Thursday May 16th 6.00pm
2019 Apollo Bay Race News

A big welcome to all entrants in 2019 ORCV Apollo Bay race. The ORCV Race Director is Nick McGuigan (myself) with the able assistance of Ryan Blackstock. Ray Shaw will be handling starting arrangements with Gary Tomlins and his team of Coast Guards manning the start boat and in addition, Ray will be managing the midday position schedule.

Light winds weather forecast has been the topic of discussion over the past few days. A large high-pressure system over Victoria means light winds are predicted and the race it will be slow. On the plus side, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting sunny conditions, so expect a very pleasant and relaxing sail and light winds giving all yachts an opportunity to shine in the challenging art of light wind sailing.

From a race management perspective, we want to avoid having the fleet becalmed in the Heads at the race start. This can lead to safety concerns for ships in transit and as the tide turns, yachts being swept back into the Port Phillip Bay. Fortunately, we have a provision for an alternative start line outside the Heads to avoid this risk. The race team will be keeping a very close eye on the wind as we approach the Saturdays start time. We do have an option. If the alternative staring line is deemed necessary, we will announce this during the Sign-On Schedule Saturday morning and please review start arrangements in the Sailing Instructions.

This is a good time to remind all competitors to ensure they have supplied all the required documentation for their yachts, completed the crew lists including next of kin contact details and have done their radio checks. If you haven’t done these yet, they are well overdue so please attend to them as soon as possible. Yachts can’t race without them being done.

Ryan and I look forward to welcoming you in Apollo Bay. The harbour has been newly dredged and room to dock, although there will be some rafting up.

Presentation Plans are in progress will be announced via sperate communication.

if you can’t raise us on VHF 82. In emergencies or for any other messages, you can always contact Marine Radio Victoria on VHF 16 who are operated by our good friends from Kordia. Reception is good for up to 20 nm off the coast. Finally, the race team is always available on Race Director mobile 0418 396 605

Good luck and safe sailing to all competitors.

Nick McGuigan