Meet the KISS Community

With preparation for the 2026 KISS Training program well underway and registrations now open, the KISS Committee extended an invitation to new recruits to “Meet the KISS Community” at HBYC on 10 November 2025, to connect with KISS Alumni, female mentors, boat owners and experienced female sailors. Led by MC Melissa Warren (ORCV Media manager), three great speakers from the “KISS family” were introduced, speaking about their own sailing dreams and the light bulb moment that moved them from curiosity to an addictive passion.

KISS graduate Kim Lawler (KISS 2023) related her family’s commissioning of a 42ft ocean-going catamaran in France and then exploring the Atlantic coast offshore adventure and Mediterranean with their boat which is now currently in charter in Montenegro. She spoke of the importance of “preparation, preparation, preparation”, with all conclusions leading to “do the KISS program” along with other ORCV training programs.

“Without a doubt KISS was pivotal in fast tracking my preparation for our family adventure of a lifetime. Beyond the skills & knowledge over the course, there were the friendships and community of people offering support and pointing me towards additional resources to help ensure we were as prepared and safe as possible.”

Michelle Ruskin (KISS 2024), from 4 years dinghy sailing, and now18 months keelboat experience, has fast tracked her KISS learnings to take up double handed racing and regattas Festival of Sails, Hamilton Island, PPWCS and AWKR. Her experience of the program - “KISS ignited a passion for sailing I never knew I had. It gave me access to the wonderful community of female sailors who continue to inspire me with confidence, courage and connection”.

Stalwart supporter of the KISS program, generous fleet owner of Farr 1104 Pacemaker and Beneteau 47.4 Cyan Moon, boat owner Wayne Seaward spoke of building an inclusive and collaborative sailing culture amongst boat teams. His work on gender-blended team performance with Ballarat University demonstrating improved performances with mixed gender crews, is now being shared internationally and signals opportunities for all club racing to actively increase female participation for winning outcomes.

ORCV Vice Commodore Paul Roberts attended, endorsing the addition of the KISS program to the ORCV Training Pathways, noting the positive vibe amongst the audience and the significant achievements of our female presenters over such a short period of time in their sailing experiences.

KISS registrations are now open for the 2026 program, running from April to August with a cap of 50 women. Places are filling fast, so if you are female and keen to join us, secure your berth onboard now, by registering at https://www.orcv.org.au/training/kiss.

For our KISS ALIVE activities, the Victorian Women’s Keelboat Calendar is now resident on the KISS Training page under KISS ALIVE so that our keen, confident and competent women never miss an opportunity to get out on the water. To keep crews up to date, we encourage keelboat clubs to register their signature female focussed events to be posted to this calendar. Send us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your event details.

Following on from the revived ORCV Women’s Helm, Navigator and Radio operator (WHNR) passage race from Brighton to Queenscliff in July 2025, this event will be run again in 2026, with a move to 29-30 August for a pre summer season lead up annual event.

By Rosie Colahan

Fuelling Offshore Adventure: On Track Meals & the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria

When your hundreds of nautical miles offshore, the wind roaring and waves surging, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you’ve got a decent meal lined up. Offshore racing is about endurance, focus, and resilience, and the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) knows just how much the right fuel matters when the pressure is on.

That’s where On Track Meals comes in.

Offshore Racing: More Than Just Sailing

The ORCV has long championed the spirit of bluewater adventure, running some of Australia’s most iconic offshore races, from the Melbourne to Devonport to the mighty Melbourne to Hobart. Competitors in these events face more than just rival yachts; they face the unpredictable power of Bass Strait, the ever-changing Southern Ocean, and the sheer fatigue that sets in after hours or days at sea.

Food on board isn’t just about calories. It’s about morale, keeping the crew sharp, and ensuring every sailor can dig deep when conditions get tough. The right meal can be the difference between fading on watch or pushing through to trim that sail one more time.

Why Offshore Racers Choose On Track Meals

Photo provided by On Track Meals

On Track Meals were born out of years spent leading expeditions through the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Out there, in hot, humid, and unforgiving terrain, we learned first-hand what it means to rely on food that fuels performance without slowing you down. Meals had to be lightweight, nourishing, and easy to eat even when conditions and stomachs weren’t ideal.

That same philosophy carries into our meals today, perfect for offshore sailors who need nutrition that keeps them sharp without leaving them sluggish, and meals that are palatable even when the sea state is working against you.

Here’s why they’ve become a staple for many sailors:

• Ready in Minutes – Just slip the pouch into hot water or use the flameless heater bag. No waiting around for meals to rehydrate, no juggling pots in the galley.
• Lightweight and Packable – Space is always at a premium on racing yachts. Pouches fit neatly into crew bags and dry lockers.
• Built for Endurance – With a three-year shelf life and high-quality ingredients, they’re designed for extended adventures.
• Variety That Matters – From Slow Cooked Steak & Mash to Coconut Ginger Chicken, meals keep crews satisfied without meal fatigue.

And let’s be honest: after a wet, cold night watch in 25 knots, sitting down to a warm serve of Bolognese instead of a soggy sandwich makes a world of difference.

Straight from the Cockpit: Feedback from the Melbourne–Osaka

One Melbourne–Osaka competitor summed up the value of On Track Meals perfectly:

“On Track Meals significantly reduced the workload during provisioning. Knowing that a large portion of the meals was already sorted meant we could focus our energy on other planning tasks. It simplified the shopping, packing, and storage process, and gave us confidence that we’d have reliable, nutritious meals ready to go.”

When asked about resource use on board, they added:

“While On Track Meals were comparable to other pre-packed hot meals in terms of cooking time and resource use, the simplicity of heating them helped reduce prep and clean-up time. This was especially helpful in conserving water used for washing up after meals. Heat bags were great when we had no gas on board. Flat packaging also made storing waste easy.”

And in terms of flavour and sustenance over a long passage:

“The portion sizes were spot-on and the meals held up well over the duration of the passage. Flavour-wise, the bolognese, chicken curry, and slow-cooked steak were standouts. 

Real-world feedback like this proves that when conditions get tough, On Track Meals delivers not just in convenience, but in taste, nutrition, and practicality.

Supporting Offshore Racing: Sponsoring the Wescoaster

This year, we’re proud to sponsor the Wescoaster, the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race. Known for its challenging conditions and stunning but unforgiving route down Tasmania’s rugged west coast, the Wescoaster is a true test of seamanship, preparation, and endurance.

It’s exactly the kind of event where reliable, nourishing meals can make a difference. By supporting the race, we’re backing the sailors who push themselves to the limit and making sure they’ve got the fuel to match their ambition.

By Erin Wyatt, Co-founder of On Track Meals

ORCV Next Gen Program for Ocean Racers

From Dinghy to Deep Blue — Your Offshore Journey Starts Here

Join us as we officially launch the ORCV Next Gen Program—a bold new initiative designed to help the next generation of sailors take the leap from inshore racing to offshore adventure.

Whether you’re a dinghy sailor, windsurfer, or a young club skipper, this program is your chance to gain the knowledge, confidence, and connections to go further.

To kick things off, we’re hosting a one-night-only event with offshore racing veteran Dr. David “Doc” Sturge—a sailor with over 36,000 nautical miles under his belt, including the Clipper Round the World Race and countless ocean classics.

Event Details

Date: 11 September 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (arrive from 5.30pm)
Location: Docklands Marina, Melbourne
Presented by: Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV)
Cost: Free – All welcome!

Please book here: https://www.trybooking.com/DERBV

Special Guest: David “Doc” Sturge

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore | Global Race Veteran | Mentorship Advocate

Doc didn’t grow up offshore sailing. He started at 28, delivering a friend’s boat—and that decision led to a global racing career. At this event, you’ll hear how he built skills, took chances, and made it all happen—plus the advice he wishes someone had given him earlier.

Expect stories from:

Scarlet Runner – Racing one of Victoria’s fastest offshore yachts

The Clipper Round the World Race – Ocean crossings, life at sea, and teamwork under pressure

His personal journey from late-starter to seasoned ocean racer

What YOU can do now to prepare for your first offshore opportunity

Who Should Attend?

• Dinghy sailors ready for a new challenge
• Windsurfers and skiff racers looking to go long-distance
• Young club sailors eager to explore life offshore
• Anyone curious about ocean racing but unsure how to get started

What Is the ORCV Next Gen Program?

The ORCV Next Gen Program is designed to bridge the gap between youth sailing and offshore racing—by getting young sailors out on the ocean through real, hands-on experience.

At the heart of the program are delivery opportunities: matching qualified, enthusiastic sailors under 30 with skippers and boats that need crew for relocations and return passages. These trips often involve long, scenic coastal routes—from races back to home ports, or boat moves between regions.

But they’re not just a ride—they’re an education.

Why It Matters

These deliveries offer something no classroom can:

• Real-world watchkeeping routines
• Passage planning and routing experience
• Navigation and night sailing
• Sail handling in varied offshore conditions
• Exposure to life at sea and the teamwork it demands

It’s a safe, supportive way for young sailors to build confidence, log miles, and make the leap from the harbour to the horizon.

Who’s It For?

Young sailors who want to go further—literally and figuratively

Skippers and owners looking to support the next generation while gaining capable, enthusiastic crew

If you’re ready to learn, we’ll help you find a boat. If you’ve got a boat, we’ll help you help us build the next generation of offshore sailors.

ORCV Annual Awards Evening 2025

Celebrating those who sail. Honouring those who make it possible. ORCV Annual Awards Evening 2025

What an incredible evening! The 2025 ORCV Annual Awards Night brought together sailors, volunteers, and supporters for a night filled with laughter, warmth, and unforgettable memories. From heartfelt speeches to well-deserved accolades, the energy in the room was electric — a true reflection of the community spirit that makes offshore sailing so special.

In fact, the toughest task of the night might’ve been getting everyone to move on to the bar — a sure sign of the rich conversations and deep connections shared throughout the evening. That sense of camaraderie is what sailing is all about, and you brought it in spades.

We were honoured to welcome guest speaker Elizabeth Tucker, whose journey from keen sailor to accomplished ocean racer left us inspired and proud. Elizabeth’s story is one of courage, resilience, and determination — and we can’t wait to see what’s next on her horizon.

A special thank you also to Dave Kenny for taking us back to the legendary Melbourne to Osaka yacht race. His moving reflection reminded us of the endurance, grit, and passion that define long-distance offshore racing — and of the powerful legacy that race continues to hold in our community.

This year’s award recipients truly represent the best of our club:

🏆 Youth Sailor of the Year – Will Farnell

🏆 Crew Encouragement Award – Courtney Mead

🏆 Ocean Racer of the Year – Cameron McKenzie

🏆 Volunteer of the Year – Neville Rose

🏆 Community Service Award – Rob and Sue Tanner, Steve Twentyman, Neville Rose, Delma and Grant Dunoon, Adam Manders, and Paul Pascoe

Each of these individuals and teams have gone above and beyond — on deck, behind the scenes, and within our sailing community.

You can relive the evening now — event photos are live on our Facebook page.

We were also treated to a special surprise — a heartfelt video message from Pip Hare, thanking the ORCV community for helping her get back to the UK after her visit to Melbourne. You can watch it here:

 Like, tag, and share with your crew! If you snapped your own favourite moments, we’d love to see those too — send them our way or tag us online.

To everyone who joined us: thank you. You made the night joyful, warm, and full of heart. Here’s to more races, more stories, and more nights like this one. Special thanks to Melissa Warren for donating a magnum of champagne for the Raffel prize.

Photo credits to Shaun McKenna of Media Strategy