Episode #6: Robb Walker and Jim Quanci on Racing the Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race

Welcome back to Latitude 38’s new podcast, Good Jibes! In this podcast, we’re bringing you the world of sailing through the eyes of the West Coast Sailor. Each week, you’ll hear stories and tips from the West Coast sailing community on cruising, racing, and just plain sailing. Cast off, laugh and learn, and become a better sailor. Hosted by John Arndt, Nicki Bennett, Ryan Foland, and the team at Latitude 38 – the sailing magazine for West Coast sailors since 1977!

This week’s host, Chris Weaver, is joined by Robb Walker and Jim Quanci right after they finished the Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race from San Francisco to Hawaii. The 2,150-mile race took place for the first time in 1978 and has happened every two years since. Hear about the squalls they encountered, the wind holes they got stuck in, their favorite and least favorite parts of the race, the famous belt buckle, and whether they’ll do a race like this one again. This episode covers everything from San Francisco to Hawaii.

Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

• How was Robb’s race?
• What time did he finish the race?
• How many equipment failures did Jim have?
• What did he break?
• How did Rob & Jim get through the giant wind holes?
• What happened to Jim’s main?
• How long does the Belt Buckle tradition go back?
• What is the history of the Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race?

Learn more at https://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/singlehanded-transpacific-race-wrap/.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite podcast spots – follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Good Jibes is brought to you by the Safe Boating Campaign, in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Coast Guard. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com.

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• Robb Walker and Jim Quanci on Racing the Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race
  • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:24] Ryan Foland
  • [0:31] Christine Weaver (Chris)
  • [0:53] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [0:58] Good Jibes is brought to you by the Safe Boating Campaign, in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Coast Guard. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com
  • [1:12] Learn more at https://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/singlehanded-transpacific-race-wrap/
  • [1:57] Robb Walker, Jim Quanci
  • [2:17] How was Robb’s race?
  • [2:48] How many equipment failures did Jim have?
  • [3:03] eBay sails
  • [4:15] What time did Robb finish the race?
  • [4:26] UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
  • [4:37] What time did Jim finish the race?
  • [5:16] What did he break?
  • [5:25] Vang
  • [6:00] Shy Kite
  • [6:14] Pacific Cup (Pac Cup)
  • [7:37] Snuffer
  • [9:05] What happened to Jim’s main?
  • [9:23] Slugs
  • [10:54] How did Rob & Jim get through the giant wind holes?
  • [11:37] How many days did it take to get through the wind holes?
  • History of Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race
  • [15:55] What is the history of the Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race?
  • [16:00] SFBaySSS.org
  • [17:36] Mike Jefferson
  • [18:11] City Lights
  • Robb & Jim on What’s Next
  • [18:49] Green Buffalo
  • [19:01] COVID-19
  • [21:04] Nozomi
  • [21:21] Stockholm Archipelago
  • [21:30] Skip Novak
  • [21:58] Commodore
  • [22:09] Pacific Cup Yacht Club
  • [23:18] Baja Ha-Ha, Delta Doo Dah
  • [23:38] Richmond Yacht Club
  • [23:49] What else would Robb & Jim like to add?
  • [24:07] Latitude 38
  • [24:46] Belt Buckle
  • [25:15] SHTP (Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race)
  • [26:24] How long does the Belt Buckle tradition go back?
  • [26:31] Skip Allan
  • [26:47] Good Jibes is brought to you by the Safe Boating Campaign, in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Coast Guard. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com
  • [28:01] Learn more at https://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/singlehanded-transpacific-race-wrap/
  • [28:07] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [28:38] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [28:56] Follow our sponsor, the Safe Boating Campaign, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @boatingcampaign and use the hashtags #SafeBoating and #RealBoatersWearit. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com
  • Theme Song: Pineapple Dream by SOLXIS

Thanks for listening to Robb Walker, Jim Quanci, and Chris Weaver on Good Jibes with Latitude 38. Subscribe here to receive Latitude 38 to your home each month.