Rob Macfarlane

Tiger Beetle

Nelson-Marek 45

#2

Alameda, CA

Occupation Software Engineer, Berkeley National Lab
Age 44
Rob is looking forward to his third SSS TransPac trip across the pond. He might not be smart, but at least he is consistent. The boat, a retired IOR two tonner, is not necessarily the best boat for this race - somehow something in the ULDB category seems more appropriate - but it is the boat he happens to have and that's what this race is all about: go with what you've got and have a great time.
Goals for this race are to catch more fish, relax a bit, not push sooo darn hard, and hopefully arrive under daylight for the first time. This is his fifth crossing to the islands and each time arrival has been well after the sun has set for the day. "It would be nifty to see what Kauai looks like when the sun is up - I bet it's green!"
For this trip Rob has upgraded the communications gear to include onboard email via SSB and SailMail. "Previously I wanted to send vignettes back to shore during the race and return. This time I might be able to - provided the radio, modem and computer will work while bouncing around the salty ocean." To power up the radios Rob has added a backup charging system with a solar panel and wind generator perched atop the new stern-mounted 'H' frame. He's also been boning up on sushi lessons and hopes to have better (or at least more varied) fresh fish foods this trip.
Rob, who turns 44 the day after race start, grew up sailing with his parents on the East Coast and later in Southern California. For the past seventeen years he's been a keen enthusiast in the local singlehanded community, particularly offshore racing. The long term plan is to sail the world with Beetle. The TransPac is a wonderful opportunity to get out and enjoy the Big Blue Highway. He's quite looking forward to being on the line with competitors from prior races and sharing stories with everyone at 5 o’clock Tree Time in Hanalei.
Navigation: Furuno and Garmin GPS, plastic sextant backup
Steering: Alpha pilot, ComNav pilot, Monitor windvane
Food: cheese burgers, chicken, canned stuff, gummy worms, pb&j, fresh fish?
Special thanks to: Tatia, Brookes, Wil, Diane, Ric and the Beetle Boat Gang