Quadruple treat for Damien King in 70^th Anniversary Race to Apollo Bay

A quadruple treat for Damien King on Margaret Rintoul V (MRV), who took line and overall honours under AMS and ORC while celebrating his 50^th birthday in the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s (ORCV) 70^th anniversary Apollo Bay Race on the weekend, with Ginan and Arcadia filling out the top three.

King’s yacht finished in 5 hours 57mins 35secs, falling short of the 5h 24m 04s race record set by Peter Blake’s Kaos way back in 1999, but MRV won overall by a resounding 42 minutes.

600 MRV Damien King Photo Credit Steb Fisher

Damien King at the helm of Margaret Rintoul V - Steb Fisher pic

Because of the tide, it was a very early start for the 39 boats in the 52 nautical mile race, which started at 6 am from Queenscliff. The fleet was blanketed by a dark sky, the only light visible emanating from lights on the yachts.

South-westerly winds of 10 to 20 knots gave the fleet a fast reaching ‘drag race’ from the start and along the Great Ocean Road to the finish.

Pods of smiling dolphins raced alongside numerous boats - and kept up - while a rainbow stretched across the course area. What a way to celebrate the 70^th race!

600 Rainbow taken from Hot Chipps Rubein Gilles pic

Rainbow taken from Hot Chipps - Rubein Gilles pic

“We had a very good run, but a very cold early start,” King said. Heaps of dolphins put a smile on everyone’s faces. We didn’t do any tacks. We started on starboard and stayed that way. The only thing we did was put up a Code Zero till the wind went forward and down it came.

“It was my 50^th birthday, so a great way to celebrate and we all enjoyed it,” commented King, who said he and the crew prepared the boat well beforehand.

“We had an outstanding crew with lots of experience: America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean race sailors and Olympians. We usually sail with 10, but sailed with 13, for the fact that everyone was there celebrating my birthday.”

King ended by saying, “I’m a big fan of what the ORCV does. They are great organisers and do what they do with passion and style. They couldn’t be more helpful, making it an effortless process for competitors to race.”

The race is also a great race for those trying ocean racing for the first time, as it is an enjoyable shorter destination race. The ORCV works to inspire others to come try ocean racing whether that be their partner clubs or newcomers from various programs. Among them this year were three from Apollo Bay Sailing Club, including Anton Tibbits who began sailing 10 years ago.

Tibbits, who raced on Cyrus Allen's White Spirit said his attraction “was to gain more experience. I’d watched the race finish over many years and had always wanted to sail in it.”

600 Anton Tibbets Photo Cyrus Allen

Anton Tibbets steering White Spirit - Cyrus Allen's pic

The race also attracted graduates from the ORCVs 2022 Beyond the Bay program. Serendipity (Dean Davenport) and French Bred (Tim Hosking), proving the program has the desired effect.

ORCV’s newly commissioned Race Van undertook skeds along the way and ensured a welcoming home out of the conditions for race officials. As part of the Club’s latest initiatives in offshore races, crews took part in water sampling along the race track, which will be tested.

The Apollo Bay Race also decides the ORCVs champions for the season.Ryujin (Alex Toomey) won the Offshore Championship, while Ginan (Nigel Jones and Cam McKenzie) won the Coastal Championship.

“We’re overjoyed to be the Offshore champions,” Toomey said of winning the Perry Fletcher trophy.

600 Ryujin Photo Steb Fisher

Ryujin won the Offshore Championship - Steb Fisher pic

“Our main focus was the double-handed component of offshore races, but we’ve also done a few races fully crewed, including the Apollo Bay Race. Three of our crew had never done an offshore race, so it’s good to introduce a few new people who enjoyed it and will continue to race.

“We sailed five up, which was a bit of a challenge. Sudsy (well-known yachtie David Sudano) sailed with us. He also helped us a lot with boat preparation for the Melbourne to Hobart. He’s a good sailor.

“It’s been a fantastic year being able to do 50^thMelbourne to Hobart, the 70^th Apollo Bay and the 51^st King Island Race. It’s a milestone year for the ORCV. I always enjoy their events, they put so much energy into their races,” Toomey finished.

Apollo Bay Race Results

AMS Overall

1^st MRV (Damien King)

2^nd Ginan (Nigel Jones Cam Mckenzie)

3^rd Arcadia (Peter Davison)

Division 1:

1^st MRV (Damien King)

2^nd Ginan (Nigel Jones Cam Mckenzie)

3^rd Arcadia (Peter Davison)

Division 2

1^st Valiant (Jason Farnell) 2^nd How Bizarre (Scott Robinson) 3^rd Vertigo R935 (Timothy Olding)

ORC Overall

1^st MRV,

2^nd Ginan

3^rd Carrera S (Gerry Cantwell)

Division 1

1^st MRV 2^nd Ginan3^rd Carrera S

Division 2

1^st How Bizarre

2^nd Aileron (Leo Cantwell) 3^rd Alien (Justin Brenan)

PHS Overall

1^st Hot Chipps (John Chipp)

2^nd MRV (also won the Sam Ferrier Perpetual Trophy)

3^rd Soiree Bleu (Douglas Lithgow)

Division 1

1^st MRV 2^nd Soiree Bleu 3^rd Arcadia

Division 2

1^st Hot Chipps 2^nd Weekend Option (Michael Culhane) 3^rd Valiant (Jason Farnell)

Double Handed overall

1^st Blue Water Tracks (Grant Dunoon/Neville Rose) 2^nd Maverick (Anthony Hammond) 3^rd Alex Team MacAdie (Jock MacAdie)

Multihull

1^st Peccadillo (Charles Meredith)

Line Honours: Monohull – MRV; Multihull - Peccadillo

Full results: https://www.orcv.org.au/results/2022-23/2023M2AB/series.htm?ty=82622. Click or tap if you trust this link." data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="2">https://www.orcv.org.au/results/2022-23/2023M2AB/series.htm?ty=82622

70th Anniversary Race Updates

12 noon Update

The first boats have now finished the 70th anniversary Melbourne Apollo Bay race.

Congratulations to MRV skipper by Damien King who has taken Line Honours (Monohull) at 11:57:35 which is 33 minutes 31 seconds behind the current race record set by Skipper Peter Blake on Kaos back in 1999. A great race and still an excellent result for MRV as they sail home as they enjoy the glorious sunshine and fantastic race with this being also Damien 50th birthday.

Congratulation to Peccadillo, skipper by Charles Meredith the multihull in this year's race who may have set a new record for multihulls finishing at 10:59:54.

Follow up on Facebook for more up to date results.

8 am Race Update

As daylight has come, we receive photos from onboard various yachts as they sail in what can be described as a "drag race" to the finish as they close out what has been a fantastic ocean season with this historic 70th-anniversary race to Apollo Bay.

The Race Directors expect the first boat MRV to finish somewhere around midday and possibly just outside the 24-year-old race record of 5hr, 24 min and 4 sec set in 1999 by skipper Peter Blake on Kaos.

It is expected that the weather will hold all day with 13 - 15knots from the NW giving all a great race right to the end.

Enjoy a few photos from the race with big smiles on Anton Tibbits, local and enthusiast sailor from Apollo Bay and first time on the ocean from sailor Mark Swinn.

from Pegasus after the start Photo Christian Kenfield

Just point at the finish and sail. Photo Christian Kenfield

Anton Tibbits Apollo Bay Sailor on White Spirit Photo Photo Cyrus Allen

Anton Tibbits Apollo Bay Sailor has watched this race arrive for the past 10 years,
now he's part of it. Photo Cyrus Allen

7 am On-water update from Blue Water Tracks

6am Update 27th May.

The 70th-anniversary race to Apollo Bay started on time at 6am in 15 knots of wind from the NW. It was MRV that lead the fleet from the start and who were first through the heads. Ginan, Arcadia, Hot Chipps, How Bizarre, Cadibarra, Jaffa and Shimmer are all closely following. The winds are predicted to hold all day making for a fast race and quick race.

From a strong fleet of 43 entrants, we sadly are missing starts from Extasea (engine problems), JokerX2, Siesta, French Bred (sail damaged) and Faster Forward.

You can follow the fleet via Marine Traffic or check back in here.

Local Join the 70th Race to Apollo Bay

Our destination races foster connections and the opportunity to share our passion for ocean racing with partner clubs like the Apollo Bay Sailing Club. This year, three dedicated Flying 15 sailors from the Apollo Bay Sailing Club will be joining the fleet embarking on the momentous 70th Anniversary race to Apollo Bay.

Anton Tibbets, who has been eagerly observing the race's arrival for the past decade, will be setting sail aboard White Spirit. He's been watching the weather and is keen to learn how more about strategic race planning, navigation, and teamwork on a larger vessel, Anton is eagerly looking forward to the exhilarating challenges that lie ahead.

Teaming up with his trusted sailing partner Rob Van Geneijgen, Igor Tesic will be navigating the waters on board Cadibarra.

Igor and Rob

As they approach Apollo Bay, their local knowledge may prove advantageous in navigating the unpredictable winds off Cape Patton and the eddies surrounding the harbour.

Apollo Bay offers numerous vantage points to witness the fleet's arrival, whether it be from the break wall, the back greens of the golf course, or the breathtaking heights of Wild Dog Road. It's sure going to be a spectacle and thrilling race with the current weather predictions.

Photo: Igor and Rob taken by Mick Slater

Final reminders - 70th Apollo Bay Race

It's been a big season and what a way to close it out as we celebrate the 70th anniversary race to Apollo Bay. Thank you for being part of his historic race.

Sailing Instructions

If you haven't already located them please click on this link https://www.orcv.org.au/apollo-bay-race-documents

Harbour Entry for Apollo Bay -

Updated sounding (taken 24th May) for the Apollo Bay Harbour can be found here Please note their depth at the time of measurement and remember to take this off the sounding noted. The lead lines changed about 5 years ago and run straight through the middle of the entrance not near the rock wall.

Celebrating the 70th

For those coming in to stay, as you arrive, the Apollo Bay Sailing Club have supported the race for years and this year will have some “post-race, pre-dinner” cold beers ready. Join other crews here at the ABSC clubhouse, adjacent to the marina. Then we have space at the Apollo Bay Brewhouse set aside and invite you to come and join the crews for a meal and hopefully the presentation. The Brewhouse has suggested you book a table via this link https://www.greatoceanroadbrewhouse.com.au/book/ and add ORCV into the notes so we are collectively grouped together in a covered beer garden. Meals can be ordered up to 8.00 pm.

Presentation

We have a bottle of champagne on ice for the overall winner and a collection of other prizes to celebrate the 70th. Just keep an eye out for the Race Director’s SMS for the time that they plan to run the 70th presentation at the Brewhouse.

Photos, Yes we love competitions

Let us be part of your adventure by sharing your images with us. Please take crew photos, scenery, on water action shots either on your way to the start or if conditions allow during the race. You can share them with us via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via this races

All photos need to be taken by yourself and must be made by 5 pm on Sunday 28th May. The best photo is in the running for $75 towards a training event or ORCV merchandise. Don't forget to include your name and boat name.

We would like to use any photos to build the sport, increase participation, in media releases and talk about your great results of boat finishing posts.

Staying Overnight

These boats have indicated they will be staying over and have submitted forms to the Apollo Bay Harbour Master.

Aileron, Alien, Another Chapter, Dark & Stormy, Duxelle, Hot Chipps, Merlion, Peccadillo, Pegasus, Rozinante II, Serendipity, Skullduggery, Streetcar Racing, Vertigo, White Spirit, Xenia, Y Knot

It’s not too late if you wish to stay over, please download this form and submit it to the harbour master who will collect your payment. Allocations will be made based on time of arrival and will be given via the Duty Manager Marcus Pola either via mobile 0418 320 441 or on VHF Channel 72. Please note, you may be rafting so please ensure you bring fenders and ropes.

How to Follow the Race and Leave at Home Documents

As this is a coastal race, your friends and family can follow our Facebook , Instagram, website and can follow many who have AIS on marine traffic. The Leave at Home and Sked sheets are ready for you here too.

Clean Oceans.

Some boats will be doing water testing on the journey. As with all ORCV races, we encourage each boat and competitor to reduce the level of single-use plastic on board by using reusable water bottles, using boat cutlery and plates, refilling onboard and taking food in reusable containers. Apollo Bay has natural beauty and a community that is focused on sustainability.

Enjoy the beautiful weather and what's going to be an amazing 70th Great Ocean Road "Sail"

Tim & Delma
ORCV Media

Double-handed Ryujin wins Apollo Bay Race

Sailed double-handed by owner Alex Toomey and crew-mate Andrew Hibbert, Ryujin has won the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s (ORCV) 2022 Apollo Bay Race, in which Margaret Rintoul V (Damien King) took line honours in a close race across the board.

Ruyjin smaller Photo Chris Furey Sailed double handed, Ryujin won the race. Photo Chris Furey

A fleet of 31 boats started the 52 nautical mile race. Ryujin, a Sayers 12, beat Jason Close’s J133, Patriot by a slim 14 second margin to claim overall victory under AMS, also winning PHS and Double-Handed divisions. At the front of the fleet, King’s Frers 61 crossed the finish ahead of Extasea, the Cookson 50 owned by Paul Buchholz but skippered by Simon Hunter in his absence, by a mere 55 seconds.

Starting under the cover of dark in drizzling rain at 6am on Saturday, following a 15 minute delay as officials waited for the breeze to fill in, Margaret Rintoul V (MRV) led the fleet out of Port Phillip Heads. Her finish time of 5 hours 58mins 31secs fell 24 minutes shy of Kaos’ (Peter Blake) 1999 record of 5 hours 34mins 4secs.

Dark start view from Alien Photo Glen Cowan A dark start, View from Alien Photo Glen Cowan

Crews enjoyed a reaching race, owners selecting their light air sails to start. However, by 10.30am, winds had built to 18 knots, gusting to 30 from the north, with squalls and bullets coming off the land. Unprepared for the ferocity, quite a few are putting money into the pockets of sailmakers today.

MRV will full gear up, was just ahead of Extasea, which had two reefs in the main. According to the Race Directors, MRV was heeling so far over, it appeared her gear was touching the water.

“We had ever sail up, but we had a reef in the main for a bit,” King confirmed. “It’s an old-school heavy sort of boat (German Frers design built in 1996) with a big rudder, so it can take the conditions better than the modern boats. We had a great time.

“We used our new Code Zero with our other near-new sails built for the Hobart, all from Aaron Cole at North Sails. We used them all in combination with each other. Our Code Zero, asymmetrical, jib, inner jib and main. We finished with full main and normal working jib.

“Extasea sailed higher than us in less breeze, so it made their conditions a little tougher than ours. They were getting squalls above them, while we were to leeward, so it was easier.”

King said new systems and new technology had been added to the boat, “So we can sail an older boat easily.”

As always, the Melbourne sailor fielded an eclectic crew: Mark Willett (nicknamed ‘LR’, for Long Race, because of Whitbread and other long races he has done), Aaron Cole, Eliza Solly, Jeremy O’Connell, Ben Morrison-Jack, Jonathan Orr and Mark Byrne.

MRV Crew Shot Photo Damien King The happy MRV crew Photo Damien King

“The catering was good. We had the oven running the whole time. I don’t think we’ll need to eat for the rest of the week. Jonny (Orr), a regular crew, filled in for our usual caterer, Matt Mullins (a renowned Victorian publican) and did a great job.

“Eliza trims spinnaker. We didn’t have the perfect start, but we managed to leave the Heads first and she led the charge,” King ended.

Ryujin, sailing for CPR Australia, “a good supporter,” Toomey says, wasn’t far behind the leaders throughout. It was Toomey’s first double-handed ocean race, so an amazing result for the pair.

“Andy is part of my regular crew and we’ve wanted to do offshore racing two-handed. Since moving to Melbourne two years ago, we’ve got to know each other and push each other hard. I really enjoy sailing with him and I’m looking forward to more. ” Toomey said.

On the race to Apollo Bay, “We’ve been able to keep up with the Cookson 50, in this and the King Island Race. We were up with them this time but broke the tackline, Toomey said.

“There was lots of reefing, switching the Jib Top and the A3 spinnaker and moving the water ballast. We were pushing very hard. We were very determined. When we saw MRV we pushed harder and as we did, she got bigger. “It’s a good incentive having bigger boats in front of you,” he said.

Dolphin shot below Archie in AB 2022 Photo Glen Cowan Dolphin paves the path for Archie. Photo Glen Cowan

In Bass Strait, competitors reported pods of dolphins egging them on as they leapt through the waves. As the fleet approached Apollo Bay, the grey day was replaced by blue skies, with crews bathed in sunshine. Those who elected to sail back to Melbourne after the race enjoyed a glorious full moon home. It was a perfect end to a hard day on the water.

The final race of the ORCVs summer season each year, the Apollo Bay Race decides the Coastal Championship and the Offshore Championship. The Coastal Championship was decided in favour of John Strahan’s True Colours on a countback with Jeff Sloan’s Archie.

The ORCV Offshore Championship came down to the wire, with Alien (Justin Brenan), Audere (Joshua Thring), Vertigo (Timothy Olding), Vagabond (Andrew McConchie) and newcomer Foggy Dew (Robert D’Arcy), in the running. Alien came out on top in the end.

Alien crew smaller Photo Glen Cowan A glorious sunrise for Alien crew. Photo Glen Cowan

Top three results:

AMS

1. Ryujin (Alex Toomey/Andrew Hibbert)
2. Patriot (Jason Close)
3. Tevake II (Paul Neilson)

ORC

1. Patriot
2. Alien (Justin Brenan)
3. Bandit (Ashley Trebilcock)

PHS

1. Ryujin
2. Alien
3. Margaret Rintoul V (Damien King)

Double-Handed

1. Ryujin
2. Blue Water Tracks (Grant Dunoon)
3. Spirit of Freya (Joanne Harpur)

PHS Multihull

1. Shadowfax II

Line Honours

Margaret Rintoul V

Full results: https://www.orcv.org.au/results/2021-22/2022M2AB/series.htm?ty=52760

Quadruple treat for Damien King in 70^th Anniversary Race to Apollo Bay