A Perfect Autumn Day on the Bay: ORCV Double-Handed Race Showcases Skill, Teamwork, and Spirit
Maverick / Photo by Al Dillon
Melbourne truly delivered on Sunday for the annual ORCV Double-Handed Race. Under crisp blue skies and with a consistent 14-knot breeze — occasionally gusting up to 20 knots — conditions were ideal for this uniquely challenging race that demands strategy, endurance, and seamless teamwork from just two sailors aboard each yacht.
A total of 38 yachts entered the event, and by the 10:00 AM start, 33 boats with 66 sailors were on the line, ready to tackle the course. The double-handed format is one of sailing’s most demanding, and it was fantastic to see a strong and diverse showing, including two all-female crews and many mixed-gender teams.
With boats ranging in size from 30 to 60 feet, the fleet was divided into three divisions. Divisions 1 and 2 sailed a 28-nautical-mile course, while Division 3 took on a 20-nautical-mile course. The course included a mix of wind angles — downwind runs, upwind slogs, and tight reaching legs that put every crew’s skills and communication to the test.
Despite the relatively mild forecast, the breeze built throughout the day and created some exhilarating conditions. The first boat crossed the finish line just before 2:00 PM, and the final yacht completed the course shortly before 4:00 PM. Many crews shared afterward how much they enjoyed the race — and how deeply they slept that night!
Race Results
Line Honours
- Division 1: Executive Decision-Will Sheers / Ben Frecheville
- Division 2: Maverick - Tony Hammond & Rod Smallman
- Division 3: Orlan-Zac Edwards-Simes Joel Matthews
AMS Results
Division 1 & 2 Overall
AMS Overall
1st – Maverick (Winner - Port Phillip Bay Double-Handed Perpetual Cup) - Tony Hammond & Rod Smallman
2nd – Executive Decision - Will Sheers / Ben Frecheville
3rd – Surprise - – James Russell / Ralph White
AMS Division 1
1st – Executive Decision - Will Sheers / Ben Frecheville
2nd – Surprise - James Russell / Ralph White
3rd – Ikon - Rodney Muller / Ryan Grieves
AMS Division 2
1st – Maverick - Tony Hammond & Rod Smallman
2nd – Loch Sloidh 2 - Peter McFarlane / Fletcher Johnson
3rd – Pompette - Ryan Blackstock / Leo Eeckman
ORCi Results
Division 1 & 2 Overall
1st – Maverick - Tony Hammond & Rod Smallman
2nd – Executive Decision - Will Sheers / Ben Frecheville
3rd – Surprise - – James Russell / Ralph White
ORCi Division 1
1st – Executive Decision - Will Sheers / Ben Frecheville
2nd – Surprise - James Russell / Ralph White
3rd – Ikon- Rodney Muller Ryan Grieves
ORCi Division 2
1st – Maverick - Tony Hammond & Rod Smallman
2nd – Loch Sloidh 2- Peter Mc Farlane
3rd – Pompette - Ryan Blackstock Leo Eeckman
Well done to the Adam’s Family team who secured the prestigious Teams Trophy.
