FAQ's - 50th MELBOURNE to HOBART

Briefing 12th December, 6pm (Mel time)

This briefing will be held in person at Royal Brighton Yacht Club, starting at 6pm.

Interstate crew and skippers can attend online via the teams link here.  Skippers and crew who are in Victoria are expected to attend in person.  In addition on the night, we will launch the event plus have ready your crew packs, battleflags and trackers to pick up.  For those interstate crews attending online, please be online by 5.30  for sound checks to occur.

Berthing

In Hobart 

Berthing in Hobart will either be on Elizabeth Street, Kings Pier North or in Constitution Dock. Those boats that have a deep draft or are wide, will be allocated to Elizabeth Street or Kings Pier North. All allocations will be made closer to the date of the race or upon arrival. Berthing is made available until 6pm on 2nd January.

After 2nd January  

Boating is alive in Tasmania with many marinas in the Southern part enjoying a flourish of bookings. If you wish to stay longer, it is strongly recommended you book now. If space is available at the Derwent Sailing Squadron, Melbourne to Hobart boats can book via this link at DSS member casual rates. 

Shirts / Battleflags 

Race shirts and caps will be distributed in December. Boat names can be added to the shirt. We will be in contact regarding these items closer to the time.   Please login to your sailor Topyacht profile and make sure you update your shirt size (you may only see it once you select the race at the top)

Battle flags and backstay flags will be provided to boats prior to departure and we ask that ALL boats fly these flags upon arrival at Blairgowrie and Hobart. Upon arrival into Hobart, you will be asked to add on one more battle flag as agreed to with our host club DSS.

Race Jackets

Orders for the 50th Race Jacket can be made online here by 14th November 2022.  These jackets are optional where you can have your boat name printed to the sleeve to honour being part of history and the 50th race. 

Berthing in Melbourne

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron and Royal Brighton Yacht Club (RBYC) are race partners and have confirmed they will offer 1-week complimentary berthing to all competing yachts prior to the race plus 25% off casual rates if longer is needed. Both clubs selected are close to transport, shops and have food options at the club or close by.  Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your expected date of arrival as we will do the introduction to the club and reserve your place now.

Local Buddy for Interstate Boats

Each interstate boat will be connected with a “local buddy” who can support you should you need local knowledge for repairs and suppliers or just where to quickly locate something.

Transit the Rip - Sharing the Local Knowledge

We will run a “how to enter Port Phillip heads” session for your safety for those coming from Interstate should there be demand for this. Please let This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. know you’d like to attend this online session in early December 2022.   This session will be held on Monday 5th December at 8pm Melbourne time via this teams link 

Accommodation Options in Melbourne 

For those wishing to stay ashore prior to the race, this is a short list of options. Do check out booking.com or Airbnb for more options.

• Quest Serviced Apartments Brighton (directly over the road from RBYC)
• Brighton Serviced Apartments
• Caroline Serviced Apartments 
• Sandringham Hotel   

Events

In Melbourne 

• December 22nd - Depending on your arrival, we will run a simple “Welcome to Melbourne” event at RBYC
• December 26th – ORCV Cock of the Bay race, runs from Port Melbourne to Mornington with boats heading onto Blairgowrie for the night prior to the race. It’s where Melbourne fleets come together. Entry to this race is additional and can be found here 
• Briefings - Please refer to your Notice of Race for all mandatory briefing dates and times.

Prize Giving

The 50th Celebration and Prizing Giving will occur at 5 pm on 31st December and is open to all crew plus supporting members. Please check back for location details.   Wear your 50th M2H Shirt and Cap to receive your complimentary drink on arrival.

Life Rafts Rental & Servicing and Life Jackets Servicing

West Offshore Products have new and ex-rental (non-deployed) life rafts for purchase or hire. Please contact Harry at West Offshore Products on 03 – 9587 9363 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The current ORCV Special with West Offshore Products is:

• Life Jacket Servicing $43.65 (excluding parts) with a 1 – 2 day turn around from drop off to their offices in Mordialloc
• 20% discount on life rafts when you mention for ORCV Members.

Ronstan Gear & Hardware 

Ronstan is pleased to offer ORCV members the opportunity to have one of our deck hardware specialists visit their boats and carry out an inspection of your deck hardware and sail handling systems. The objective is to help boat owners avoid problems before they happen by identifying items of equipment that may require servicing, repair or replacement. This is particularly relevant if you are considering taking part in any of our longer offshore events, or even just heading off to do some extended cruising.

The audit process takes about one hour and will require the boat owner, or someone with a good knowledge of the boat, to be in attendance. If you would like to have an audit conducted on your boat please register your interest by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Don’t forget you receive 10% off special for all ORCV members. 

Container 

There has been one container arranged for use of boats heading to Hobart where space can be booked.  We will be asking for crews who would like to use the container to assist with loading.  

• In Melbourne - 
  • Items to go into the container need to be dropped to Stokes & Bell,  44 - 46 Burns Road Altona on Saturday 17th or Sunday 18th December between 8am and 11.30am.
  • All items are to be labelled with boat name, number, name of person and contact phone number
  • A packing declaration form  pdf (as found here) (85 KB) is to be completed for each drop off which details the contents and weight eg 6 crew bags 20kg, 1 liferaft - 80kg.
  • No fuel, explosives, pressured cans / spray cans, flammable items, matches, flares, cigarette lighters, batteries, fruit or food, untreated wooden products are to be included.  All fuel is to be emptied from motors and containers too.
• In Hobart - Upon arrival, this container will be located at the Derwent Sailing Club. Crews will need to arrange their own transport to and from that location. The container will need to be empty for removal by Jan 2nd.

Fuel & Gas Filling 

The Derwent Sailing Squadron offers a filling service for both Diesel and bottled Gas. Please public holiday opening hours with the club for the hours offered for both services.

Sustainable Practice 

We are powered by nature. The ORCV promotes clean seas and encourages all crews and boats to think about using sustainable practices onboard and to reduce the use of single use plastics onboard. Consider these options when planning for your Hobart Race.

This year the 50th Melbourne to Hobart we will not be doing bow decals to reduce the potential of these washing off and creating plastics in the ocean.

Tasmanian Bio Security 

We respect the procedures upon arrival in Tasmania. Upon arrival in Hobart, all crews will be requested to dispose of all fruit and vegetables into provided bags, tied and ready for disposal.

Cruise Home 

There will be a number of boats cruising back the route taken often determined by the weather. If you’re interested in joining this fleet, let us know via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can co-ordinate with you during the stay in Hobart.

Family & Friends Joining you in Hobart 

Make sure your friends and family make themselves known to our team on the ground who will be located at Elizabeth Street Pier. There may be some busy times and small jobs beyond race management to do so if they can assist.  The ORCV is a great community of members and assisting and giving some time can be fun.