"West Offshore Products" Coastal Sprint Races is a new initiative from ORCV in response to skippers wanting more Category 3 races.

ORCV has launched a new Cat 3 Coastal Sprint Series in support of a growing fleet, and in response to skippers wanting more Category 3 races. The three-race series starts on 23 November with a Westernport return race. Race 2 is slated for 15 February and Race 3 for 10 April. All races are approximately 50nm, starting from Queenscliff and finish at Portsea back beach.  In addition, West Offshore Products has signed up to be the naming sponsor for the series.

The Series is a textbook training platform when combined with the popular Apollo Bay Race. Recognising a gap to be filled, ORCV conducted extensive research with Category 2 boat owners. A lot of these owners and their crews are on the fringes of considering Category 2 offshore races, which requires training, skill, confidence and investing in equipment.

Arcadia Photography Bruno Cocozza

For Peter Davison, owner of the Archambault 40 Cruiser/Racer, Arcadia, the Coastal Sprint Series is just what the doctor ordered and could not have come at a better time. "I've got some seasoned crew and some less seasoned crew. I'm trying to fast track them into a fully seasoned team for offshore races, including this year's Sydney Hobart," he says.

"We're also doing some Bay races, but the Sprint Series gives you longer races and racing on the ocean. The point is, we are a crew and need time together understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses and understanding how the boat works. The other thing is, I just like racing, so training and team building aside, we do as much racing as we can because we love it," says Davison.  More information

Experience the Ocean - Category 3, Coastal Racing

ORCV Racing has launched a new Category 3 Race Series for those skippers and crews wanting to ocean sail but not in Category 2 races. Ideal for double handed, 4 crew + auto helm or fully crewed. The first race is on 23rd November is a 50 mile race from Queenscliff to Western Port and return. ORCV Racing welcomes West Offshore Products, a major supplier of life rafts and safety equipment, as the sponsor for this series. 

More information:  https://www.orcv.org.au/sailing/races/coastal-sprint-series

Enter the race https://www.topyacht.com.au/db/kb/entry_menu.php?EventID=1108

Photo credit Dave Hewison