ESPN sports network is bringing the Transpacific Yacht Race right into the homes of Hawaii boating enthusiasts at 9 a.m. Sunday with "Transpac '97." Transpac gets
airing on ESPNThis year's Transpac featured record times in the monohull classes courtesy of howling winds, which dismasted some of the competing boats. In all, seven of the 38 yachts that started the race turned dropped out due to mast, steerage or health problems.
Onboard footage from competing yachts gives TV viewers a potentially stomach-churning perspective of the action during the 2,225-mile Los Angeles to Honolulu race. Strong winds and rough seas inspired some racers to dub this 39th running of the biennial event frightening.
"The night sailing was terrifying," Survivor crew member Bobby Houston said. "Twenty-five knots of wind, 100-percent cloud cover, pitch darkness . . . " Houston described. "A halyard breaks and you've got a jib sail fluttering to make your heart stop. The noise is deafening . . . and people are being tossed around like corks.
"You go back down in your bed and pray, 'Please let this night end,' " Houston continued. "And then it all happens again the next night."
Those who miss Sunday's showing of Emmy Award-winning producer Leslie DeMeuse's show will get another chance at 11 a.m. Sept. 23 when ESPN rebroadcasts "Transpac '97."
ISHII TWO STROKES OFF PACE: Hawaii's David Ishii shot a par-72 in today's second round of the Suntory Open golf tournament at Inzai, Japan, and was two strokes behind front-running Hiroyuki Fujita, who fired a 68 today.
Fujita's 36-hole total of 136 was one stroke ahead of four other golfers. Ishii was tied with two others at 138.
The Sea Warriors (2-3) end their current home stand tomorrow with an 11 a.m. match against U.S. International at Atherton Field on the Windward Campus.
The wife of University of Hawaii football player Sam Collins has been battling breast cancer with chemotherapy and requires a bone marrow transplant, at a cost of $100,000, not covered by health insurance.
The $35 ticket includes a Murphy's hosted evening with music by the group, Elua Kane, a buffet dinner plus a live and silent auction.
Tickets are available at Murphy's, 2 Merchant Street, or call 531-0422 or 533-0033.
The buses serve the Windward area, Hawaii Kai, Kahala Mall, Kaimuki, Waikiki, UH and Ala Moana Center. The one-way fare is $2 (no change given). Transfers are not issued or accepted. Passes are not honored.
Schedule information is available by calling 848-5555.
The fee is $29 on race day. For more information, call Gregory Austin at 361-7976.
Bracket races, which match drivers with similar time trial speeds, are scheduled. For additional information, call Robert Cowling at 947-3393.
The camp is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to the first 100 participants regardless of age or skill level. The cost is $20 before Sunday, $25 at the site.
The event begins with an exhibition match by pro players Hannemann, Scott, Wayne Seligson and Lee LeGrande and collegiate All-American Olive. A clinic follows focusing on skills, techniques, mental strategies and recommended warmup exercise.
A photo and autograph session will be limited to registered participants. Proceeds will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association-Hawaii Chapter.
For information, call 734-1367.