HistoryThe past three Transpacific Yacht Races have been dominated by the small easily surfed Cal 40’s. 1971 turned out differently, at least partially because of unusual weather conditions, leading to victory by the Class A yachts. WINDWARD PASSAGE first-to-finish was also first overall and first in class. In addition she set a new elapsed time record of nine days, nine hours, six minutes and forty-eight seconds. Typically light winds at the start off Point Fermin pushed the fleet around the west end of Catalina after the 1:00 afternoon start. As the fleet sailed on beyond the Island, lumpy seas developed with stronger winds that hauled slightly. By July 7th the seas had subsided, but the winds had dropped to a maximum of 15 knots, now from the northwest. The breeze dropped to the 8-10 knot range on July 8 and 9, but shifting to a more favorable northeast source.
Hurricane Denise became a factor beginning July 10th. Winds in the fleet increased slightly and seas became steeper. however, only two days later the storm had progressed west resulting in light winds for the fleet. This in effect allowed the Class A boats to finish leaving the smaller craft to sea in doldrums. WINDWARD PASSAGE led the fleet almost the entire race. GREYBEARD, after trouble at the start, was first around Catalina and BUCCANEER reported ahead for a day, but Robert M. Johnson’s crew managed to pull ahead by July 6. The 1969 winner ARGONAUT, skippered by John Andron, dominated the smaller boats again but the light winds resulting from the westward movement of Denise ensured victory to the Class A yachts.