"Do the race in the boat you have." That was the mantra of the Singlehanded Sailing Society in the early 1990's. (There is, of course, an underlying assumption your boat is seaworthy.) At that time, I had an Ericson 32, and after a couple of seasons of sailing the SSS races, I did the '94 TransPac. The preparation for that race, and the race itself, proved to be a worthy and memorable adventure. It is often said the greatest challenge in this race is getting to the starting line...which I believe to be true.

Now, fourteen years later, I am back again preparing to run the 2008 TransPac but with a different boat which comes with her own special challenges. The Cal-20 holds a warm spot in the hearts of many a San Francisco Bay sailor. Often is has provided the sailor with his or her first sailing experience. The tiny vessel was intended to be, and truly is, the "common man's" boat. I have enjoyed the last couple of years outfitting this stout little craft with the appropriate equipment to allow for a safe and exciting run for Kauai. Both space and weight limitations presented anticipated, but definite hurdles. Although I am sure to be amongst the last to finish the race, I am hoping my high handicap will keep even the hottest boats a bit on their toes.

Of the 2700 or so Cal-20's produced between 1961 and 1976, my boat, "Black Feathers", is the 14th, produced in 1961. She will be driven by a Monitor Windvane, an Autohelm ST2000, and periodically, by me. To try to avoid nasty encounters with commercial vessels, she is equipped with a C.A.R.D. (Collision Avoidance Radar Detector) and a stand-alone A.I.S. (Automatic Identification System) receiver. One of the three GPS's should tell me where I am, and an Iridium Satellite phone will allow me to share that information with the race committee. Finally...in an attempt for me to stay dry, an observation dome adorns her hatch cover. At least, staying dry is the plan!

Over the years I have been continually inspired by the spirit and knowledge of the skippers in the SSS. I thank them for sharing their thoughts and expertise so freely.