue. For these reasons TPYC requires that all crews and yachts satisfy the following qualification requirements:
- 8.1.1 Yacht Race/Passage Qualification
Each yacht shall have completed a 150-nautical mile or longer sailing race or sailing passage (no motoring) prior to two days before its Transpac Race start.
- 8.1.2 Crew Seamanship and Passage Making
Each Owner/Charterer and Navigator must have completed an offshore race or ocean sailing passage as specified by either a) or b) below and submit documentation on the Transpac Offshore Experience Form to that effect.
- A) The Owner/Charter and Navigator must have completed a Transpac, Pacific Cup, Newport- Bermuda, Sydney-Hobart, Fastnet or comparable ocean race within the past four years in their respective capacities; or
- B) The Owner/Charterer, Navigator, and at least one Watch Captain must have completed a minimum 150 nautical mile sailing race or ocean sailing passage on the yacht they are entering within a year and prior to two days before the yacht’s Transpac Race start. If this event takes place after July 5, 2021 at least 50% of the crew must be on board.
- 8.1.3 Crew General Safety Training
At least 30% of a yacht’s crew including the watch captains shall have attended a US Sailing Sanctioned International Offshore Safety at Sea with Hands-on Training Course or its equivalent.