Thank you, Melbourne - Pip Hare 

Pip Hare is so grateful for the support she has been provided by ORCV members and the warm welcome given by the wider Melbourne sailing community after arriving in Melbourne on December 28th that she's running a 'special thank you from Pip' offering to run two separate ticketed events open to all to attend.

Pip has limited time before the boat and she departs for the UK and invites you to come down to Docklands for the upcoming 2 events.  Both events will be ticketed with all profits donated to Pip.

Medallia - off Mornington Yacht Club - Photo Al Dillon

Event 1 - Thursday 9th January – 6 pm  – 7.30 pm,  A Evening with Pip (including a Q&A).

Join Pip Hare for a presentation followed by a Q&A. 

• Please note that this will be a standing event with limited seating. 
• Location – Melbourne City Marina Lounge, Level 1, Suite 120, 439 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 
• Refreshments are included in the ticket,
• Book here  https://www.trybooking.com/CYCIL    

Event 2 - Sunday 12th January – 12 noon – 4 pm,  Step on board for a guided tour of Medallia.

Small groups, will be invited to step onto Medallia and shown around the IMOCA by Pip herself. 

• Each group will have approximately 15 minutes onboard with Pip on this personalised tour (allowing 1 hour in total for the experience)  
• Select a ticket and timeslot to suit. 
• Medallia is located at Docklands - Melbourne City Marina. Registration Melbourne City Marina Lounge, Level 1, Suite 120, 439 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008. 
• Places are limited
• Book Here https://www.trybooking.com/CYCIQ  

Enjoy Docklands

Sail around and stay.  Melbourne City Marina invites you to stay overnight.  If you stay for over 3 days, they will give you one complimentary (using the code ‘stay4free’ when booking). Register for an online account to receive a 50% discount (how to take up this offer emailed when registering). 

To Book https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/melbourne-marina-promotions 

About Pip Hare

After being dismasted in the Southern Ocean, over 800 nautical miles from Melbourne, during the 2024 Vendée Globe single-handed (solo) non-stop, unassisted round the world yacht race.  Pip created a jury-rig arrangement (as shown in the top picture) from what components she could salvage and sailed the “Slow Boat to Melbourne”, arriving nearly two weeks later.  The video below shows this extraordinary woman, her courage, seamanship and humility.  A true inspiration for any sailor. 

For those who followed her journey, you will have heard her say:

 "Stand up, sort yourself out and make your situation better every day."

Website: https://www.piphare.com/https://piphareoceanracing.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PipHareOceanRacinghttps://www.youtube.com/@PipHareOceanRacing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PipHareOceanRacing

Safety & Regulations Updates

Please keep an eye on the latest changes to the Special Regulations which can be found here

Storm and Heavy Weather Sails

22nd November 2024 – released by Australian Sailing

Australian Sailing have released an interpretation on Storm and Heavy Weather Sails

An interpretation to Special Regulation 4.24 has been issued addressing requirements and the purpose of storm and heavy weather sails.

The use of staysails has increased and the use of storm and heavy weather sails as staysails has become common practice, so as to reduce the number of sails required to be carried on board. Without better understanding of the purpose of storm sails, there is concern that the design and build of these sails is focused more on their performance as a staysail, than the requirements of a storm or heavy weather sail.

The interpretation establishes a clear purpose for storm and heavy weather sails clarifies their primary role as safety equipment. The interpretation is also aligned with Word Sailing’s position.

In short:

• Storm sails shall be designed to provide propulsion and steerage in 34-40 knots (Beaufort scale 8) and on all points of sail.

• Heavy weather sails shall be designed to provide propulsion and steerage in 22-27 knots (Beaufort scale 6) and on all points of sail.

We refer you to the Australian Sailing Special Regulation Interpretations here 

VHF Radios

September 2024

Effective VHF radio communications is critical for the safe conduct of both our Cat 3 and Cat 2 races and for this reason we ask that both handheld and installed VHF be tested as part of the audit process. Although the Cat 2 audit form is not prescriptive on radio performance, the key requirement is under Special Reg  2.03.1 (a) that “all equipment required by these Special Regulations shall function properly”.

In addition to problems arising from defective aerials and cable connections, the performance of VHF radios and AIS transceivers can be disrupted by the operation of LED head lights.

A simple test for installed VHF radios for yachts located anywhere on the eastern side of the bay is:

1.     Switch set to low power

2.     Switch to Channel 82 repeater, adjusting the squelch as required to eliminate “noise”

3.     Press and release mic

4.     Listen for “splash back” from the repeater which indicates transmission received

5.     Select a quiet channel, lower the squelch sufficiently to eliminate background noise.

6.     Turn on navigation lights (incl mast head) lights. If background noise is heard, LED interference requires attention and should be listed as a defect on the Audit form for rectification by the owner.

Handheld VHF should be able to communicate with Channel 82 (steps 2-4 above) from most locations when standing on deck.

For yachts in Geelong, communication with the Arthurs Seat repeater can be problematic so this test may need to be done when in Port Phillip.

Medical Kits – clarification of requirements

Australian Sailing has initiated the transition to modular medical kits under a regime in which required kits, for yachts moving to the new arrangements, are specified in the race documents.

ORCV advises that boats must meet either the grandfathered requirements of Special Reg 4.07.9 or Coastal Kit Two as detailed in Appendix D as part of the audit process.

Life Jacket Servicing – clarification of requirements

ORCV focus on the importance of meeting the Special Regulations for life jacket servicing. We have considered providing additional guidance within our SI’s, however, after an internal review wewould like to draw your attention to the excellent article published in the Australian Sailing website by Manfred Speicher, https://www.sailingresources.org.au/news/lifejacket-wearing-and-servicing. 

A key paragraph is:

When auditing lifejackets and related safety equipment, it’s more than just counting the correct number for crew and seeing that it is manufactured in accordance with an applicable standard. The Equipment Auditor should also obtain satisfactory detailed checking that the lifejackets are in good and working condition. The videos for the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qOjuk5VFpE. Click or tap if you trust this link." data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="2">pre-wear check andhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMRlssoHM48. Click or tap if you trust this link." data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="3"> regular inspection in the Lifejacket Portal show excellent and  fundamental basics for checking and servicing lifejackets.

This article is fully supported by the ORCV, and we encourage you all to adopt this approach. This includes ensuring lifejackets are checked/serviced in-line with the manufacturer’s frequency and guidelines which in most cases requires a certified inspection every 2 years and a self-check in the interim years.

Non compliance of racing Exclusion Zones

30-minute penalty onto the elapsed times for any yacht which does not comply with these requirements is being included in all new Cat 2 and Cat 3 races which are being included in new Sis for next season.

Spot Checks for compliance with Safety Regulations

ORCV will spot check yachts for up coming races including before departure and on arrival after the race

Yacht Log – It was agreed that the ORCV needs to be more active for encouraging all yachts to record (hard or soft copy) of the yachts log including radio communications. This approach will assist during any emergency or incident report and also add to the safety of each of the competing yachts. ORCV to consider a competition with a prize for the best written logs to assist in encouraging logs to be prepared.

Submission of Skipper Declarations

All future Cat 2 and Cat 3 races will require the Sis skipper declarations to be submitted within one hour of the yachts finishing time, otherwise a DSQ will be applied.

HF radio Phasing out

With the increase in number of the ORCV yachts using Satellite Phones for communications, the ORCV will be eventually phase out HF radios for primary communications. The ORCV recommend any yacht should consider installing a Satellite Phone for it’s primary communications.

ENC type charts for ORCV races.

World hydrographic offices are discontinuing paper charts over time in favour of Electronic Nautical Charts (ENC’s – S-57 & S-63) and then towards S-100. As such, some paper charts which were used in the list for charts for the previous editions of the race are no longer available. It is recommended the use of ENC’s as the primary navigation system.

Paper charts may be used but they must be updated to the latest Notice to Mariners (NtM) within 1 month of the start of the race. Evidence shall be supplied of the NtM updates from the Edition date or Publication date printed on the chart. A guide to updating the charts is shown on the following link;

https://hydro.gov.au/factsheets/FS_PNC-updating_paper_nautical_charts.pdf. 

An electronic Chart Plotting device shall be a dedicated chart plotter or a computer with chart plotting type software running ENC type charts.

2024’s Melbourne to Hobart NOR includes the new ENC option with the ORCV working with a local supplier to bundle up a subscription for all ORCV races in one package. Once this package has been setup the ORCV will communicate this package options to all the ORCV members.

Melbourne to Devonport Rudder Cup Final Reminders

Race WhatsApp group

Rudder Cup 2024 is open to competitor to share their journey.  The link to join has been SMS to competitors. All images must be taken by the person submitting.  Thank you for sharing and helping us grow the community of ocean racers.

Become a member today

Without our valued members we won’t We strongly encourage you to join the ORCV today to fully leverage your membership benefits and waive crew fees.

If you have a youth member on board, please remember that if you’re doing two races, their membership covers that cost.

Skippers Briefing Video

The Skippers Briefing video is available to watch here

Notices to Mariners

There are vessels sampling the seafloor in Port Phillip Bay. Please check the location of these vessels on the map and avoid them on your way to the start line. See NTM 414

BYO Fenders

Please ensure you bring plenty of fenders for rafting up at Mersey Yacht Club.

Leave at Home document

There is a Leave at Home document available here for you to fill out and leave at home/with your emergency contact.

Radio Skeds document

There is a Sked Sheet document for you to print and use on board here

Food & Drink

SATURDAY NIGHT​

• Mersey Yacht Club will be cooking BBQ (sausages and burgers) on arrival, Toasties if very late​
• Menulog to arrange yourselves​

SUNDAY MORNING​

• Mersey Yacht Club will be cooking: ​
  • Scrambled eggs, home-made spicy beans, bacon, toast ​
  • Belgian Waffles and fruit ​
• Argosy Motel 6.30am – 9.00am - 300m away – full breakfast​

DRINKS

• A complementary drink voucher each (vouchers were sent out with trackers)
• Drinks available from the bar

Mersey YC have a 12-seater bus to borrow if you need to collect takeaway food etc. Liaise together if necessary. Check at bar for key, leave photo of licence. Obey the law - .05 etc.

Presentation

Presentations will take place on Sunday at ~10:30 a.m.   (to be confirmed by Race Director)

To follow the race

You can follow the race using the Blue Water Tracks link: https://race.bluewatertracks.com/2024-melbourne-devonport-rudder-cup

Race Photos/Videos and Prizes

You’re invited to share your videos with the ORCV media team. All media submitted may be used during the race and in upcoming promotions. 

Please, NO ALCOHOL, and if possible, avoid sunglasses. We want to see your lovely, happy faces 😊

You can share on the Rudder Cup 2024 WhatsApp group (join here). Please feel free to share on social media and tag us: @orcv_racing (Insta) and @oceanracingclub (facebook).

We would love some short (<90sec) reels in portrait orientation of the race for our social media. We’re looking for: Your crew being sustainable, updates on how you’re progressing in the race, any celebrations (birthdays, 1^st ocean race etc) and action shots. , The best action shot and the best sustainability content will win a $30 voucher each for ORCV training courses.

Race Director Contacts

The Race Director phone numbers are below (for operational needs only) during a race.  

Race Director 1: 0418 396 605

Race Director 2 (Start only): 0418 396 465

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Arrival and Stay at Mersey Yacht Club

Arrival into Devonport

Welcome! We’re happy you made it across Bass Strait. We will do what we can to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Just ask.

Mersey Yacht Club will be co-ordinating arrivals. We have limited volunteers but are improving efficiency by laying out this information for you to read prior to arriving tired, wet and hungry.

All our communication will be on VHF Channel 73 – Talk to us. We’ll be watching you!

We will have:

• Our committee boat the Arvor 230 (Hugi Maru III) on the water as a guide boat (2 people)
• Our Highfield 430 RIB as a gopher/backup/runabout (one person)
• A line-handling team on the docks. (2 people)

Bad News - High tide is about 23 hours after you start so it will potentially be dropping when a lot of the fleet arrive. Not all bad though. You may not have to wait out the tide very much as…..

Good News – It’s a neap tide -maximum range is just over 2m rather than the 3+ m in springs.

The accompanying diagrams show the best channel in and the shallows. At the end of the race you may be distracted. So major things to note:

• The centre of the river is an extensive shallow bank that changes after floods. It’s silt - not rock. So if you touch it’s not the end of the world.
• Ignore the green pile. It no longer marks the channel! It’s shallow north of it.
• The shallowest depth on the track into the club is between the red mark at the southern end of the commercial wharves/turning basin and the area to the north and west of the moored catamaran. Deepest water is close to the rock wall of the reclaimed land but it may seem scary close at night. (see accompanying pictures)
• We have a tidal stream here – i.e. the water you are moving through is also moving - significantly at mid tide. This is unlike marinas in sheltered locations.  You will need to account for that when berthing – turn too early and you will go sideways into the boat you are trying to avoid. (see ferry glide instructions)
• Learn and understand the ferry glide principle. If you need more info – Google it. The tidal stream can be a help to berth if you understand the forces and use them. Used properly, the tidal stream will help you dock in a confined space.
• If several boats arrive at almost the same time, please mill about in the turning basin, or follow the guide boat, then mill in deep water to the south of the club. Then we can berth you one at a time. We only have one lines crew so be patient.
• Please do not just park anywhere. We need to berth boats of disparate lengths, draft, and displacement and are trying our best to place arrivals in the most suitable spot.

Boats will tie up ALONGSIDE a pontoon or berthed yacht – no pens. After discussion with the organisers we will moor yachts up to 5 deep (if you all arrive we will have 10 more boats than last year in port). Fenders essential!

There are moorings we may need to use if more than 34 yachts arrive. There is a RIB we can shuttle with at night, and another smaller one by day if needed. We will liaise and give directions.

• We have put reflective A, B, and C letters on the northern pile of each pontoon/marina.
• A will have one boat up to 5 deep. Positions A1,1-A1,5
• B will have 2 big boats alongside then up to 5 deep, so positions B1,1-B1,5 and B2,1-B2,5
• C is the longest marina and will have 5 alongside berthing positions, up to 5 deep. So C1,1-C1,5, C2,1-C2,5...through to C5,1 – C5,5.
• This should make it easier to know where to park.
• When alongside please adjust springers so that the masts are not directly aligned. A small difference please as space is tight. There will only be a couple of metres between boats so make sure springers are tight to prevent fore and aft movement.

Important Notes

We will need to be flexible on our crew roster and tasks. You are not coming at a pre-appointed time. But we’re sailors and understand the weather and what it does to schedules.

So please be patient as we get you all in and tied up – then we can get together and socialise.

If a problem arises – we’ll try and fix it. If we can’t – we’ll all have to live with it ‘as is’.

Contacts at Mersey YC

Commodore: Terry Travers  0408 188 683

Vice Commodore: Jamieson Marshall (also volunteer bar manager – be nice) 0447 007 482

Looking forward to a great race, and a great time in Devonport.

West Offshore Products Offers Specials to the ORCV

West Offshore is Australia’s experts in the provision of marine safety equipment including the sale and servicing of the world’s premier brands of the rafts and lifesaving equipment.  West Offshore can supply 

Life Rafts (new or rental), EPRIBS and service Life Jackets.  http://westoffshore.com.au/

Contact  West Offshore Products on:

Ph 03 –9587 9636 / Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ORCV Member SPECIALS: 

Life Jacket Servicing: $48.40 + parts less 5% discount on service by quoting ORCV.  Dropped off your life jackets to their offices in Mordialloc and can be turned around with 2 – 3 days.  

Life Rafts (New or Hire).  ORCV Members can Quote ORCV for 10% RRP

MOB, PLB, EPIRB, Offshore Life Jackets and Life Rafts plus more.... Call West Offshore Products for all your safety needs.  Ask about the ORCV Special prices for all gear.