Stupid Obsessive Sailboat Race

[RanchHQ]

I don't know why, but I started keeping up with the:

2008 Singlehanded TransPacific Yacht Race (1 Boat, 1 Sailor)

2,120 Miles across the Pacific, San Francisco to Hanalei Bay, Kauai

The Racers, 22 in Numbers, left June 22.

I know, Ocean Racing is like watching paint dry.

Everyone has Finished, 'cept one Boat who dropped out and has returned to SF.

But READ THIS: The Adventures of Ruben & Sparky | Home

You can keep up with Sparky's Progress here: 2008 SHTP - Position Reports

I am finding myself obsessed with Sparky!

Go Sparky! Go!

[Birdieman]

Hey Ranch, I read all the blog updates and got wrapped up in wanting to see Sparky finish as well. I will check later today and follow the progress until they finish. Thanks for the story, a little inspiration never hurt anyone. I'll probably share this story with my 8 and 6 year old kids, a little life lesson. Something about lemons and lemonade. Thanks again.

[RanchHQ]

A little more on Sparky, and what Rubin will accomplish:

Cheese and Crackers for Sparky? - Singlehanded Sailing Society Forum

[RanchHQ]

Originally Posted by Birdieman

I will check later today and follow the progress until they finish. Thanks for the story, a little inspiration never hurt anyone. I'll probably share this story with my 8 and 6 year old kids, a little life lesson. Something about lemons and lemonade. Thanks again.

You can pan out on the Position Report Page and get an idea of how far he has/has to travel to Finish.

Remember, he has not seen another "live" person since June 22. He is in daily contact via SAT Phone, but otherwise it is just Ruben and Sparky, and Sparky is by no means a Yacht.

Rubin can run his engine only to charge his batteries, as long as he has fuel. His transmission is sealed.

Sparky is 22' long. I figure that's about as long as my Pick-up; my Pick-up fits inside a Garage. (Good reference point there, HQ).

[Wilbur]

I think I have a new band name -
Sparky and the Five Percenters

catchy, huh?

[RanchHQ]

Today, from Sparky's "Land Based" Contact:

"95.2 miles left as of 9:10am this morning! We're estimated arrival in Hanalei bay very early tomorrow morning. After hanging up the SAT phone, he was going to dig into the last packet of oatmeal he's saved for this day!

This is my last log report that I'll write on his behalf. He asked me to share his excitement! He feels great and is truly enlightened by this experience.
On the home front, we're anticipating his arrival. His parents flew in yesterday and his brother will be here tomorrow. This is a surprise for him, he has no idea that they are here to greet him!
Today we're shopping for fresh juices, fruit, vegetables, pepperoni pizza and of course spiced rum. I plan to also bake chocolate chip cookies since I didn't get them in his halfway gift and have regretted it every day.
Thank you so much to the race committee and fleet for helping to arrange all the details of his homecoming! It means the world to him.
Yesterday I received a very touching description of Ruben from his dear friend DG, who was the skipper of the first boat he crewed on.
"From the first time that I met Ruben, when he presented himself as crew to work and learn, I felt his desire. This greatness in Ruben can be sensed upon the first meeting. His forthright demeanor and candid response is a sign of internal strength. He just needed to prove it to himself. He has now come through the dark tunnel of despair and dismal sights. The air of the many best wishes has reached its goal. New life has been breathed into the soul of our hero. With spirits exalted by a daily drink from the cup of his love he flies back to greetings well earned." Thank you for all the support and encouragement for Ruben, he's almost here"

[RanchHQ]

I just came in for my Low Fat, Low Carb, Tastless If I Didn't Add Tony Chachery's Lunch and had this E-Mail:

ALOHA!!! This morning at about 7:15 Hawaii time, Ruben and Sparky crossed the finish line and officially finished the 2008 Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race!

We will be posting all the details and photos as soon as we receive them.

Thank you all so much for the ongoing encouragement, support, and most of all...for the wind dances!


-Ruben's Home Crew

[RanchHQ]

Remember, this Guy has just crossed The Pacific Ocean to Hawaii in this 20 something foot boat, by Himself, the last 600 miles without a Mast:

norcalsailing.com special report

What a good story.

[culdad]

Originally Posted by RanchHQ

I know, Ocean Racing is like watching paint dry.

obviously never done any sailboat racing...

[RanchHQ]

Why would you say summin dumb like that?

Spent a bunch of Summer Evenings, Summer Last, on a Lido 14, Solo.

Haven't been "Spectating" since last Month.

Rolex Big Boat Series over in The Bay:



I made my "Paint Drying" Statement in the Context of watching a bunch of Boats run SF to HI on a Computer Screen, which I still think is boring.

Once the Single Handed Guys/Gal have crossed under the GG Bridge, unless you know of a Viewpoint I am unaware of, watching Ocean Racing is not only Boring, it is impossible.

More Rolex Big Boats:


Rolex Big Boats from Pier 39: