HistoryThe Thirtieth Honolulu Race set several new records, though not including speed! It had the largest fleet, probably the finest fleet, and the largest foreign entry list.
The start, west of Point Fermin, was in little wind, which quickly turned to a fresh northwest breeze and by morning roll call from uss PRAIRIE, record first-day runs were posted; some over 200 miles. Considering that the first day is only 19 hours, that’s a record. Two boats, NIAD and TAHUNA dropped out off of Catalina with rigging failures.
After three fast days, the high expanded over the rhumb line and our fleet ground to a halt. some of the fleet gambled and sailed into the high where they spent some wearisome days. A few fell off to the south and caught wind.
First-to-finish was DRIFTER, skippered by Harry C. Moloscho with an elapsed time of 11 days, 18 hrs., 1 min. and 4 sec.
Navy participation with the Escort during the first half of the race was very gratifying. Coast Guard Communications station honolulu took over roll call after uss PRAIRIE went into port. The navy Marine Corps Mars radio system forwarded the roll call and handicap reports both to the mainland and island stations. Though a slow race, enthusiasm remained high and another record was broken — the Trophy Dinner was attended by 1,500 people. At the Dinner, the true spirit of international goodwill was exhibited between the crews of ARRIBA, MIYAKADORI, HMCs ORIOLE and others with toasts presented at each table. Just after the floor show of the dinner, Bill Nickerson’s NIMBLE docked as “Tail-end Charlie.”
Outstanding in the memory of your Commodore, is the cooperation and involvement of so many members of Transpac as well as the Honolulu Committee, who make this race successful and such a pleasure to both participate in and to administer.