Here is our return track from Kaneohe Bay to San Francisco. If you download the Google Earth .kmz file (VALIS – Pac Cup Return 2010.kmz) you can see the hourly conditions we were experiencing. Also, at long last I have finally completed the videos for the 2008 Pac Cup: Race Video: http://www.sailvalis.com/Pac%20Cup%2008/Race/index.htm Return Video: http://www.sailvalis.com/Pac%20Cup%2008/Slides/index.htm […]

And here she is, gracing the December 2008 edition of SAIL Magazine: This shot was taken by Peter Lyons, when we were heading out the Gate for a pre-Pacific Cup offshore overnight shakedown.  From left to right the crew is: Rich (at the helm), John (completely hidden behind Rich), Michael, Alan, Steve, and me up […]

Michael Moredzadeh has written a very nice article about the 2008 Pacific Cup, for the October issue of Blue Water Sailing magazine .  Along with credit to many of the winning boats, Michael includes a look at life aboard VALIS as we prepare, race, and party in Kaneohe.  Plus, VALIS and her crew get some pictures!  Paul says “Check it […]

The photos from the 2008 Pacific Cup are now on the VALIS website: http://www.sailvalis.com/Pac%20Cup%2008/Race/index.htm I will eventually be putting up a race/track/weather analysis, but these shots will have to do for now. -Paul

Here is a Google Earth trackfile of VALIS during the 2008 Pacific Cup: valis-pacific-cup-2008 The start of the race is shown in detail, with position samples taken every few seconds. There is a “jog” as we pass under the Golden Gate Bridge that didn’t really happen — we just lost the GPS signal for a […]

I have just uploaded to the website a photo album for our return trip from Oahu to San Francisco: http://www.sailvalis.com/Pac%20Cup%2008/Slides/

A Brush with a Whale As we were approaching San Francisco on Friday, August 22, about 40 miles due west of the Golden Gate Bridge we encountered a very friendly pod of dolphins.  They swam alongside, crossed our bow, and jumped regularly.  We were taking photos and this video when we brushed against the side […]

Heading for the barn! Since we made such good speed last night, averaging 8-1/2 knots for several hours, and over 8 kts overall, we have decided to sail between the North and Middle / South Farallon Islands then steer for the Golden Gate Bridge. We expect to pass under the span a little before sunset, […]

It is now 4:00PM PDT, we have 215 miles to go, we are making good speed towards San Francisco, and we’re wearing sunglasses. Last night we sailed under the twin headsails until about midnight, but the wind finally dropped to where we couldn’t stand the slatting of the limp sails in the swells. So, we […]