Melbourne Hobart, East and West an option
Over the past three months the Sailing Committee has undertaken a thoughtful review of the ORCV sailing program, guided by extensive feedback from our skippers, navigators and crews via a face-to-face meeting and surveys. The process has been deliberately collaborative and consultative, reflecting the strong engagement of our offshore community. At the same time, offshore sailing is evolving. Climate variability is increasingly influencing weather patterns, race planning and safety considerations, and it is important that our program continues to adapt to these realities while preserving the spirit of offshore adventure that defines ORCV.
As a result of this review, we will be introducing several positive changes to the program. The Melbourne to Hobart will evolve to include a new East Coast option, opening participation to a greater number of ocean-compliant boats and creating an additional pathway for boats looking to step into longer offshore racing. The Coastal Sprints will be streamlined, and the Offshore Championship will be reconfigured to better reflect fleet participation and recognise the full range of offshore races sailed throughout the season. We are also continuing to develop a longer Category 3 offshore race, responding to the clear interest from skippers seeking additional coastal challenge.
This is a great opportunity for those looking to step up and join a longer passage which allows you to enjoy time prior and on Christmas day at home in Melbourne.
In support of these changes the ORCV has developed a new training course focussed on helping boat owners understand, and progress towards, Category 3 and Category 2 safety standards. Being run for the first time in July this is a 2-session, in-person course designed to make planning and preparation for higher levels of category certification easier and faster. All participants who complete the course will be provided with free race entry to one Cat 3 race in the 2026/2027 racing season. To learn more or book your place, click here.
