Darrel,

I too am beginning a quest for the Transpac in my E-27. I have never done it.

I have been setting up my boat for single handing and one simple addition has made it much easier to sail/adjust the jib sheet/spinny sheet. By reaching forward over the traveler and accross the cockpit I can reach the cleated line. On each side, I installed a cam cleat on top of the edge of the cockpit angled for ease of release and engagement. To locate it I wrapped a line around the winch and then went and sat in the rear of the cockpit on the opposite side. I pulled the line tight with a natural arm motion and marked the top edge of the cockpit side with the exact position of the line as it crossed the top edge. I then installed a Harken cam cleat centered on that line and at right angles to it. I found the cam cleat was fair whether I was siting in the aft end of the cockpit or on the rail. The top edge of the cockpit wall is just wide enough to allow the angled installation and install back-up washers underneath.

I also bought a Raymarine ST4000+ Tiller Pilot Autohelm. It certaintly handles the boat in the Bay under the spinny. Last Saturday it was blowing 18 in the slot and it steared the boat easily from Blackauller to South Hampton. However the waves were not significant. I have also used to when I raced to the Farallons with no problems. There were 9' seas but it was a reach in both directions. I have yet to test under the spinny it in 25+ winds with confused or trailing seas.

George

:: :: Alternate Reality is planning on Pac Cup next summer
:: :: doublehanded. I am looking for input/ideas on
:: :: modifications needed for a stock boat. Also, what types
:: :: of self-steering devices have any of you used and how
:: :: have they worked. We are planning on driving the whole
:: :: way, but it would be nice to be able to adjust sail trim
:: :: without pulling up the off watch. How well do these
:: :: things work in a sea with the kite up?
:: ::
:: :: Any ideas or advice is appreciated.
:: ::
:: :: Darrel
:: Darrel: I did the Pac Cup twice on my Moore 24. My
:: advise is don't bother with an autopilot. My experience
:: is that in general you drive to the trim. I placed a
:: couple of winches in reach of the helm for the sheet and
:: guy. We, I more than my partner, could then make
:: adjustment to the pole and in all but one case get the
:: boat flat after round-ups. Also unless the unit is
:: outstanding I think you will find that an autopilot will
:: not drive the boat very well in most of the conditions
:: you will find yourself in while racing a small ULDB to
:: Hawaii. Good Luck! Feel free to contact me I you want.

:: Regards Frank