ORCV Melbourne to Geelong (M2G on 11/09/10)

Newest of the new.

The newest of the new. Well, there is a bit of new around. You see, the newest of the new, is the now up-and-running non-spinnaker division, which is of course new to the M2G for 2010. The newest entrant in the newest of the new category is Julian Fox's 1985 Holland 25, Nerius, from our hosts at the RGYC. "We're cruising up on Friday 10th September and then overnighting at Docklands with the M2G on Saturday. We have raced on other yachts, but this is our first race on our new yacht Nerius - excited to see how she goes!" Excellent news Julian and we look forward to seeing you out there, as well.

As a result of Nerius' entry, they now number four and also have the brand spanking new 2010 model Hanse 375, Graf Spee, amongst them. She's owned by Paul and Deanne Koelmeyer from the Royal Brighton Yacht Club. In charge of her for the M2G is our current FDU Poster Girl, Patricia Laverty. (See HERE for a reminder.)

Patricia with Nick McGuigan - "See nice photo of Nick and I winning the Associates Cup in May (Lady Skipper RBYC) .... more to come!" She's going to kill me, but I still think the FDU Hero Pic is better.

"This is our first race with Republica (below), as it is my new acquisition", said her owner, Ignazio Paolini (Ed. And there is that new word again). "The M2G is a test run for us, which is the reason we have chosen non-spinnaker, this time. Hope to meet up with you." Thank you Ignazio. I do look forward to meeting you, as well, so don't listen to a word all the yachties will be saying to you now that you've spoken up!

So then. The ORCV is appreciative and delighted that the 'news' have been so readily accepted and taken up. From the inaugural M2G last year, to this year's two cruising divisions. Cheers. Of course, there's more 'news' to come, the latest of which is the announcement of the cruising division for the 2010, Melbourne to Launceston. The M2L is Australia's oldest ocean race and places you in middle of the most fun on the Bay at the busiest time of year. You end up in one of the country's most celebrated food and wine districts, so what really could be better?! You can read a little more about that, right HERE.

We'll have some more 'news' popping out shortly, which will make those items the newest of the new. In the meantime, thank you and most importantly - happy sailing!

One last bit of new, before the M2G rev up, is that the first boats away will be the 41 in racing and they will be followed by all 25 in the cruising divisions. That will be a great spectacle, especially as in the former you have 66 down to 30 and in the latter it is 65 down to 25. Can't wait for the shots actually.

Russell Walton's San Miguel is the fourth member of the no kites category.

RIGHT THEN - the M2G is nearly upon us, but you can still enter the division of your choice, right HERE. We have a new NOR V1.20 and new SIs V1.10 (former valid as of 08/09/10 and latter valid as of 04/09/10). Please read ASAP.

Need more convincing??? Read on.

CRUISING - with and also without Spinnakers

You may wish to join all the other vessels heading off on this great passage event and yet not want to have to organise a massive crew or get too busy to have a whole lot of fun. Solution - join one of the Cruising Divisions, even if you have been in the Racing Divisions previously.

Pretty Woman was the first to cross over to a cruising division for this particular event, then 2009 Melbourne to Hobart Eastcoaster racer, Biddy Hu II showed up on the cruising roster and won R5 of the MWS to boot. ORCV favourirtes Magic and Independent Endeavour did the same, as well and Caledonia moved from a possibility to starter, just recently. As of now, Ocean Safari have booked in, so that leaves Vantage (who went last year too) and Dream from our original wish list and we'll add in White Swan, just for good measure.

No matter what you have done previously, you can choose from either the Cruising with Spinnakers Division or Cruising without Spinnakers. Our first entry from the latter is Republica of RBYC and she now has two more pals and you can get in that mix too. So if you don't want to be fussed getting the coloured rags out, then get the boat out of the pen, the wine from the cellar and the cheese and biscuits from the galley bench and come have a sail.

RACING - IRC, AMS and PHS

Now whilst we're at it, yet another reminder that as R6 was the last of the laid course events, it is only the penultimate of the 2010 MWS. The final event is the M2G on 11/09/10.

There's even a few of those in the 41 that are even coming out of their Winter retirement, just to be amongst it all. So it shows that you do not even have to have been doing the whole MWS to join for this great passage race. Look at Peregrine, Remedy and Yoko!

All the extra Racing Division entries have helped to have you well in front of the new Cruising Division, of which there are now 25 entries. Last year, a total 51 boats went to Geelong and this year it is 66. So if you want to be in it, then it's time to get a wiggle on, eh? BTW. FREE, yes we said free, so long as you entered the entire MWS. FREE!!!!!!!!!!

OK. If you entered the entire MWS, then you're already automatically entered into this race too, but you do need to complete some more information for this particular race. As highlighted, you can also just enter the M2G race only, if you like, but I guess that means you're giving the game away about your favourite pastime after sailing - partying!!!

The full MWS results to date are HERE.

Click HERE to go and complete your online entry if you're already doing the MWS.

Click HERE to go and complete your online entry for just the M2G race only and it looks like this, below:

If you' ve got the boat tied up to the quay and think you should give it a run, then do. The M2G is a passgae race and if you do not want to be in with all the racers, even if you normally are, then go in one of the Cruising Divisions. While you're at it, get your clubmates to come along as well. Why? Party. That's why...

© John Curnow, ORCV Media

Please contact me for re-issue rights.

	The Colts (Sydney 38s) are having their own fight within the battle - many thanks to Ullman Sails for providing the prize.
Thank you to Monica Tonner and Richard Hunter from SYC for ensuring Steb had a ride and we, therefore, have all that imagery that seems to go down an absolute treat.		We'll be seeing the team at Geelong, pretty soon indeed.