Just so we don't jump too far ahead of ourselves, I want to make clear that discussion of the uses of on-board tracking systems has illuminated many aspects which might have been missed.
Brian has listed some thoughts of tracker uses, including that using the services of Yellow Brick appears to outweigh benefits of purchasing DeLorme equipment and their services for the race.
A discussion of pros and cons of SSB, SatPhone, email/text checking into a Communications Boat daily during the race has also occurred. Many of the philosophical tenets of sailing in the Singlehanded TransPac (alone, preparedness, resourcefulness, skill, etc.) have come into this discussion as well.
As it stands, the SSS Board of Directors decided for the good of the Race that each entered yacht should be equipped with a tracking device.
The Race Rules and Conditions Section 4.35 Minimum Equipment requires equipment by which each racer can communicate with the Race Committee through a Communications Boat.
The TransPac Communications Plan will be published just prior to the Race Start June 28.
Merry Christmas from La Paz BCS Mexico,
Ben & Lucie Mewes