Mark Deppe

Alchera

J/120

#7

San Francisco, CA

A 3 time veteran of the 1996, 2002, and 2204 SSS TransPacs, Mark is setting out once again in "Alchera", a 40 foot J120. ‘I told myself after the 2002 race that I would never do it again. After all, it’s a lot of work to get ready, often the conditions are miserable and sometimes downright dangerous, and I also think it prematurely ages you. But in spite of that, I still came back and did the 2004 race. After that, I said I would never do it again, and would someone please shoot me if I ever spoke of doing it again. Though I’ve been reminded of that comment several times, no one has shot me yet. So here I go again.’

‘Though after 3 previous TransPacs, I pretty much know what to expect. Like that the first three days are the typically the worst, and can be very bad, so that’s when to be the most careful. The voices and strange auditory hallucinations start showing up around day three, and the lucid dreams about halfway across, which coincide with my birthday. Where you cross the ridge of the Pacific high is the most important strategic decision of the race, after that, the only thing that affects your position involves hard work. So if you don’t want to work too hard, you better make a good call on the ridge.”

So why do this race again? “It’s the singlehander skippers and community that makes the race all worthwhile. These are all a bunch of individuals that are independent and somewhat quirky to begin with, but somehow when you put them together it all works out and ends up being a blast.”

The name "Alchera" comes from aboriginal lore and means "dreamtime". She was set up specifically for singlehanding offshore with some special features. For example, there is an additional watertight compartment in the bow section to protect against collisions. During the '96 race Mark struck a whale broadside. "Fortunately, there was no damage, but it was a scary experience I hope I don't have to repeat." Another interesting touch is a radar and instrument repeater screen mounted in the quarterberth, which can be viewed without having to get up. An additional set of winches in the cockpit allows Alchera to be singlehanded from either behind the wheel or in front. And of course, all control lines are led back to the cockpit.

Following the last SSS TransPac, Alchera joined the 2004 Baja Ha-Ha and cruised the waters of Mexico as far south as Zihuatenejo before heading back north and summer berthing in Puerto Vallarta. This year she headed up to La Paz and spent several months in the area before bashing the way back home.

Those who followed the 2002 and 2004 races may remember the daily logs posted on the SSS website from Alchera, and Mark hopes to continue submitting his logs again this year.