melbourne-osaka-cup
Wasabi off to Japan
The aptly named and coloured Sayer40 WASABI co-skippered by John Davies and Bruce McKay is the 8th confirmed entry for the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka Two Handed Yacht Race.
WASABI was purpose built for the previous running of the M2O however due to unfortunate circumstances was forced to withdraw after only a few hundred miles.
Bruce purchased WASABI in 2007 and since then has completed many minor and a few major modifications to enhance the performance of the yacht along with improving the overall reliability of the onboard systems.
Since owning WASABI, Bruce has competed in three Rolex Sydney Hobart races with the best result a divisional win in 2009. WASABI has also competed in three Southport races with a podium finish in 2010. She has completed a Gosford to Lord Howe race achieving third on line honours, Brisbane to Keppel race along with many coastal blue water races. In June this year Bruce and John successfully competed in the 830NM Brisbane to Noumea race finishing as the first two handed and third overall on line honours.Both John and Bruce are active members of the Shorthanded Sailing Association of Australia competing together and also single handed, John on his Northshore 369.
In the lead up to the M2O race John and Bruce have been sailing shorthanded together all year from their home club of the Cronulla Sailing Club along with the SSAA Winter Series. Thye propose to continue training together with as much shorthand racing as possible including the SSAA Two Island Race, Pittwater to Coffs(two handed division) and of course with the Cronulla Sailing Club Summer Series
Social Side of Melbourne to Osaka not forgotten
We know of the Melbourne to Osaka as a ‘sailors’ race’.This is an endurance race where the competitors have to be great sailors – there is neither hype nor hangers on – just great sailors. For years the Hokko Yacht Club has been an absolutely fabulous host at the end of the race……competitors have been treated like kings and queens and feted for their achievement of completing the race. For the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka race we are organizing some terrific hospitality for the entrants before the start of the race in March. A ‘buddy system’ will be set up so each international and interstate competitor has a small group of volunteers to help make the job of getting their boat ready for the race easier. We would like to make the competitors feel at home in Melbourne – feel they are supported and can relax in the midst of the pressure of preparation. If you would like to be part of the support group for the competitors please contact Kate Mitchell at
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The starting date for the Osaka Cup is just 250 days away!
Are you still looking for a boat for your Osaka campaign?
Here are four options with plenty of racing history to get you there!
We have Just a Minor Hiccup, Anasazi Girl, Bullistic and Runaway.
Looking for a great boat for the Osaka Cup!
For sale or hire- ‘Anasazi Girl’ an Open 40.
James Burwick is an extraordinary sailor, and a very unusual Dad. So unusual, he is sailing around the world with his family (which includes his partner Somira Sao, and their two children, ages 1.5 and 3.5!), on an Open 40.
Anasazi Girl just completed a late-season Southern Ocean passage, from Simons Town, South Africa, to Freemantle, Western Australia. After some amazing adventures James is offering Anasazi Girl for sale or charter.
Looking for a great boat for the Osaka Cup!
For sale or hire- ‘Anasazi Girl’ an Open 40.
James Burwick is an extraordinary sailor, and a very unusual Dad. So unusual, he is sailing around the world with his family (which includes his partner Somira Sao, and their two children, ages 1.5 and 3.5!), on an Open 40.
Anasazi Girl just completed a late-season Southern Ocean passage, from Simons Town, South Africa, to Freemantle, Western Australia. After some amazing adventures James is offering Anasazi Girl for sale or charter.
Turbulence is third entrant received in Osaka Cup, 2013.
Turbulence is now the third entrant in the Melbourne to Osaka Cup joining Spirit of Downunder and Optimus Prime. This race is scheduled to begin on March 17-31, 2013.
First entry recieved in the Osaka Cup.
Spirit of Downunder is the first official entry in the 2013 Osaka Cup.
To celebrate the thirty-fifth anniversary of their close relationship sister cities, Melbourne, Australia; and Osaka, Japan, will again host the Osaka Cup. The starting gun will be fired on the 5500 nautical mile ocean yacht race beginning on March 17, 2013; at the Port of Melbourne and finishing at the Port of Osaka.
Melbourne to Osaka (and Marketplace)
Ready to roll.
2013 Melbourne to Osaka race, here's a boat that's ready to roll, race and even win her share of events.
JAMHU 2 (Just A Minor Hick Up) is a Hick 39 from 2005 and is well and truly capable of being on a Cat0 start line (let alone Cat1, which the M2O now is). She's a carbon fibre racing yacht, which has been fully optimised. Onboard there's a 40Hp Volvo Diesel sail drive, complete electronics with GPS, Autopilot, HF and VHF radios, full wardrobe of 3DL sails and a new prodder with an Ace for light weather work. A carbon fibre mast, boom and spinnaker pole round out the equation. You can sail her with just the two souls aboard or ten for fully crewed events, either scenarios with both speed and excitement.
The following JAMHU 2 images are courtesy of and © to Alex McKinnon.
Quite often JAMHU2 is the first past the Committee Boat in her division.
Racing on Melbourne's Port Phillip. That's a Beneteau First 45 behind her...
Yeeeee Haaaaaaaa. Let the fun begin.
Quieter times on Port Phillip, with the Mornington Peninsula forming a wonderful backdrop.
Call her owner, Peter Coleman on +61 (0)418 332 375 to make your enquiry.
Go HERE to register your interest in this sensational race.
Go HERE to see who has already expressed their desire to participate.
© John Curnow, ORCV Media
Please contact me for re-issue rights.
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2013 Melbourne to Osaka (from 17/3/13)
Feeling the Love!
Around 30 persons physically attended the Question and Answer session for the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka race, which was held last night (6/12/11) at Sandringham Yacht Club's Olympic Room. Another 19 attended virtually, via the linked in teleconference and they came from six other Australian States or Territories, Indonesia, Scotland and the USA.
The three clubs that have combined to bring you this race have certainly been feeling the love and it was wonderful to see and hear the range of positive comments that the session drew out. As ORCV Rear Commodore, Neville Rose, said, "It's really an absolute delight to see how the collaboration has manifested in the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka race going from idea, to registered company and more importantly, fully-fledged event!"
Attentive audience during George Shaw's presentation on what it will be like at the other end.
Below are the quick outlines of the discusion and the PowerPoint slides of the night. If you have further questions, please
Phil Burn, Immediate Past Commodore, SYC
- Welcomed live and virtual participants
- Event Structure, Background and race history to date, Unsustainable financial model
- Organising Authority Tripartite arrangement between
o Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC) - pre-race facilities
o Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) - race management
o Osaka Hokko Yacht Club (OHYC) - post-race facilities
- Not-for-Profit Public Company Limited by Guarantee “Melbourne Osaka Double-Handed Yacht Race Limited”
- Collaboration with City of Melbourne, City and Port of Osaka
- SYC pre-race facilities
Simon Dryden, Rear Commodore ORCV and previous competitor
- ORCV Race Management
- Race Starts
- Entry fees
- Rules
- Special Regulations
- Deadline dates
George Shaw, Immediate Past Commodore ORCV and previous competitor
- OHYC post-race facilities
Robin Hewitt, former Commodore ORCV and previous competitor
- How to Get to the start Line
Go HERE to get the slide presentation from the Q and A session of December, 2011.
Go HERE to download the 2013 M2O Preliminary NoR
Go HERE to register your interest in this sensational race.
Go HERE to see who has already expressed their desire to participate.
ORCV Land also extends on to the ORCV Facebook page, so make sure you go and "Like" the page, now. 274 Souls already have and thank you to each and every one of you.
© John Curnow, ORCV Media
Please contact me for re-issue rights.
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2013 Melbourne to Osaka (from 17/3/13)
Loving that!
The Question and Answer session for all interested 2013 Melbourne to Osaka aspirants is on for tomorrow evening, Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 1900hrs Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (GMT +11hrs).
The Race Committee will be keen to present information and answer your questions in relation to the 5500nm Cat1 odyssey, so if your keen on this race, then this would be a good time to get the intel from those making it happen. If you are in Melbourne, please make your way to Sandy's Olympic Room, as pictured above.
Now if you are not in Melbourne, or unable to attend in person, you can still attend "virtually" via teleconfernce. Please call the ORCV office +61 3 9689 1622 or email the ORCV
Go HERE to download the 2013 M2O Preliminary NoR
Go HERE to register your interest in this sensational race.
Go HERE to see who has already expressed their desire to participate.
ORCV Land also extends on to the ORCV Facebook page, so make sure you go and "Like" the page, now. 273 Souls already have and thank you to each and every one of you.
© John Curnow, ORCV Media
Please contact me for re-issue rights.
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2013 Melbourne to Osaka (from 17/3/13)
Love in.
There will be a Question and Answer session for all interested 2013 Melbourne to Osaka aspirants on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 1900hrs Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (GMT +11hrs).
The Race Committee wil be keen to present information and answer your questions in relation to the 5500nm Cat1 odyssey, so if your keen on this race, then this would be a good time to get the intel from those making it happen.
Sandringham Yacht Club's Olympic Room (pictured below) will be the venue. Interstate and Overseas parties will be able to engage via the webinar, details will be posted here, shortly.
Go HERE to download the 2013 M2O Preliminary NoR
Go HERE to register your interest in this sensational race.
Go HERE to see who has already expressed their desire to participate.
ORCV Land also extends on to the ORCV Facebook page, so make sure you go and "Like" the page, now. 264 Souls already have and thank you to each and every one of you.
© John Curnow, ORCV Media
Please contact me for re-issue rights.
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2013 Melbourne to Osaka (from 17/3/13)
THE Truth.
Delightedly, The Truth can be said.
The first Expression of Interest from a USA based competitor has been received and most graciously, they've also allowed us to see a bit behind the scenes, as to who they are they and what they're bringing, which is a very well-pedigreed Open 50.
Truth is the name of the vessel and she sails under the number, USA 101. Alex Mehran, Jr. is her Skipper and he sails with Merf Owen. Alex had this to say about their desire to be a part of the M2O. "We are planning on participating in this epic race in 2013 and are very excited to have the chance to challenge ourselves and the boat on the long and interesting course. Merf is the boat’s designer (Owen Clarke Design) and he will be my partner in the race, sailing on a boat that he designed almost ten years ago. Neither the boat, nor either of us has participated in this race before. We know the boat provides the perfect platform and we hope we can follow suit with our performance!"
Truth heads out to Catalina Island after the start of the 2011 Transpac - pic © Sharon Green
Truth is on its third life after two very notable ones. Alex explains, "She started her existence as Artforms, commissioned in 2003 and sailed by Kip Stone. Kip had many notable performances, including a TJV win with the boat. Merf was sailing with Kip for this. She was sold to Philippe Kahn of Pegasus Racing in 2007 and went through many modifications, which optimised her for the Transpac racecourse and provided a significant turbocharging package generally. The Pegasus team had numerous successes with the boat, including both the Doublehanded Transpac and Doublehanded Pacific Cup records and a 24-hour run record. Kahn donated the boat to California Maritime in March of 2011 and I chartered it shortly thereafter."
Left - Truth finishing the 2011 Transpac in the Molokai Channel - pics © Sharon Green. Centre right is Merf and Alex on board Cutlass in the Runup to the Bermuda 1-2, June 2009 - pic by Billy Black. On the right, it is Alex at the finish of the Bermuda 1-2 Single Handed Leg off Mills Breaker Buoy, Bermuda.
"I renamed the boat Truth and entered her in some local short distance races, before sailing the 2011 Doublehanded Transpac with Jesse Rowse, earlier on in July. I plan on sailing the Solo Tranpac in June of 2012, on the way to Australia. Prior to the Open 50, I gained my first ocean racing experience in 2009 and 2010 with the Class 40, Cutlass, which we sailed in the Pineapple Cup, RORC 600, Bermuda 1-2, Ida Lewis Distance Race, Marblehead Halifax, Bermuda Race along with other races", Alex said.
"We are very excited at the prospect of competing in the race and meeting new friends in the Southern Hemisphere."
Right. So there's The Truth and we are very delighted to welcome you and excited to see you on these shores, soon enough. Thanks Alex for the information and may you have a great and safe journey to get here for the epic!
Above is the vessel as she was in the Artforms days and below, as Pegasus Racing...
PS. If you're one of the 45 EOIs already held for the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka race, or perhaps just one of the many silent parties, and feel like getting a little love from the site, please send us some information to post. We'd be delighted!
Go HERE to download the 2013 M2O Preliminary NoR
Go HERE to register your interest in this sensational race.
Go HERE to see who has already expressed their desire to participate.
Follow it all here and via the ORCV Facebook page, so make sure you go and "Like" the page, now. 182 Souls already have and thank you to all of them.
© John Curnow, ORCV Media
Please contact me for re-issue rights.
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2013 Melbourne to Osaka (from 17/3/13)
Sweeeeeeeet!
Yep. Sweet.
The lovely vessel you're looking at here is a Farr 37 from 1983, called Pippin. Originally commissioned by Bill Sweetapple, who owned her until 1995, she is indeed named for a certain sweet apple, much lauded in certain parts of the UK. From 1995 to 2006, David Taylor was the Skipper and then he sold her to her current owner, Roger Sayers. "I bought the boat in 2006, specifically for the 2007 M2O, but unfortunately, electrical problems forced me out of that race", said Roger.
In her time on the seas, and in addition to her Osaka run, Pippin has amassed 17 Hobarts, a Three Peaks race and countless local races. Roger told us, "Just before the start of the 2008 Hobart, I managed to get both Bill and David onboard to celebrate Pippin’s 17th jaunt down South!"
Now Roger also did the 1999 Melbourne to Osaka aboard his previous vessel, Brindabella II, and won their division with an elapsed time of 40 days.
So, if you're one of the 44 EOIs already held for the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka race, or perhaps just one of the many silent parties, and feel like getting a little love from the site, please send us some information to post. We'd be delighted!
Go HERE to download the 2013 M2O Preliminary NoR
Go HERE to register your interest in this sensational race.
Go HERE to see who has already expressed their desire to participate.
Follow it all here and via the ORCV Facebook page, so make sure you go and "Like" the page, now. 150 Souls already have and thank you to all of them.
© John Curnow, ORCV Media
Please contact me for re-issue rights.
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