ORCV Next Gen Events for Ocean Racers
From Dinghy to Deep Blue — Your Offshore Journey Starts Here
Join us as we officially launch the ORCV Next Gen Program—a bold new initiative designed to help the next generation of sailors take the leap from inshore racing to offshore adventure.
Whether you’re a dinghy sailor, windsurfer, or a young club skipper, this program is your chance to gain the knowledge, confidence, and connections to go further.
To kick things off, we’re hosting a one-night-only event with offshore racing veteran Dr. David “Doc” Sturge—a sailor with over 36,000 nautical miles under his belt, including the Clipper Round the World Race and countless ocean classics.
Event Details
Date: 11th September 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (arrive from 5.30pm)
Location: Melbourne City Marina, Docklands
Presented by: Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV)
Cost: Free – All welcome!
Special Guest: David “Doc” Sturge
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore | Global Race Veteran | Mentorship Advocate
Doc didn’t grow up offshore sailing. He started at 28, delivering a friend’s boat—and that decision led to a global racing career. At this event, you’ll hear how he built skills, took chances, and made it all happen—plus the advice he wishes someone had given him earlier.
Expect stories from:
- Scarlett Runner – Racing one of Victoria’s fastest offshore yachts
- The Clipper Round the World Race – Ocean crossings, life at sea, and teamwork under pressure
- His personal journey from late-starter to seasoned ocean racer
- What YOU can do now to prepare for your first offshore opportunity
Who Should Attend?
- Dinghy sailors ready for a new challenge
- Windsurfers and skiff racers looking to go long-distance
- Young club sailors eager to explore life offshore
- Anyone curious about ocean racing but unsure how to get started
What Is the ORCV Next Gen Program?
The ORCV Next Gen Program is designed to bridge the gap between youth sailing and offshore racing—by getting young sailors out on the ocean through real, hands-on experience.
At the heart of the program are delivery opportunities: matching qualified, enthusiastic sailors under 30 with skippers and boats that need crew for relocations and return passages. These trips often involve long, scenic coastal routes—from races back to home ports, or boat moves between regions.
But they’re not just a ride—they’re an education.
Why It Matters
These deliveries offer something no classroom can:
- Real-world watchkeeping routines
- Passage planning and routing experience
- Navigation and night sailing
- Sail handling in varied offshore conditions
- Exposure to life at sea and the teamwork it demands
It’s a safe, supportive way for young sailors to build confidence, log miles, and make the leap from the harbour to the horizon.
Who’s It For?
- Young sailors who want to go further—literally and figuratively
- Skippers and owners looking to support the next generation while gaining capable, enthusiastic crew
If you’re ready to learn, we’ll help you find a boat. If you’ve got a boat, we’ll help you help us build the next generation of offshore sailors.
