Need crew

The 3,571-nautical mile race from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti has been run intermittently a dozen times from 1925 to 1994. There had been a 16 year gap before the last race, and now 14 years have transpired prior to this year’s event, scheduled to start on June 22. Despite getting 78 starters in last year’s 2,225-nautical mile LA to Honolulu Transpac Race, only five have signed up for the latest rendition of this Polynesian adventure.

Low turnouts for the Tahiti race are typical, which has averaged not quite 6 entrants from its beginning, and only once reached double digits (14 entrants in 1970). However, five boats would seem to be the bare minimum for an event. Four boat events aren’t races, they are deliveries. Sadly, the 2008 rendition may be on the verge of falling into the “delivery status”, as Bill Boyd, owner-skipper of the Santa Cruz 50 Mighty Tongaroa, is seeking to add final crew members. For those that are interested, can get away for nearly 3 weeks, and have a checkbook to help share the costs, contact Boyd at 808.230.5551. -- http://www.tahitirace.org