Entries open for 2025 Melbourne to Devonport ‘Rudder Cup,’ Yacht Race, a qualifier for this season’s big ocean races
How Bizarre team during the 2024 Melbourne to Devonport Presentation / Photo by Melissa Warren
Entries are open for the prestigious Rudder Cup, the oldest ocean race in Australia and one of the most popular races on the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s (ORCV) sailing calendar.
The 195 nautical mile Category 2 ocean race starts near the entrance to Port Phillip in Victoria on Friday the 31st of October with the fleet making a dash across Bass Strait to Devonport, a seaside city on the rich and fertile farming belt of the North West Coast of the Apple Isle, Tasmania.
While the Rudder Cup is a relatively short race, sailors need to be prepared for tough and demanding conditions as they cross Bass Strait, with the event frequently used as a qualifying event for the 2025 Melbourne to Hobart ‘Westcoaster’ and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
With the images of the 2025 Fastnet Race fresh in people’s minds, few would be aware that the Rudder Cup holds significant historical sailing value as the fifth oldest ocean race in the world, predating the Fastnet by 18 years.
This year’s race will again be sailed in accordance with the ORCV’s Clean Regatta’s Framework established by Sailors for the Sea, demonstrating the commitment of ORCV members to upholding the principles of environmental stewardship in ocean racing.
Sailors will be strongly encouraged to eliminate single-use plastic bottles, provision and store food to reduce food and packaging waster, prevent oil, chemicals and microplastic pollution going to sea by inspecting and maintaining a clean bilge.
The ORCV has a longstanding partnership with the Mersey Yacht Club in Devonport, which generously hosts the finishing boats and the presentation of the Rudder Cup.
For sailors keen to stay on in Tasmania, Devonport provides the perfect gateway to the stunningly beautiful Dove Lake, a glacially carved lake directly beneath Cradle Mountain, in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, all within 90 minutes of Devonport.
Other highlights within easy distance of the Mersey Yacht Club include the eclectic mural-filled country town of Sheffield and for the foodies, easy access to the Tasmanian Tasting Trail, a self-drive trail which showcase the best food and wine on offer on the North West Coast of Tasmania.
The Rudder Cup is part of the ORCV Offshore Championship and is open to yachts fully crewed, 4+ autohelm and double-handed.
David Schuller (ORCV Sail Captain and Rear Commodore) and Catherine North last year's race directors / Photo by Melissa Warren
Race Director David Schuller believes sailing in the Rudder Cup is a great way to shake off the cobwebs after the winter’s break from sailing.
“The race is a great opportunity for skippers to do their first Cat 2 race for the new racing season after a ‘break,’ completing the Winter Series and putting the first of the Coastal Sprints under their belt, and the race is also a pre-qualifier for the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster.
“Sailors can expect a strong fleet of competitors including double-handed entries and a very warm welcome at the Mersey Yacht Club.
“The race offers a good mix of day/night sailing experiences with a race start mid-afternoon and night sailing across Bass Strait,” said Schuller.
Sailors are encouraged to take advantage of the early bird entries which close on Thursday the 9th of October, with final entries closing on Monday the 20th of October 2025.
Dasher+Fisher How Bizarre (left) facing off Another Chapter in the 2024 Rudder Cup near the startline / Photo by Al Dillon
Scott Robinson, skipper of last year’s winner Dasher+Fisher How Bizarre from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, has already indicated his intention to defend last year’s title, with the boat an early bird entry for the race.
For race documents and online entry, go to: https://www.orcv.org.au/devonport
By Jane Austin/ ORCV Media
