Final King Island preparations underway

This year's King Island race is almost upon us, with less than a week until crews head out from near Queenscliff.

Race director, Ray Shaw, has predicted that the race record set by Cadibarra in 2002 could fall if weather conditions stay favourable.

Scarlett Runner, one of the largest boats in the fleet, is expected to be one of those to pose a serious threat to the record and among the frontrunners arriving into Grassy Harbour.

The 21 confirmed entrants will begin their journey at 11.30 on Friday night.

Despite this being one of ORCV's shorter races, at 114 nautical miles, it is definitely one of the more difficult.

As usual Bass Strait can be relied on to throw up any number of challenges, but it is the currents around King Island, particularly on entry into Grassy harbour, that can see the race won or lost by savvy navigators.

Tevake II, Bacardi and Chikara Outlaw are some of the boats expected to be at the head of the field, with a special mention for Chikara as this will be the honeymoon race for Bill Trueman and his "sailing partner" Joanne Norbury who married recently. Bill has is also notching up his 21st year of ocean racing this year.

Tevake II is looking good to be at the head of the fleet on the way to King Island

Competition is expected to be fierce among the 40 footers between Halcyon, Wicked, Primitive Cool and Jazz Player.

This year's total fleet comprises more than 150 individual crew members, many of whom have experienced the hospitality of the King Island Boat Club in previous years.

Ray Shaw says the King Island welcome is again being eagerly anticipated.

"The fabulous steak sandwiches are a favourite for the yachties after the 114 nautical mile journey across Bass Strait," he said.

The boat club kitchen and bar will be open from the afternoon on Saturday, giving King Islanders a chance to meet competitors as they get post-race refreshments.

There will also be a breakfast held on Sunday morning to coincide with presentations.