Run every  two years since 1906 (except during World War II),  Transpac is the world's oldest sailboat race.  The 2,300 nautical mile course from Los Angeles to Diamond Head makes it the world's longest sailboat race.  Racing yachts depart from Transpac Row at Long Beach's yacht harbor, passing near the Queen Mary through  fire boats,  helicopters, and the  spectator fleet.  Crowds line the cliffs overlooking the beach at Pt. Fermin to see the start.   The first few days are cold, tough upwind sailing, but the next week (or more) is a downwind drag race to Honolulu in warmer and warmer weather. Satellite transponders provide live positions to  race organizers and the public with a six hour delay.