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

Offshore at 16: Will Farnell, the ORCV's Youth Sailor of the Year 2025

 Will helming on Smuggler with Tim Davis / Photo provided by Will Farnell

The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) is proud to announce Will Farnell as the recipient of the 2025 Youth Sailor of the Year award—a young sailor whose love for the sea runs generations deep and whose commitment to the sport has already made waves far beyond his years.

At just 16, Will has clocked up more offshore miles than many adult sailors. But his story doesn’t start with trophies or accolades—it begins with family.

Will's sailing roots stretch back to Bendigo, where his grandfather Harry Farnell first discovered sailing. After the family moved to Geelong, “Pa” became a member at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club and passed his passion for the water down to Will’s father, and eventually to Will and his sister.

Will on the helm of his father's boat Valiant / Photo by Tom Smeaton, Provided by Will Farnell

“My first memories of sailing are going out on Pa’s Van de Stadt 23 on Wednesday nights,” Will reflects. “I was about ten. It was just me and him—or maybe one other person. That’s where I really started learning. We’d rig the boat together after school, and I began understanding how everything worked.”

Will (far right) with father Jason (far left) on 'Pa's' boat with fellow sailing friends Charley S and Josh G / Photo provided by Will Farnell

In 2017, he took up cadet dinghy sailing, but it was keelboats that really sparked his curiosity. While most of his peers were learning to trim sails on smaller boats, Will—thanks to those early Wednesday night sails—was already managing winches and learning how to make tactical decisions.

That head start has seen him rise quickly. In the past three years alone, he’s:

• Completed three Apollo Bay races, with his dad, Jason Farnell on their Adams 10 - Valiant
• Competed in his first ocean race at just 14
• Delivered Iain Murray 37 Dark and Stormy to Sydney
• Returned Chutzpah (Reichel/Pugh Caprice 40) from Hobart to Melbourne
• Crewed on Smuggler (TP52) during a race for the Festival of Sails—after jokingly asking to join while walking past and also completed a delivery with them, with Tim Davis on board

Will credits his time offshore with building not just sailing skills but discipline and self-reliance. “In cadets, you go home to a warm bed. In ocean racing, you’ve got to stay dry, stay warm, and take care of yourself—so others can rely on you too.”

He’s already completed ORCV’s Foredeck Essentials Course, led by Peter Dowdney—“I learned the most about dip-pole gybing,” he says—and spent the last two years working at his local shipwright (DYSC Marine Supplies) in Geelong, deepening his network and staying close to the action.

Those who’ve raced alongside him describe him as calm, curious, and quietly determined. He doesn’t shout his achievements. He listens, watches, asks questions—and takes every opportunity seriously.

Asked how he felt about receiving the award, Will is characteristically humble: “It’s something to be proud of. I’m grateful.”

What’s next? “I’d love to do a race around the world. Maybe go to Europe and just keep sailing—regattas, deliveries, whatever I can. I don’t want to work inside.”

With plans in motion for a future double-handed Hobart campaign with his dad, and likely entry into this year’s Devonport race aboard Dark and Stormy, Will is proving that age is no barrier to big ambitions.

From backyard boat builds to the bows of TP52s, Will Farnell is charting a course that’s all his own—and the ORCV couldn’t be prouder to see him grow on the journey.

By Melissa Warren/ORCV Media

Celebrating Lee Renfree: Australian Sailing Recognition & KISS Program Success

The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria proudly celebrates Lee Renfree's well-deserved recognition by Australian Sailing for her exceptional contributions to our sport. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights what we at ORCV have long known—that Lee's visionary leadership and dedication have transformed the sailing landscape for women across Victoria.

Making a Difference: Honouring Lee Renfree and the KISS Program

Published Thu 22 May 2025 Australian Sailing

In 2022, Lee Renfree had a vision of a program that would empower women on the water. The reality would be the KISS Program (Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy), which has seen 80 sailors get involved and counting. For National Volunteers Week, we celebrate Lee’s contribution to getting more women involved in sailing. 

Born in a town on the Murray River, water and boats have always been a part of Lee’s life. Her sailing journey began while on holiday in Vanuatu, inspired by none other than Kay Cottee, the first woman to sail solo non-stop around the world.  

Since then, she and her husband have sailed over 15,000 nautical miles double-handed with three decades spent at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. Lee has held leadership roles in clubs across Victoria and Tasmania, including as Commodore of Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club and is a Life Member of the Cruising Yacht Association of Victoria.  

Her most enduring contribution to the sailing community has been the creation of the KISS Program. Launched during her tenure as the first female Commodore in Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club’s 60-year history, the KISS Program was born out of desire to challenge the status quo and empower women on the water. 

“Women are often the silent partner in the ownership of the family yacht,” Lee said. “They very rarely get the most out of this magnificent experience. There is nothing quite like being at the helm in the ocean on a moonlit night or having the satisfaction of navigating a vessel safely into port.” 

By providing a space for women to learn, grow and take the helm - literally and figuratively - Lee has helped transform fear into freedom. 

“Knowledge is power. If I could share my knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the sport I love, other women could come on board and get more out of owning a boat. You can’t be what you can’t see - leading by example is my way to go.” 

Lee’s drive to volunteer stems from a deep commitment to empowering women through sailing. She’s witnessed firsthand how time on the water can build confidence, spark joy and open up new possibilities. Through her KISS Program - designed by women, for women - Lee is helping change the narrative in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sport. 

“Getting more women on the water and involved is what gets me out of bed in the morning. There is nothing like seeing the joy on their faces when they learn a new skill. I see their confidence in their own ability and value as a human being grow and their lives take off in directions they never thought possible,” she said.  

For Lee, volunteering is deeply personal and endlessly rewarding. “The most rewarding part of volunteering is knowing that my contribution enriches the lives of others and that I can truly make a difference in the world.” 

We commemorate Lee’s impact to steer change, uplift communities and chart a more inclusive future for sailing. Here’s Three Cheers for Lee! 

For more information about the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria and its activities, please visit www.orcv.org.au.