2026 Apollo Bay Race Updates
You can follow the fleet on either Marine Traffic or Vessel Finder or your favourite AIS tracking system.
6 am Race Update – 2026 Apollo Bay Race
In the pre-dawn darkness, 32 yachts and 207 crew are underway in the 52nm race to Apollo Bay, enjoying light northerly winds of around 7 knots.
These gorgeous conditions are forecast to stay with the fleet throughout the day, setting up a spectacular downwind run along the stunning Great Ocean Road coastline.
Off the start, Ginan, How Bizarre and Wicked were quick to set the pace, before Phoenix 49 "rose up" through the fleet to become the first yacht through the heads, throwing down the challenge to the early leaders on the run toward Apollo Bay.
A favourite on the ORCV's offshore calendar, the Apollo Bay Race continues to attract newcomers stepping up to the challenge of a longer Category 3 race.
Joining the fleet for the first time this year are Freeloader, Minna, Azzura, Valiant, 11:11 and Hitchhiker, all drawn by the shorter offshore passage and iconic destination of Apollo Bay.
Keep an eye out for further updates here or follow the fleet live on Marine Traffic or Vessel Finder.
For more images and commentary, you can follow the fleet also on our Facebook and Instagram pages
Photo As the fleet started by Glen Cowan
7.30 am Race Update – 2026 Apollo Bay Race
The fleet is now splitting as the yachts work to keep clear of the pilot boarding grounds just outside the heads, with two distinct strategies beginning to unfold.
To the west, Phoenix 49 has pushed ahead and is now being chased by MRV, taking the inside route closer to Ocean Grove. Meanwhile, to the east of the pilot boarding grounds, Shimmer has edged ahead of Ginan and the main group, banking on a better angle for the long downwind run along the coast toward Apollo Bay. Keep an eye on this group as Tevake 11 and Vertigo set up a further challenge in this tightly packed eastern group.
With the sun now fully up, photos are flowing in from across the fleet, capturing a spectacular sunrise and what is shaping up to be a glorious day sailing the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay.
Check back in for more photos and updates with more photos on our social media channels. You can also follow the fleet on MarineTraffic or via Vessel Finder apps.
Sunrise from Aileron Photo Rachel McGuigan
