‘It Felt Like an F1 Car’: The Next Gen Opportunity That Put Lachlan on Scarlet Runner

Lachlan Hardy onboard Scarlet Runner

Lachlan Hardy didn’t know anyone when he arrived in Hobart.

He hadn’t sailed with the crew before. And by his own admission, he wasn’t entirely sure he was ready.

But the next day, he stepped onboard Scarlet Runner and instantly knew he was in more than capable hands.

Lachlan with Scarlet Runner crew for Hobart delivery

That opportunity came through the ORCV Next Gen program. Being introduced to David Sturge (Scarlet Runner Crew) quickly turned into a real chance to get offshore.

“It was exciting, but I was definitely nervous,” he says. “Meeting everyone for the first time on the docks was pretty surreal.”

Lachlan started young, learning through Tackers at Sandringham Yacht Club before spending years sailing out of Black Rock Yacht Club, he's now an instructor.

But it didn’t follow a straight path.

Lachlan with the windsurfing crew

“If it was windy, I was on a windsurfer instead of a boat.”

That time on the water built instinct. Reading gusts, reacting quickly, understanding pressure. The kind of skills that don’t come from theory.

Even with that background, stepping onto Scarlet Runner was another level.

“I was pretty green on keelboats. It was probably above my pay grade.”

There was no easing into it. New systems, new crew, and a much faster boat.

“I had to pick things up quickly. But the crew were incredible. They explained everything and made it a great place to learn.”

Lachlan on The Young Endeavour

Having already sailed from Hobart to Adelaide on The Young Endeavour, Lachlan knew this experience would be different.

“Scarlet Runner felt like an F1 car...”

Lachlan with the creww sailing J70S

Same ocean. Completely different pace. “You could see straight away that everyone knew exactly what they were doing.” On the first day, he found himself at the helm. “Holding that wheel, you really feel the size and power of the boat.”

But it wasn’t the helm that stayed with him. “Being up the front was probably my favourite part.”

Lachlan has spent years building his foundation through sailing, windsurfing, coaching, and time on the water with family. But this step came from being in the right environment.

The ORCV Next Gen Program opened the door.

“I think I used every bit of knowledge I’ve built up over time.”

Now the focus is simple. More time offshore. More experience on bigger boats.

“I’d love to do a Hobart. That’s definitely something I want to work towards. My dad did a few, so I'd definitely love to do that too".

There are a lot of sailors like Lachlan.

Capable. Keen. Spending time on the water and building skills but not always sure how to take that next step. Programs like the ORCV Next Gen program don’t just develop sailors, they connect them.

They create the moments where you go from watching it happen to being part of it.

ORCV Next Gen membership, gives you 50% discounts on key courses and access to discounted offshore gear. For more information or to get connected to boats going offshore go here.

Photos provided by Lachlan Hardy

Written by Melissa Warren, Next Gen Lead