TRICK OR TREAT: A SYDNEY 40 OWNER TELLS HOW (AND WHY) HE’S GETTING READY FOR THE 2,225 MILE TRANSPAC

Seth Radow is Los Angeles-based sailor who has recently taken delivery of a brand new Sydney 40 (perhaps the last one ever built?). He has been kind enough to share some insights on the boat with Sailing Anarchy before and now here, in his own words, he tells us about what goes into preperations for such a massive undertaking.

Offshore Racing:

Sailing is one of three sport that I partake in these days. Sailing is the
only one where I currently compete. Having competed at the world class
level in another sport years ago, I try to take my enthusiasm for sport and
competition into my sailing. It is quite difficult to put together an all
amateur team to do that in sailing. At the same time I refuse to race with
professionals on board. I have no desire to buy my sailing trophies in that
manner. Sailing trophies, in my mind, should come from hard work, intensive
and extensive practice, good seamanship and exceptional yacht preparation.

That amateurs, such as myself, can compete with and against the
professionals in sailing is what makes this sport different from all others.
I can go head to head with the best in the world... an on occasion do quite
well against them. That is an intellectual challenge that continues to
bring me back to the sea again and again.


Racing to Win

Are we racing to win? Yes... When one isn't racing to win... he is
cruising. Do I think we can win? There are many answers to this question. I suppose
the answer to this question is that it depends upon the trophy we are
seeking.  BULL is no longer IMS optimized so winning is going to be very difficult
given that all of the new sleds will be IMS optimized. Given that the
Transpac rating is directly derived from a downwind component of the IMS
rule, the IMS optimized boats will have a huge advantage. BULL will be
taking a substantial IMS hit... far more, in terms of seconds per mile, than
the speed we have created during the "Turbo" phase of our design enhancement
program.
In PHRF BULL rates +9... we're going to have a tough go at that number
especially if the Shock 40's come out (I am told by TPYC that three could be
entering late). Bill Lee thinks they could be up there with the Santa Cruz
52's. The Open 40 could be tough too. I have no idea how fast these boats
are nor what they will rate... we do know that they are wicked fast off the
wind. Also, I understand that there is a 1D35 entering. These boats are so
light that I have no idea how they will do offshore. I don't believe one
has raced to Hawaii yet. I do know that the competition is varied and I am
told, to be of high caliber.
In Americap... well, that's essentially IMS under another name and some
slight modifications to the drag model. I don't know how this rule will
rate BULL as I haven't seen a rating there yet, but I get the feeling that
we may not be hurt all that bad relative to IMS.

If TPYC modifies the 40 Foot Barn Door Rule (TP 40 Rule) to allow for
runners then we do have a shot at that trophy. Quite frankly, I don't know
if any boats will meet the parameters of this rule. The Olsen 40 could meet
the rule... but may end up competing against no other boats for the Trophy.
The Shock's will never qualify for that trophy nor will the Open 40. Most
IMS boats with fractional rigs carry runners... the writers of the TP 40
Rule decided to make these illegal under that rule. I have written the TPYC
to modify the rule to accommodate these IMS oriented boats for 2001. My
request was rejected for this years race, but we may see some changes for
2003.

The answer to your question: "Are we racing to win?" Of course... but we
have to be realistic. As of this writing, we have no time on the boat...
It seems like we can't get a break. First the keel manufacturer didn't
receive the keel blue prints, apparently they were lost in the Australian
mail... that cost us a month. Then it was the Mad Cow and Foot and Mouth
Diseases forcing the shipper to leave my boat on the docks for a month in
Australia in favor of more lucrative cargo... that cost me another month.
Then the sailmaker had a family crisis... that cost us last weekend. Next
weekend if the gods shine kindly on our cause then we can tune the rig and
get some sail testing in. We anticipate that we will have four days of
practice before the race. That lack of preparation doesn't spell success on
the race course. In all reality, if the wind is right we have a shot at the
fastest time ever for a conventional 40 footer to Hawaii... that's what we
are shooting for. We have plenty of talent on board and if we can figure
out the boat, and if the sails are right and if the navigator find the right
slot and if... a thousand if's... sure we have a shot... but it's a long one
this year.

Strategy:

Steve Steiner, our navigator has been working on course and weather routing
already. We have been trying to plot courses using historical references.
In comparing the current weather pattern to historical records we can draw
some rather interesting conclusions. If we can extrapolate past winning
courses during years with similar weather patterns we may find some useful
information. One thing about the Pacific High is that it's always there...
you just have to find the fastest slot around it. The key is to solve the
macro problem first, then break the race down into it's various components.
We have identified a handful of components. We break each component into
it's own separate race. We do one race at a time. If we do well in each
leg then we have a shot at the overall.

In the past we broke the race down into as many as 20-25 components. 20-25
short races if too much. Sailing with that kind of high intensity, one
short race after the next, brings about burnout and crew dissention. In my
first Transpac we sailed like a pack of hyped up buoy racers... that was
crazy! By the time we got to Hawaii we were all delirious. One of the guys
was so mentally fried when we got to the dock he took his bag, got in a taxi
straight to the airport and flew home to Los Angeles. We spent two days
looking for him until I finally called his wife to see if she heard from
him. She said he flew home and slept for two days!

This year we decided to cut the number of legs down dramatically from that
1999 race, identifying the various legs of the race wherein we felt there
was a significant change in tactic, strategy and direction and then to sail
them one leg at a time. I believe that the crew can pace themselves better
if break the race down into smaller segments. Having gone to Hawaii a few
times and read as much as I can about the race, I prefer to keep the number
of legs we are using and some of the sources of our research and info
confidential. Some things are meant to be proprietary.


People:

We have a very solid amateur crew. I will not race with paid professionals.
That's not how I play this game. I am not interested in running a
professional campaign. Quite frankly I think it ludicrous, a waste of money
and insulting. I discussed this earlier. How small one's ego must be to
believe that he has to bring in hired guns to win a race. To build a team
with hard work, perseverance, practice and seamanship builds character
amongst a team. To bring in a few hired guns and watch them sail your boat
is embarrassing. I have some acquaintances that do this on a regular
basis... the rest of us sit back and laugh. In the Farr 40 class... so be
it... that is the nature of the game. In the Turbo Sled class, again, that
is the nature of the game. In the handicap 40 foot fleet... give it a
break... if someone really wants a trophy that bad, let me know... I'll buy
one for them. To bring in the hired guns to race against amateurs is one's
own prerogative... not mine.

Team:
 Steve Steiner, Navigator and Driver (well known sailor out of Long
Beach)
 Lee Lewis, Driver and Trim (Easily the best Martin 242 sailor in So Cal)
 Mark Van Gessel, Foredeck (foredeck on Piranha, Shock 35)
 Joe Dervin, Pit (Pit for Glama for two years)
 Vince Valdes, driver and trim (Newport Beach sailor)
 Rick Valdes, driver and trim (Sailmaker with Challenge Sail Cloth)

Essentially we will have 5 strong drivers and two daytime drivers. The team
looks pretty good on paper. So long as we all get along offshore we should
have a great race. We have plenty of experience aboard which will be
important for a relatively untested boat.
Steve Steiner: He's a controversial figure in So Cal sailing but then again
so am I. Steve's website (www.yachtracing.com) is proving to be
controversial and quite successful at the same time. He is now achieving
between 7000 and 10,000 hits a day.
Like me, people either love him or they hate him. With Steve, issues are
either black or white... no gray areas. The fact remains that the man is a
great sailor... one of the best I have ever sailed with in my 30 years of
sailing

Personalities help to make this sport so interesting. Sure he is a
character but that just makes him another of So Cal's great sailing
personalities. The man can read the wind like nobody's business. I believe
that he can navigate the Pacific with the best of them. I have to admit, I
have NEVER lost a regatta with this man on board... NEVER. Let's hope his
record hold for Transpac. The only time I ever lost even a race with Steve
is during races in the fog and we couldn't find the weather mark... both
times GPS problems not related to him.

Steiner has enormous enthusiasm for this sport. As a sailor, I have more
fun with Steve on board than most anyone else people. His enthusiasm is
infectious and his attitude is always been exceptional. With me, my boats
and my crew... he has always been a gentleman. He has earned the respect of
everyone on board.

I am an amateur and my team is the same. We will stay that way. It is my
experience that hard work, dedication, experience and preparation can beat
the pros. We are definitely going to be very short on preparation this year
given the late launch of the boat... As such we are being very realistic
about our goals for this Transpac.


Weight:

Given that we are essentially going for a speed run, we are going to keep
everything very light. I will shortly appoint one of the crew (we call them
the "BULL Riders") as the "Weight Czar". I have spent thousands of dollars
trying to save weight in all
the right places on the boat (bow, stern, mast, foils). I have made keel
and ballast mods on BULL. These were extensive saving of nearly 700 kilos.
BULL's mast is approximately 7 lbs. lighter than the stock mast. Wiring in
the mast, bow and stern is 18 gauge and we will be using LED navigation
lights to reduce electric consumption saving even more weight with smaller
batteries. I haven't added up the numbers yet, but I am confident that we
save at least 100 lbs. by being very precise about systems to be used on the
boat. Detailed thought went into every piece of equipment from the vang to
the backing plates on the deck equipment to nuts and bolts to save weight in
the right places.

To make the difference between a good boat and a great boat one has to go
the extra mile in terms of systems. I have done that on BULL. I have made
an effort to save every single pound I could in every corner of the boat. A
pound here and a pound there all adds up... next thing you know you save a
few hundred pound. Every pound equates to multiple seconds per mile over
the length of a 2250 mile course. It would seem reasonable that every pound
reduction can save you one second every 42 miles. If that were the case,
that would equate to one minute per pound over the length of the course. If
we can save 1800 lbs. over the stock Sydney 40 OD then I may have saved 1800
minutes over the length of the course. 1800 minutes is 30 hours!!! Maybe I
am being a bit optimistic and then again, maybe I am not. One second per
pound every 42 miles seems very reasonable!!!

Along those same lines we will be using a Village Little Squirt Watermaker
to minimize weight. This is unquestionably the best small unit made. There
appear to be too many compromises with their competition. Taking a
watermaker can save you nearly 1000 lbs of water for a 7 person crew.


Still on weight

... dehydrated food only. This will save hundreds of pounds.
With the watermaker we have a nearly endless supply of water. To carry
anything but dehydrated food is a compromise that I perceive as unnecessary.
I was once told by an friend that the crew should arrive in Hawaii hungry
and thirsty. Anything else is too much and would cost us time on the race
course.

Stove: Origo alcohol stove top only... saves about 40 lbs. versus adding an
oven. For the really hard core... even this is way too heavy. I think I
would have a mutiny if I went with one of the small canister burners.
Crew bags: 10-15 pounds each... anything more is unnecessary. I would be
upset if we arrived in Hawaii with any clean clothes.
Foul Weather Gear: Jeantex T3000 Race for the BULL Riders. This is great
gear... durable, light weight, waterproof and breathable.

Crew: Great team that is really looking forward to sail together offshore.
The key here with an amateur crew is personalities... everyone has to get
along. Leave the egos at the dock and let's go have some fun! Sailing fast
is fun and we all agree on that point. We know the boat is fast... how fast
we don't know... but we all aim to find out. It would be nice to have more
time learning how to sail this boat fast. It has a reputation for being a
bit finicky.

 Sail Plan:

 All by Halsey Lidgard. We have spent hours... and I mean
HOURS... discussing the inventory. We have built heaps of Transpac specific
sails. We are experimenting with a full asymmetric downwind inventory.
Most of the Aussies think we may be off the mark here, but none have sailed
the boat in my configuration either. This could add heaps of speed to the
bottom line if we are correct in some of our assumptions and if the VPP is
correct. The mods we made to the OD could prove to be very interesting in
this regard. We are hoping that the A-sails will add some stability offwind
given the reputation of the boat to be quite tender and difficult to sail
with the masthead kites.

Inventory:

The upwind inventory is all Cuben Fiber. Nobody knows this fabric like
Halsey Lidgard. Quantum has done some work with the fabric and North can't
build with the stuff in the 3DL format as it is incompatible with 3DL. We
may do a spinnaker or two out if it as well. We need to get the boat on the
water and do some sail testing before we come to any final conclusions about
the Cuben Fiber downwind. The fabric is VERY stable... maybe too stable for
certain downwind sails.

Preparation:

As discussed, we are running out of time... both on the water and on the
boat. Not having sailed the boat, we don't know it's limits, it's
character, nor how she likes to be sailed. We are going to learn as we go
and we will have to pace ourselves. If she turns out to be a beast and my
modifications didn't calm her down, I think we will have a rough ride to
Hawaii. If we sail conservatively, I think we could have a solid race to
Hawaii.

Emergency prep: We will be doing drills each time we take the boat out on
the water during the month of June. The only way to be prepared for an
emergency is to drill... PERIOD. During practice, a driver has the
opportunity to require a man overboard at his discretion. He simply throws
a life preserver overboard during that situation. Get it on board ASAP. We
will have a Lifesling, a MOM 8 and an 8 man Winslow Offshore Racing
Liferaft. We all know the man overboard drills. I want to make sure we
practice them. Also, inflatables w/ harnesses for night sailing. All
racers are required to be tethered in at night on BULL.

Emergency rudder. We have one option and are evaluating a second. Both are
so easy they can be implemented at a moments notice.
As far as crew prep. We all know each other. Most of us are good friends
off the water. That helps. We have been looking forward to this race since
last summer. Pity it took the boat so long to get here.
As for off the water training. I ask that each of the crew do as they
wish... I take a very hands off approach to this aspect of crew prep.
Everyone knows how hard I work and I expect the same from each of my crew.
I train five to six days a week, two to four hours a day. I practice
Olympic style weightlifting and martial sciences. As for my crew... they
are on their own... just do something... no fat bastards on BULL.

My role: Skipper:

I set the standards by which the crew must adhere to. Hard work, dedication
to the sport, life, family and friends. My motto has always been "Work hard
then play hard... the harder you work, the luckier you get". If you do the
first then you deserve the second.

My role is to put together the best boat I can and the best sail plan I can.
I am involved in every step of the design and implementation with the yachts
designer and the sailmaker. I know the boat inside and out, inch by inch.
The crew relies on me for that. I make it my business to know as much or
more that the people I have working for me. When we go to the water, the
crew knows that they have a boat with the potential to win... the rest is up
to them.
I am the skipper. I make all final decisions. I delegate duties to the
crew. I expect everyone to have an opinion about everything that goes on
and happens on the boat. I, as the skipper, need their input. I know that
everyone on board knows what to do in an emergency situation. I expect that
everyone will do it. I expect everyone to know their position on the boat
and what to do in high stress or emergency situations. I have the utmost
respect for everyone on board... and I value each and every opinion...
everyone on this boat is an experienced and capable sailor... Having this
confidence in the crew is the only way I can make quick, accurate and
appropriate decisions while at sea.

Budget:

 Seth A. Radow

posted 6/8/01