Short Course Offshore Sprint, Great Test for Crew
Fleet upon starting as seen by the Race Directors at Point Nepean Photo Ryan Blackstock
Sporty conditions with shifting winds greeted the thirteen boats in the third race of the West Offshore Products Coastal Sprint on Bass Strait, with Ginan winning overall on AMS.
The thirteen-boat fleet started in daylight from Queenscliff in 10–15 knots of south-westerly wind, passing through Port Phillip Heads into a short, choppy sea state, setting up the first challenge for those on their maiden ocean race.
Cam McKenzie, co-skipper of Ginan, the J111, explained, “The coastal sprints are a great short course (approx. 35nm) and provide the opportunity to race offshore, a great test for new crew”
“This race we had Nes Srijumnong, a current participant in the KISS program (keelboat introduction to sailing savvy), with Jo McKenzie, a graduate of the previous KISS program.
“Nes completed the delivery back from Hobart in January, with this being her first offshore race, which she handled well.”
Ginan crew after winning the race Photo Cam McKenzie
Ginan led at the start and was first to the rounding mark outside the heads with Shimmer and Cadibarra close behind.
The initial conditions on leg one favoured the heavier Hanse 505, Shimmer, skippered by Steve Twentyman, who took advantage of the pressure by sailing lower and closer to the tack line, rounding the first mark ahead of Ginan and Cadibarra.
With winds continually shifting and easing throughout the day, Ginan’s decision to head east on leg two proved advantageous, allowing them to regain and extend their lead during the second leg and spinnaker run to the finish. Ginan secured first overall on AMS, ORC and PHS, finishing ahead of Cadibarra in second.
Shimmer chasing Cadibarra and Ginan at the start Photo Shaun McKenna
The Coastal Sprint Series continues to play a broader role within the ORCV program, providing crews with valuable offshore experience in a manageable, short-course and daylight race format.
Jeremy Capon, newbie skipper of the Wauquiez C40 yacht, Freeloader, described the race as “fantastic, the perfect way to dip our toe into ocean sailing.
“It was a steep learning curve for all of us, being our first time ocean racing, as we learnt how to set sails in a swell and deal with what the ocean throws at you before taking on a longer or multi-day race.”
Skipper Philip Cox said it “was a challenging day” for his smaller boat Valiant, an Adams 10.6, citing oscillating winds and the added challenge of avoiding an incoming oil tanker soon after the start meant they lost ground to the bigger boats.
Phil added, “A boat shouldn’t be left in the pen; it needs to be sailed. I race because it teaches me how to sail better, and this race allowed three regular crew members the opportunity to try coastal sailing for the first time as well.”
Conditions moderated towards the end of the race Photo Agata Kobus
The West Offshore Coastal Sprints continues to underline its value as both a competitive proving ground and a training platform for offshore sailors. With results contributing to the overall Coastal Championship Series alongside the Apollo Bay Race in May, crews are building confidence, capability and cohesion ahead of longer challenges.
For many, the results tell only part of the story. While Ginan takes the honours, the real outcome is a fleet better prepared for the demands of offshore racing, stronger, more experienced, and ready for what Bass Strait has to offer next.
Sam (front) a multiple youth national champion ready for his first race on Shimmer Photo Shaun McKenna
For full results click here https://www.orcv.org.au/results/2025-26/sprints/series.htm?ty=70386
Entries for the Apollo Bay race on May 23rd are open here https://www.orcv.org.au/apollo-bay
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