Jo-Anne Harpur: Assistant Race Director
Recently, we welcomed Jo into our volunteer Race Management team. This was off the back of her completing the 2023 ORCV Race Director training course.
Giving her another dimension to her racing and possibly a “leg up” to the thinking that goes on behind the scenes with setting courses and the use of technology, she immediately jumped at the chance to become an Assistant Race Director for the November 2023 West Offshore Products Coastal Sprint.
Jo as Assistant Race Director in the background with Tyson her mentor and Race Director. Photo Tyson Smallman
Jo is the owner and skipper of the Jeanneau Sunfast 36, ‘Spirit of Freya’. She bought this 1996 version of the current slim-down modern version and refers to her as the golden child that cost her a fortune.
Having started sailing in 2007, she developed a passion for sailing double-handed. Her first Westcoaster was completed on Magazan. Since then, Spirit of Freya has competed in multiple Apollo Bay, Stanley, and Rudder Cup races and has done one Sydney to Hobart race in 2019, again on her boat.
We had the pleasure of discussing what drew Jo to volunteer with us. Here’s what Jo had to say.
"...I can’t complain, we’ve got the ORCV Race Van parked right at the point of Point Nepean with this stunning view of the fleet. The van is well set up and breakfast and morning tea were also great. I’m working with and being mentored by Tyson Smallman who started out his Race Director role some years back with the first Coastal Sprint and has years of knowledge with the race. Summing it up, 5* for location, view and team. It’s great to also support and give back so we can continue to provide races for us to all enjoy."
Welcome to the team Jo! It's great to have you onboard.
We’re always looking for more volunteers, if you’d like to contribute to the success of the club, email us at
