The North Pacific High
by Guy Walters, July 12th, 2012
I am not the weather guru and won’t pretend to be. Rich offers his perspective of the present situation in his latest post. Without resorting to other sources and relying solely on the wind overlay on Yellowbrick, I suggest the following. The winds appear to be stronger to the east of the general track of the competitors, who are sailing in a south-westerly direction. The small colored triangles on the chart represent wind direction and velocity. It can be seen that the marks to the east of the boats represent more or less northerly winds on the order of 20 knots while the marks to the south and west represent winds of about 12 knots or less. Importantly, there is an area in the vicinity of 36°N 137°W where the wind velocities are below 5 knots and the directions are not advantageous. That area represents the centre of the North Pacific High, an area the competitors want to stay well clear of. The more westerly boats, such as Turicum, Ballymack and Red Sheilla, on their present courses, are skirting close to the centre of the high.
Nothing will happen if they sail into the centre of the high – literally nothing as they will run out of wind and stop sailing for a day or so. However, these boats have at least as much information as we do and will be aware of the “hole” and hopefully will take precautions to avoid it by altering course to the south in order to get around the bottom of the low wind region.
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Lurline (2022)
Type: Tripp 47Skipper: Gib Black
Port: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Blog: 1 articles posted
"Beginning with the first running of the Vic-Maui Race in 1965, I have followed the previous participants routing, finishes and associated weather components with great interest and intrigue. A few of my friends have competed and completed the race and all speak of the challenging yet gratifying conditions, tactics and not least, the great send off in beautiful Victoria B.C. The cold aspects of the race have previously kept me from entering the race at bay, having been raised in Hawaii and spending so much time there in the warm ethos. However, it is finally time to lean forward and enter the 2022 race and cast aside any trepidation. In the anticipation of finally participating in the 2022 race, this coming December and Christmas, Santa promises to bring me my first pair of sailing boots!
I believe my boat, a Tripp 47, is very competitive and embodies the synergy and nucleus of a formidable and capable crew. The crew have sailed thousands of ocean and inland racing miles and have earned my admiration and respect. The boat crews numerous completed Transpacs, PacCups and other offshore races that they have sailed with me on, is a testament to their determination and competitive nature. They deserve this new opportunity for an enhanced northern latitude to southern latitude race, and to experience the humbleness and satisfaction that this race has the potential to exude. My crew and myself are all looking forward with eager anticipation to joining our Canadian pals and accompanying esprit de corps, for the 2022 Vic-Maui Race.
Aloha,
Gib"
