The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria

About the ORCV

The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) was formed as the Cruising Yacht Club of Victoria by a group of sailors in 1949 and renamed in 1972. The ORCV was incorporated in 1986. Our Constitution (Rules) is downloadable here.

The club was formed so that ocean races in Victorian waters could be efficiently developed and run by an organisation focusing specifically on the needs of ocean racers. Our not-for-profit organisation draws its membership from major yacht clubs in Victoria. However, we do not compete with other yacht clubs by operating a clubhouse or marina facility.

The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria

An Overview

The ORCV conducts five or more ocean races every year in or across Bass Strait, plus the long distance Melbourne to Hobart Races via the West and East Coasts of Tasmania.

During Winter, while ocean racing is somewhat weather restricted, the ORCV uses its resources to run the long standing ORCV Winter Series comprising of six races on Port Phillip, plus a passage race from Melbourne to Geelong in Spring.

The ORCV also conducts a range of training and education courses each year that have particular relevance to ocean racing. These comprise of course work, practical hands-on workshops and regular training tours, such as the ever-popular Rip Tour, a guide to and explanation of, the various hazards and navigation aids at the entrance to Melbourne's Port Phillip (commonly referred to as The Bay).

Governance

A member-elected General Committee oversees the ORCV made up of experienced ORCV Members drawn from other Victorian yacht clubs.

from L-R Back:  Jeff Sloan, Andrew Middleton, Cyrus Allen, Paul Roberts,
Front: David Schuller, Edel Doyle, Catherine North, Yann Dunlop, Melissa Warren.

Click here to read more about the Job Descriptions for the General Committee members.

The ORCV Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) appointed by the ORCV General Committee is Tim Fowler.  He can be contacted on 0432 033 314 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Governance Documents

The ORCV is governed by the Constitution  which was approved at the 2020 Annual General Meeting. 

The ORCV By-laws (effective as of 27/09/2023) were agreed by the General Committee on 11/09/2023

The  ORCV Code of Conduct (effective 27/09/2023) was agreed by the General Committee on 11/09/2023

The  ORCV Complaints Process  (effective 15/11/2023) was agreed by the General Committee on 14/11/2023

 ORCV Social Media Policy

Australian Sailing Membership Protection Policy (2022)

For more information relating to the ORCV's commitment to Inclusion, Diversity and Protection please visit this page

The ORCV uses a specially equipped, Race Control vehicle to monitor race fleet activities and communicate with interested parties before, during and immediately after an event.

Our very distinctive van, which features an outstanding Steb Fisher image of a racing yacht departing Port Phillip Heads, is highly visible at destination ports, including Hobart, Beauty Point, Stanley, Grassy, etc. The signage on the van was provided by Graphic Effects.

It is a 1997 long wheel base Ford Transit, which was once used as an ambulance and was obtained by the ORCV in 2007. The vehicle was subsequently fitted out by Ian McKenzie and Angus Fletcher, both of whom are former ORCV Commodores.

Prior to a race, a lot of equipment, including printer, binoculars, compass, charts, Internet connectivity and tea/coffee facilities are all loaded onboard. This allows the occupants to communicate with the fleet and produce interim reports and race results for displaying on the web. It is also where SMS and emails to significant others still at home and crews already finished are developed and sent.

The van is ultimately shipped or driven to the race destination, where it acts as the ORCV “office”. Next time you see the van at a race finish or boat show, come over and have a look.

Our special thanks to TOLL Shipping for their transport services to Tasmania, to get the van to Stanley, Launceston/Hobart and King Island races.

The van at Port Fairy, adjacent to the Surf Club.

And at King Island. John Hiscock displays the tow rope which is often deployed to get the van off the rocks...

Boarding the Toll ship, Tasmanian Reliance, for the trip to Stanley.

And at Stanley, awaiting the fleet, but loitering at the seafood supply shop...