Past President Michael Lawler (Member No. 1195) has some exciting sea stories, photos and videos to share from this year’s historic and challenging Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu (Transpac). Michael raced on “Hula Girl,” a Santa Cruz 50, finishing the 2,225 nautical mile course in 12 days, 19 minutes.
In the program he will cover the preparation it takes to race across the Pacific Ocean, the race itself, and of course the Mai Tais at the finish and the fun post parties at the yacht clubs in Waikiki. This was Michael’s eighth Transpac Race, so he will also describe how this year’s race compared to others. “It was all good, except for the bad parts – but the bad parts make for more interesting stories.”
The program will be moderated by his wife Barbara Lawler (Member No. 1245), herself a veteran of six Transpacs.
Michael Lawler is an avid life-long sailor who began racing Sabots at age 8 and was on the USC Sailing Team. In addition to his eight Transpacs, he has completed a three-year circumnavigation on his own 47 foot sailboat Traveler, visiting 64 counties on six continents. Michael also earned his 100-ton US Coast Guard Captain’s License. When he is not on the water or off on some other adventure, he is an estate planning attorney in Newport Beach.