Photo by Aaron Cole

The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) is excited to announce that entries are now open for the 2025 Apollo Bay Ocean Yacht Race, a Category 3 race that will take place on 24 May 2025. This 52-nautical-mile coastal race starts at Queenscliff at 4:00 a.m., leading yachts out of Port Phillip Heads and along the scenic coast to Apollo Bay.

Early bird registration is open until 3 May 2025, and entries close on 14 May 2025.

A Perfect Race for All Levels

Ideal for both seasoned sailors and newcomers to ocean racing, the Apollo Bay Race offers a shorter course that remains close to the shoreline. Strategic decisions—such as choosing between an offshore route or hugging the coast in search of favorable winds—often determine the race's outcome. As the final ocean race of the season before winter starts, it frequently plays a pivotal role in deciding the ORCV Coastal Championship.

The Apollo Bay Race boasts a rich history, with its inaugural run on December 26, 1954. The current race record stands at 5 hours, 24 minutes, and 4 seconds, set by KAOS under the leadership of Peter Blake in 1999.

How to Enter the 2025 Apollo Bay Race

If you are interested in participating in the 2025 Apollo Bay Race, you can now submit your entries. Just click here for detailed information on race documents and the entry process.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a storied event that combines competition, strategy, and the natural beauty of eastern Victoria's coastline.​