Experience an unforgettable ocean sailing adventure aboard the Pacific Cup, the iconic 2,070-mile offshore race from the dramatic coast of San Francisco Bay, California to the tropical shores of Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.
The race challenges crews with a mix of coastal navigation, open-ocean sailing, and tropical conditions. From departing San Francisco Bay to navigating Pacific currents and winds, every mile tests skill, teamwork, and endurance. Along the way, sailors enjoy breathtaking seascapes, long stretches at sea that build camaraderie among crew, and the thrill of true offshore adventure.
On board, you will be involved in preparing and managing the boat, learning from experienced skippers, and sharing the highs and challenges of ocean racing. Crossing the finish line in Kaneohe Bay provides spectacular tropical scenery and the lasting satisfaction of completing one of the world’s most famous offshore races.
Join the boat in San Francisco, California
Disembark at Kaneohe Yacht Club, Oahu, Hawaii
July 6th to 10th. The fleet departs San Francisco Bay with a staggered start schedule, giving each division optimal conditions for the first mile of the Pacific Cup.

In the lead-up to the start of the Pacific Cup, your days will be focused on preparing the boat and getting to know your yacht and fellow crewmates. The schedule will be a mix of hands-on work, practical training, and opportunities to build teamwork.
San Francisco’s docks are a hive of activity during this period, with crews busy carrying out last-minute improvements, provisioning, and fine-tuning every detail of their boats. While there is time to enjoy the local scene, the first days are often full-on and hands-on, offering a rewarding insight into what it takes to get ready for an offshore race of this scale.
This preparation period is also a great time to meet other crews, share experiences, and soak up the excitement and energy of the fleet before the race begins.
The Pacific Cup begins with a series of staggered starts from San Francisco Bay. Each division departs on a schedule designed to take advantage of optimal wind and tidal conditions. As the fleet heads out into the Pacific, crews experience the thrill of offshore racing from the very first mile.
The fleet settles into the full rhythm of ocean racing as it makes the 2,070-mile passage from California to Hawaii. These days capture the essence of the Pacific Cup: long stretches of steady tradewinds, rolling ocean swells, and the exhilarating downwind sailing the race is known for. Crews refine their watch systems, rotate through helming and trimming, and enjoy the growing warmth as the miles fall away. Each day brings a balance of focused sail handling, tactical navigation, and the unforgettable moments that only mid-ocean sailing can offer: dolphin sightings, brilliant starscapes, and the camaraderie that develops offshore.
Most of the fleet will be making their final approach toward Kaneohe Bay, sailing the last miles of a journey that began in San Francisco nearly two weeks earlier. The finish line officially closes at 16:00 HST, giving crews a final deadline to target as they complete their Pacific crossing. Arrivals are always a celebratory moment, with the warm Hawaiian breeze, the dramatic backdrop of the Koʻolau Range, and the welcome committee at the Kaneohe Yacht Club greeting sailors as they come ashore. After tie-up, crews can take a breath, enjoy their first steps on land, and begin to share stories from the passage before settling into the post-race festivities.
Official Awards Ceremony at Hawaii Yacht Club. The exact date for this has not been confirmed, thought we expect it to take place not long after the close of the finish line.
Before departure, we kindly ask everyone to help with a general cleaning and tidying of the boat.
