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Anyone thinking about the 2027 SHTP?

OlyJeff

OlyJeff

Member
I’ve been talking about doing this race for about 10 years. I've had a few boats along the way and some setbacks, but I recently purchased one that’s currently sitting in my driveway, and I'm diving deep into prep for 2027.

It would be cool to hear from others who are in the same boat—pun intended lol—or just curious about the race. Let's chat about progress, plans, or the long list of projects ahead.
 
Maybe it's too soon? :unsure:

A couple of weeks ago, I picked up an Olson 30 with the goal of racing the 2027 Singlehanded TransPac. The boat seems dry and solid — a good starting point — but it’s basically a blank canvas. It needs pretty much everything in terms of gear, systems, and setup for offshore singlehanding.

Olson1.jpg
 
Congrats on your new ride!
O-30s are a good choice.
Agree, fun name!

Fitting out the oat yourself will give you a lot of confidence of knowing how to sort any issues along the way.
Don't delay, those two years will pass quickly.
 
Installed a couple of new compasses this morning—same brand, so it was an easy win. Well, almost. Turns out whoever cut the original holes cut one slightly askew. Now it quietly mocks me. Fixing it would mean filling the screw holes and opening up the center cutout a bit. I might just live with it for a while… or until my eye starts twitching uncontrollably.


Moved on to some deep cleaning next. Looks like this hasn’t been done in a decade or two.


The interior? Let’s just say it has a “unique” paint job. The previous owner called it “Pollock style.” I think Jackson himself might look at it and say, “Wow, bold choice.”
 
The deep cleaning is almost complete :) . There was a light coating of mildew from condensation, but nothing too intense. I didn't see any evidence of deck leaks.
 
Best thing about preparing and sailing an Olsen 30 to Kauai is that you can do the SHTP in 2027 and then sell it to Chis Jordan in Nawiliwili for use within the local Sailing Association... No reason to sail it back that way! MP
 
OlyJeff said:
I'm looking for pics and ideas on how to mount the tiller pilot on an Olson.
Click to expand...
You will need something much more substantial than a Tiller Pilot (Simrad) to effectively steer your boat to Hawaii. The sea state is far to severe and the Tiller Pilot will not keep up. Take a look at the Pelagic or other systems like the B&G for that task.
 
I made my own brackets for both boats.
Pelagic on the B25, epoxy and glassed the pin directly into the tiller. First pic.
Raymarine X-5 on the Wilderness 30. Made a bracket that fastened to the bottom of the tiller.

tempImagesw3XQA.jpg79409D66-AB14-47DD-8BEE-5B41EA0623D1.jpeg
 
mpolkabla said:
Best thing about preparing and sailing an Olsen 30 to Kauai is that you can do the SHTP in 2027 and then sell it to Chis Jordan in Nawiliwili for use within the local Sailing Association... No reason to sail it back that way! MP
Click to expand...
That is a possibility. :)
 
It’s been 95° and smoky this week, so things have slowed down. Tomorrow looks better, but we’ve got a buoy race on the schedule. The new chartplotter, instruments, battery monitor, and solar charge controller are in, along with a second bilge pump. Time to hit pause on buying gear and get some things installed.

Anyone else prepping for the race?
 
Lots of things are happening on the boat project.

The Pelagic autopilot is arriving on Monday. Ordered an MMSI number, waiting for it to be issued before I set up AIS. Thoughts on a VHF with built-in AIS as opposed to a standalone unit? I'm thinking of this one. https://www.fisheriessupply.com/b-and-g-electronics-v60-v60-vhf-radio/000-14474-001

I expanded the hole for the transducer and sealed it up with epoxy. (the new one is a larger diameter)I will be installing it on Monday, then onto the boat wiring. I'm almost done with the deep cleaning. I just have to lift one more floorboard and clean under that area.

Let's go! :)
 
acoest said:
Is the Pelagic you bought the one in the link above? I'm thinking about which autopilot to get for my Moore 24 as it is getting refit.
Click to expand...
Have you thought much about mainsail handling? I’m thinking about putting slides on the main for my Olson. I know the hardcore racers will roll their eyes, but honestly, getting the main down and stowed can be a handful, even on the light days
 
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