Recent Australian Sailing Special Regulations Updates

As communicated in the recent ORCV Members Newsletter, there have been 4 amendments that were effective 1 November 2025 relating to life jacket standards, white flares, satellite phones and VHF radios. In this newsletter we have expanded on 2 of these changes.

The Amendments and Special Regulations can be found on the Special Regulations page of the Safety Hub of the AS website. 

The updated equipment auditing forms can be found on the Equipment Auditing page of the Safety Hub. 

White Collision Flares

With AIS now established in the commercial fleets and for all yachts competing in Category 1, 2 and 3 events, white flares have become largely redundant for collision avoidance purposes, and we are very pleased to report that Australian Sailing have the Special Regulations to remove white flares from the list of required flares.

The amendment applies to all categories of race. For Category 4 events, where boats are not required to be AIS equipped, there is a new requirement for a high-power spotlight which may be used to attract attention.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Communications – The Way to go

The pace of change in marine communications is rapid but experience in this year’s Osaka race has further reinforced the ORCV’s expectation that high speed internet-based services via LEO services (for example Starlink) will become our base communication platform, fully replacing both HF radio and satellite-based phone service providers such as Iridium and Inmarsat within the next few years.

Most competitors in this year’s Osaka race used the Starlink service for their race communications, enjoying excellent coverage and reliability, demonstrating that this service, when appropriately configured, meets the AS Special Regulations communication requirements for Category 1 and 2 events. In addition to improved race communications, the availability of high-speed internet capability enhances safety by improving communications with other boats in the fleet, access to current weather forecasts and monitoring.

During this period of transition, Starlink will likely be joined by other service providers, for example Amazon LEO that is being rolled out from 2026, and we are expecting costs to fall. In the meantime, ORCV will continues to more towards high-speed internet-based communication environment using LOE technology.

Any skippers considering the installation of a new HF radio or traditional satellite-based phones using Geostationary orbit (GEO) technology such as Iridium Go are advised to contact the Sailing Captain before finalising their decision. The ORCV recommends the installation of high-speed internet LOE technology for new yacht owners who are considering racing in Cat 2 races.

In the meantime, thee ORCV accepts appropriate, permanently installed,  Starlink equipment (including mini) as an alternative to HF and Satellite based phone services. A dedicated mobile phone, with permanently connected charger, is acceptable option for the Wi-Fi signal receiver.

Related to the ORCV’s position, Australian Sailing has amended their Special Regulations effectively broadening the definition of a Satellite Phone to be any phone that can be connected to the internet by Wi-Fi  and removing the specification for the required messaging capability to be via SMS.

Future communications are forthcoming including consultation with skippers on an appropriate phase out period for use of HF radios for our races.

For any further information relating to LEO technology, please contact the Sail Captain.

Fuelling Offshore Adventure: On Track Meals & the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria

When your hundreds of nautical miles offshore, the wind roaring and waves surging, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you’ve got a decent meal lined up. Offshore racing is about endurance, focus, and resilience, and the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) knows just how much the right fuel matters when the pressure is on.

That’s where On Track Meals comes in.

Offshore Racing: More Than Just Sailing

The ORCV has long championed the spirit of bluewater adventure, running some of Australia’s most iconic offshore races, from the Melbourne to Devonport to the mighty Melbourne to Hobart. Competitors in these events face more than just rival yachts; they face the unpredictable power of Bass Strait, the ever-changing Southern Ocean, and the sheer fatigue that sets in after hours or days at sea.

Food on board isn’t just about calories. It’s about morale, keeping the crew sharp, and ensuring every sailor can dig deep when conditions get tough. The right meal can be the difference between fading on watch or pushing through to trim that sail one more time.

Why Offshore Racers Choose On Track Meals

Photo provided by On Track Meals

On Track Meals were born out of years spent leading expeditions through the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Out there, in hot, humid, and unforgiving terrain, we learned first-hand what it means to rely on food that fuels performance without slowing you down. Meals had to be lightweight, nourishing, and easy to eat even when conditions and stomachs weren’t ideal.

That same philosophy carries into our meals today, perfect for offshore sailors who need nutrition that keeps them sharp without leaving them sluggish, and meals that are palatable even when the sea state is working against you.

Here’s why they’ve become a staple for many sailors:

• Ready in Minutes – Just slip the pouch into hot water or use the flameless heater bag. No waiting around for meals to rehydrate, no juggling pots in the galley.
• Lightweight and Packable – Space is always at a premium on racing yachts. Pouches fit neatly into crew bags and dry lockers.
• Built for Endurance – With a three-year shelf life and high-quality ingredients, they’re designed for extended adventures.
• Variety That Matters – From Slow Cooked Steak & Mash to Coconut Ginger Chicken, meals keep crews satisfied without meal fatigue.

And let’s be honest: after a wet, cold night watch in 25 knots, sitting down to a warm serve of Bolognese instead of a soggy sandwich makes a world of difference.

Straight from the Cockpit: Feedback from the Melbourne–Osaka

One Melbourne–Osaka competitor summed up the value of On Track Meals perfectly:

“On Track Meals significantly reduced the workload during provisioning. Knowing that a large portion of the meals was already sorted meant we could focus our energy on other planning tasks. It simplified the shopping, packing, and storage process, and gave us confidence that we’d have reliable, nutritious meals ready to go.”

When asked about resource use on board, they added:

“While On Track Meals were comparable to other pre-packed hot meals in terms of cooking time and resource use, the simplicity of heating them helped reduce prep and clean-up time. This was especially helpful in conserving water used for washing up after meals. Heat bags were great when we had no gas on board. Flat packaging also made storing waste easy.”

And in terms of flavour and sustenance over a long passage:

“The portion sizes were spot-on and the meals held up well over the duration of the passage. Flavour-wise, the bolognese, chicken curry, and slow-cooked steak were standouts. 

Real-world feedback like this proves that when conditions get tough, On Track Meals delivers not just in convenience, but in taste, nutrition, and practicality.

Supporting Offshore Racing: Sponsoring the Wescoaster

This year, we’re proud to sponsor the Wescoaster, the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race. Known for its challenging conditions and stunning but unforgiving route down Tasmania’s rugged west coast, the Wescoaster is a true test of seamanship, preparation, and endurance.

It’s exactly the kind of event where reliable, nourishing meals can make a difference. By supporting the race, we’re backing the sailors who push themselves to the limit and making sure they’ve got the fuel to match their ambition.

By Erin Wyatt, Co-founder of On Track Meals

Offshore at 16: Will Farnell, the ORCV's Youth Sailor of the Year 2025

 Will helming on Smuggler with Tim Davis / Photo provided by Will Farnell

The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) is proud to announce Will Farnell as the recipient of the 2025 Youth Sailor of the Year award—a young sailor whose love for the sea runs generations deep and whose commitment to the sport has already made waves far beyond his years.

At just 16, Will has clocked up more offshore miles than many adult sailors. But his story doesn’t start with trophies or accolades—it begins with family.

Will's sailing roots stretch back to Bendigo, where his grandfather Harry Farnell first discovered sailing. After the family moved to Geelong, “Pa” became a member at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club and passed his passion for the water down to Will’s father, and eventually to Will and his sister.

Will on the helm of his father's boat Valiant / Photo by Tom Smeaton, Provided by Will Farnell

“My first memories of sailing are going out on Pa’s Van de Stadt 23 on Wednesday nights,” Will reflects. “I was about ten. It was just me and him—or maybe one other person. That’s where I really started learning. We’d rig the boat together after school, and I began understanding how everything worked.”

Will (far right) with father Jason (far left) on 'Pa's' boat with fellow sailing friends Charley S and Josh G / Photo provided by Will Farnell

In 2017, he took up cadet dinghy sailing, but it was keelboats that really sparked his curiosity. While most of his peers were learning to trim sails on smaller boats, Will—thanks to those early Wednesday night sails—was already managing winches and learning how to make tactical decisions.

That head start has seen him rise quickly. In the past three years alone, he’s:

• Completed three Apollo Bay races, with his dad, Jason Farnell on their Adams 10 - Valiant
• Competed in his first ocean race at just 14
• Delivered Iain Murray 37 Dark and Stormy to Sydney
• Returned Chutzpah (Reichel/Pugh Caprice 40) from Hobart to Melbourne
• Crewed on Smuggler (TP52) during a race for the Festival of Sails—after jokingly asking to join while walking past and also completed a delivery with them, with Tim Davis on board

Will credits his time offshore with building not just sailing skills but discipline and self-reliance. “In cadets, you go home to a warm bed. In ocean racing, you’ve got to stay dry, stay warm, and take care of yourself—so others can rely on you too.”

He’s already completed ORCV’s Foredeck Essentials Course, led by Peter Dowdney—“I learned the most about dip-pole gybing,” he says—and spent the last two years working at his local shipwright (DYSC Marine Supplies) in Geelong, deepening his network and staying close to the action.

Those who’ve raced alongside him describe him as calm, curious, and quietly determined. He doesn’t shout his achievements. He listens, watches, asks questions—and takes every opportunity seriously.

Asked how he felt about receiving the award, Will is characteristically humble: “It’s something to be proud of. I’m grateful.”

What’s next? “I’d love to do a race around the world. Maybe go to Europe and just keep sailing—regattas, deliveries, whatever I can. I don’t want to work inside.”

With plans in motion for a future double-handed Hobart campaign with his dad, and likely entry into this year’s Devonport race aboard Dark and Stormy, Will is proving that age is no barrier to big ambitions.

From backyard boat builds to the bows of TP52s, Will Farnell is charting a course that’s all his own—and the ORCV couldn’t be prouder to see him grow on the journey.

By Melissa Warren/ORCV Media

Ocean Racing Club of Victoria Wins Prestigious Media Award 2024

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) has been awarded the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme Outstanding Media Coverage of Sport Award at the 2024 Victorian Sport Awards. The announcement was made at an awards ceremony held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Left to Right: Meaghan Densley (Former Australian Sailing Victoria General Manager) - revolutioniseSPORT Sports Administrator of the Year (Eunice Gill Award), Melissa Warren (ORCV Marketing Manager) -  Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme Outstanding Media Coverage of Sport Award, Josh Garner and Jack Benyan - AFL Sports Ready Young Team of the Year / Photo by Australian Sailing

This year's Victorian Sport Awards saw an impressive turnout, with over 300 nominees across various categories. The sailing community made a strong showing, securing seven finalist positions, highlighting the sport's growing prominence in Victoria.

The ORCV's win in the Outstanding Media Coverage category recognizes the club's exceptional efforts in promoting and showcasing sailing events throughout Victoria. Their comprehensive coverage, innovative storytelling, and engaging content have significantly contributed to raising the profile of ocean racing and sailing in the state.

VicReturn Chief Communications, Marketing, and Engagement Officer Marianne Doyle and ORCV Marketing Manager Melissa Warren / Photo by Victorian Sport Awards

"We are thrilled and honored to receive this prestigious award," said Cyrus Allen, ORCV Commodore, who has just finished competing in the 5,000 nautical mile Melbourne to Osaka race. "This recognition reflects our team's dedication to sharing the excitement and challenges of ocean racing with a wider audience. We're passionate about our sport and committed to bringing its stories to the forefront of Victoria's sporting landscape."

The award acknowledges the ORCV's multifaceted approach to media coverage, which includes live race tracking, engaging social media content, in-depth race reports, and compelling human interest stories that capture the spirit of ocean racing.

Photo by CDS Vic

The Outstanding Media Coverage of Sport Award was sponsored by CDS Vic, which is part of the Victorian Government's $515 million investment to transform the state's waste and recycling sector. CDS Vic aims to:

• Increase recycling and reduce littering, cleaning up our environment
• Be convenient and accessible with many types and locations of refund points across Victoria
• Bring new jobs and economic opportunities for individuals, charity, and community groups

For more information, go to www.cdsvic.org.au.

The Victorian Sport Awards, presented by the State Government of Victoria and Vicsport, celebrate excellence across the Victorian sport and active recreation industry. The awards span various categories, recognizing athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, and initiatives that have made significant contributions to Victorian sport.

For more information about the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria and its activities, please visit www.orcv.org.au.