Melbourne to Osaka (M2O from 05/04/13)

Sage.

Yes. The following is some very sage advice, from a man who has completed the M2O twice before. Robin Hewitt's other pair of mitts for both times he did this magnificent two handed event, was the ORCV's Vice Commodore, Simon Dryden. Robin has been kind enough to develop the following material for potential entrants in the great race.

Robin has taken the Miller and Whitworth penned, Yoko, to Osaka twice - with thanks to Steb Fisher for this image of her, taken during the 2010 M2G.

Herewith is his three-step plan for you, to help you manage the process of entering and more importantly, preparing for, the Melbourne to Osaka two handed race.

ONE

The yacht must comply, in all respects, to the safety aspects of Category Zero for the regulations of the year specified, which will probably be 2010 or 2011. The Notice of Race will most likely have some amendments, as Cat0 is modelled for very cold water, like the Atlantic, whereas the M2O operates primarily in warmer areas.

The safety auditors are volunteers and must follow to the letter, all of the regulations, as also must the Race Committee. Don’t leave the interpretation of the regulations to chance - eg. If the mid-lifeline height must be not be more than 380 mm above deck, 381mm will not be accepted, so do something about before the audit. Stability, builder's and designer's certificates have all brought entries undone because they cannot be obtained at short notice, like a lot of crucial paperwork, so get these solved early. Conversely, incorrect flare dates can be rectified at the last minute - just sign the cheque or wave the card!

Remember, everything to comply with the NOR takes long-term preparation and needs be started very, very early.

TWO

Being able to enter and then be accepted is your No. 1 mission. Being competitive or able to sail at your absolute best is No. 2. Planning and financing the sailing is of no use if you cannot pass Step One, above. The qualifying voyage is not necessarily an early requirement, but it and others can teach you lots! Your co-skipper needs to be very compatible and have a mature, tolerant outlook.

In a fully crewed yacht, decisions are acted upon by consensus of the majority. In the two handed situation, there can only be agreement or a difference of opinion, which may degenerate into an ego contest. It requires having a firm objective for the race and what is required to be achieved. Consider differences in terms of ‘your watch = your way AND my watch = my way’.

Remember long distance sailing is just not about ability, it is also endurance! A big effort today will probably mean a very poor effort tomorrow! Do you push the yacht to high-risk limits early in the race? Will you then have only damaged sails and gear for the rest of the race? Or maybe have to retire. Consider tactical and strategic aspects of the voyage, the boat, expected weather and equipment that suits. What is your food plan and preparation facilities? Do you have suitable communications, not just for the regulations, but also socially, for looking after those back home. Loneliness can be a factor for some. You will also need to develop a return trip arrangement or plan.

THREE

This is the wish list and it may well be desirable, but it is certainly not essential! It may also be possible, if there's enough funds, which there won’t be, but you may be able to tick some of your desires off.

CONCLUSION

Make your three lists with all the required regulations and then tick each item off, as it is covered or prepared. This means you will be running the sailing and equipment lists/steps concurrently. For sure you'll want to tick them off, but also remember to review both lists frequently. Ultimately, get to the wish list last and not get blinded by it.

Sponsorship can make a very big difference, but there has to be a balance between the time spent obtaining it, then servicing it and getting on with the business of ticking off the all important lists.

Go HERE to register your interest in this sensational race.

Go HERE to see who has already expressed their desire to participate.

By Robin Hewitt with John Curnow

© ORCV Media

Please contact me for re-issue rights.