Pacific Cup is better than Thanksgiving

In 2026, the 22nd edition of the Pacific Cup gets underway July 6 for the 2,070 nm course from San Francisco to Kaneohe. Held in opposite years as the Transpac Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu, the Pacific Cup calls itself the ‘Fun Race to Hawaii’.

While the event seeks to balance competition and community, some prefer how the northern California reduces the misery of cold, close winded angles which greets Transpac participants during the first few days. Or maybe the Pacific Cup organizers are just more fun.

To encourage entry, here are their Ten Reasons why Pacific Cup is better than Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving: Cold, windy. One day only
Pac Cup: Many days of warm sunny weather

Thanksgiving: Mother-in-law likely to criticize your mashed potatoes
Pac Cup: Even freeze-dried food is welcome mid-Pacific

Thanksgiving: Hours of prep followed by hours of cleanup for one meal
Pac Cup: Hey, just rinse out the cup

Thanksgiving: The Mayflower. Slow, rolly, and disease-ridden
Pac Cup: Your boat: swift, safe, and well-prepared

Thanksgiving: No Mai-Tais
Pac Cup: Many Mai-Tais

Thanksgiving: Pilgrims have buckles on hats
Pac Cup: Sailors have aloha shirts

Thanksgiving: Instagram posts of turkeys
Pac Cup: Posts of sea, whales, dolphins, spinnakers

Thanksgiving: Likely to sleep a long time after
Pac Cup: About the same

Thanksgiving: No trophies awarded
Pac Cup: Many trophies awarded

Thanksgiving: Remember what you are thankful for
Pac Cup: Do what you are thankful for