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.

Beautiful 'Belle' by Cas Bukor

Belle Brightens Grey Day with Clean Sweep at WHNR 2025

Belle triumphs in rough conditions during ORCV’s all-female-run WHNR, taking both Line Honours and PHS

MELBOURNE, July 29, 2025 — After months of planning and a strong return in 2022, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s Women’s Helm, Navigator, and Radio Operator Race (WHNR) made another inspiring comeback on Saturday 26 July, reigniting the club’s commitment to creating space for women in offshore racing.

The 26-nautical mile passage race from Royal Brighton Yacht Club (RBYC) to Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC) brought women to the forefront—with 72% of boats led by female sailors in helm, navigator, and radio roles. They were supported by 28% male boat owners and mentors, and the event was run entirely by ORCV’s all-female Race Management Team, led by Race Director Catherine North.

All female race management team - L to R Cas Bukor (photographer), Vicki Bayly (Radio Operator),  Marg Goddard (Incident mManagement Lead) and Catherine North (Race Director and Duxelle owner)

Race day dawned grey and wet, with loitering low-pressure systems overhead—but the energy from the crews couldn’t be dampened. Conditions began with calm seas and 10–15 knot northerlies, but built to gusts of over 20 knots and increasingly confused seas as the fleet neared the finish at the West Channel Pile.

The standout performance came from the 60-foot Belle, helmed by boat owner Kylie Balharrie, who spectacularly surfed under kite down the bay to take Line Honours and 1st PHS. Balharrie beamed, "Great day on the water today,,,,We loved every minute of the downwind race…Awesome day thanks everyone and ORCV for getting behind a fabulous race!”

Close behind was the 36’ X-yacht DuXelle, helmed by Rachel McGuigan (while boat owner Catherine North ran the race), who overcame an early jib issue and executed a perfect racing peel to climb back into contention and finish second on both line honours and PHS only 10 minutes behind Belle.

Duxelle changing jib, by Cas Bukor

Hot on her heels, Michelle Ruskin helmed the Beneteau 393 Martilse into 3rd, just 2.5 minutes behind DuXelle to secure 3rd PHS.

QCYC Commodore Hugh Pilsworth’s Wauquiez 41, Kiela 2, earned a double celebration with helm Pauline Liddiatt taking out the WHNR Novice Helm Award, said " This program has opened the door for me to overcome my doubts and move beyond just being a crew member on board.  I’ve now stepped into roles that carry and required real responsibility on a keelboat, and challenged my abilities.  It’s been a powerful shift from participating to leading.   This program and their mentors are there for you, - offering genuine support and encouragement to keep you sailing..."

Heidi Middleton winning the WHNR Radio Operator Award. Middleton shared, "...The most exciting thing about being a female sailor currently is the opportunity to grow and compete in sailing events that promote and nurture respect, inclusion and building confidence without shame. I now see that it’s totally possible to take on key roles and actually know that my team mates support me and trust me. Participating in the KISS Program and races like the ORCV WHNR means I can see myself doing far more than I ever imagined previously.”

The WHNR Navigators Award for best log documentation was awarded to Belinda Dalli, who joined She’s Apples II, a Jarkan 12.5, on short notice. “Winning the award has boosted my confidence and self belief that I can ‘do this’..., said Dalli, "...It has provided encouragement to continue on my sailing journey and become the best sailor I possibly can be.”

She's Apples II by Cas Bukor

After a long, cold, wet day on the bay, the welcome at QCYC was warm and lively—complete with a roaring fire, pizza oven, hearty comfort food, and a buzz of shared achievement. The camaraderie among crews was palpable.

What’s Next? A Growing Fleet. A Sharper Edge. A Call to Action.

This race had reignited something—now it’s time to build on it.

We’re calling on boat owners who believe in backing potential, and sailors ready to take command of their offshore journey. Whether you’re based in Melbourne, cruising down from Queensland, or crossing from South Australia—this race is gaining momentum, and we want you on the start line.

This isn’t a token event. It’s a proving ground—where confidence is built under pressure, and capability is recognised at every stage of the journey.

Click here to register your interest as a boat owner, volunteer or competitor for 2026

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.

Photo credits to Shaun McKenna of Media Strategy