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.
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