Line honours pending for Maritimo in the 50th Anniversary Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race

Maritimo, the 54-foot Schumacher skippered by veteran sailor Michael Spies, looks set to take line honours in the 50th anniversary Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race.

On current estimates, Maritimo is expected to cross the finish line around 10am on Thursday 29th of December, but with the breeze predicted to drop to five knots this morning, navigating the River Derwent might prove to be the biggest challenge for the team.

There has been some shuffling of the deck chairs overnight and some interesting tactical calls from the lead boats determined to give themselves the best chance of a quick run to the finish line.

Maritimo closing in on line honours in the 50th Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race Image Steb Fisher

At 6am this morning, Maritimo was racing at 8.8 knots just off Cape Connella on Bruny Island and had just over 31 nautical miles to sail to the finish line. Maritimo has a lead of about 29 nautical miles from Tasmanian Andrew Jones’s Inglis 47 AdvantEDGE and Damien King’s Frers 61, MRV.

Maritimo leads Rob Date’s high-performance boat Carkeek 43, Scarlet Runner and Paul Buchholz’s Cookson 50, Extasea by just under 40 nautical miles.

Scarlett Runner and Extasea have given themselves every chance to claw back time from Maritimo and improve their overall position in the race by sailing further south in a strategy to find the best wind angle and strength for a quick run to the finish line in the 15 to 20 knot breeze across the south coast of Tasmania.

Leading the race overall is the Elan 410 Saltair, skippered by Sarah Allard from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria while Maritimo is currently leading on ORC and IRC ratings and is in second place on PHS and overall. MRV is in third place overall with

Jazz Player, the Bakewell-White Z39, skippered by Tasmania’s Brent McKay, in fourth place.

Sarah_Allard_Skipper_of_Saltair_Photo_Michael_Currie

Follow the race live on https://race.bluewatertracks.com/50th-melbourne-to-hobart-westcoaster-2022

The 435 nautical mile Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race, is organised by the ORCV with the cooperation of the Derwent Sailing Squadron.

For Entry, Notice of Race and List of Entries, please visit: www.orcv.org.au

Jane Austin/ORCV media

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Smaller boats rising to the challenge in the 50^th Anniversary Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race 

The focus of offshore racing is often on the performance of maxi and super maxi yachts, but in the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s 50^th anniversary Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race, several of the 35 to 40 footers in the 49-boat fleet are sailing the race of a lifetime. 

As at 2pm on Wednesday 28^th of December, the Tasmanian Farr 1104 yacht, Rumbeat, co-skippered by Justin Barr and Stewart Geeves from the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, was maintaining her lead on overall handicap and is well in contention for the prestigious Heemskerk Perpetual Trophy.

Tasmania’s Cromarty-Magellan, a Knoop 39 skippered by Richard Grant and with a mostly female crew, had moved into second place overall, a terrific effort for the team which has several newcomers onboard.

Cromarty Magellan in contention for overall handicap honours

Enchantress, a Muirhead 11 skippered by John Willoughby, and one of only two South Australian entries, is currently sitting in third place overall. In 2010, Enchantress won the Westcoaster, as the race is affectionately known, taking out all divisions. 

Willoughby was nostalgic when reflecting upon previous victories, as he prepared for this year’s anniversary race. “I’m coming back to the Melbourne to Hobart this year because it’s the 50^th race and I’m keen to join other past winners on the start line,” said Willoughby.

Willoughby, who was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) in 2021 for his ongoing contributions to regional and international eye health, is also celebrating 50 years as an ophthalmologist during this year’s race - a dual celebration for the seasoned campaigner.

Enchantress and her distinctive red hull is in the run for overall winner to the Melbourne to Hobart yacht race Photo Michael Currie

Another boat climbing up the overall handicap leaderboard is the family-led Summit 35, Vertigo from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. Vertigo, skippered by father-daughter combination Tim and Clare Olding, is currently in eighth place on overall handicap and will be hoping to make small gains every hour to strengthen her position in the fleet.

Vertigo is no stranger to the dizzying heights of success, with wins already on the board in the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s 2021 Melbourne to Devonport Rudder Cup and the Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race in 2019.

Clare Olding is the youngest skipper in the race and at 22 years of age, has a bright future in the world of ocean racing.

After a good reach across Bass Strait overnight, the fleet is experiencing tougher conditions down the West Coast of Tasmania with south westerly winds of 20 to 30 knots testing the fleet, however conditions are forecast to lighten-off overnight, when the fleet is expected to race across the southern coast of Tasmania with kites flying. 

Jeremy Walton, Race Director of the 50^th anniversary race, was speaking with ABC News this morning, and reflected upon the challenges and strengths of the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race. 

“This is a race for everyone, sailing their boats as well as they can which to me is the biggest attraction about this race. It’s a complete and absolute challenge – it’s the only race that goes across Bass Strait – the other [Sydney to Hobart] race goes across the Tasman Sea – so yes definitely, this is a far far tougher race.”   

The battle for line honours continues with the Schumacher 54, Maritimo, skippered by Michael Spies, leading the race from Rob Date’s Carkeek 43, Scarlet Runner, who is now in second place just three nautical miles ahead of AdvantEDGE, the Inglis 47 skippered by Andrew Jones from the Port Dalrymple Yacht Club in Tasmania.   

On current estimates, the first boat is likely to arrive into Hobart around 11am on Thursday 29^th of December, but as all sailors racing to Hobart know, almost anything can happen in the Derwent River.  

Follow the race live on https://race.bluewatertracks.com/50th-melbourne-to-hobart-westcoaster-2022

The 435 nautical mile Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race, is organised by the ORCV with the cooperation of the Derwent Sailing Squadron. 

For Entry, Notice of Race and List of Entries, please visit: www.orcv.org.au 

Jane Austin/ORCV media 

Smaller boats rising to the challenge in the 50^th Anniversary Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race 

The focus of offshore racing is often on the performance of maxi and super maxi yachts, but in the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s 50^th anniversary Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race, several of the 35 to 40 footers in the 49-boat fleet are sailing the race of a lifetime. 

As at 2pm on Wednesday 28^th of December, the Tasmanian Farr 1104 yacht, Rumbeat, co-skippered by Justin Barr and Stewart Geeves from the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, was maintaining her lead on overall handicap and is well in contention for the prestigious Heemskerk Perpetual Trophy.

Tasmania’s Cromarty-Magellan, a Knoop 39 skippered by Richard Grant and with a mostly female crew, had moved into second place overall, a terrific effort for the team which has several newcomers onboard.

Enchantress, a Muirhead 11 skippered by John Willoughby, and one of only two South Australian entries, is currently sitting in third place overall. In 2010, Enchantress won the Westcoaster, as the race is affectionately known, taking out all divisions. 

Willoughby was nostalgic when reflecting upon previous victories, as he prepared for this year’s anniversary race. “I’m coming back to the Melbourne to Hobart this year because it’s the 50^th race and I’m keen to join other past winners on the start line,” said Willoughby.

Willoughby, who was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) in 2021 for his ongoing contributions to regional and international eye health, is also celebrating 50 years as an ophthalmologist during this year’s race - a dual celebration for the seasoned campaigner.

Another boat climbing up the overall handicap leaderboard is the family-led Summit 35, Vertigo from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. Vertigo, skippered by father-daughter combination Tim and Clare Olding, is currently in eighth place on overall handicap and will be hoping to make small gains every hour to strengthen her position in the fleet.

Vertigo is no stranger to the dizzying heights of success, with wins already on the board in the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s 2021 Melbourne to Devonport Rudder Cup and the Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race in 2019.

Clare Olding is the youngest skipper in the race and at 22 years of age, has a bright future in the world of ocean racing.

After a good reach across Bass Strait overnight, the fleet is experiencing tougher conditions down the West Coast of Tasmania with south westerly winds of 20 to 30 knots testing the fleet, however conditions are forecast to lighten-off overnight, when the fleet is expected to race across the southern coast of Tasmania with kites flying. 

Jeremy Walton, Race Director of the 50^th anniversary race, was speaking with ABC News this morning, and reflected upon the challenges and strengths of the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race. 

“This is a race for everyone, sailing their boats as well as they can which to me is the biggest attraction about this race. It’s a complete and absolute challenge – it’s the only race that goes across Bass Strait – the other [Sydney to Hobart] race goes across the Tasman Sea – so yes definitely, this is a far far tougher race.”   

The battle for line honours continues with the Schumacher 54, Maritimo, skippered by Michael Spies, leading the race from Rob Date’s Carkeek 43, Scarlet Runner, who is now in second place just three nautical miles ahead of AdvantEDGE, the Inglis 47 skippered by Andrew Jones from the Port Dalrymple Yacht Club in Tasmania.   

On current estimates, the first boat is likely to arrive into Hobart around 11am on Thursday 29^th of December, but as all sailors racing to Hobart know, almost anything can happen in the Derwent River.  

Follow the race live on https://race.bluewatertracks.com/50th-melbourne-to-hobart-westcoaster-2022

The 435 nautical mile Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race, is organised by the ORCV with the cooperation of the Derwent Sailing Squadron. 

For Entry, Notice of Race and List of Entries, please visit: www.orcv.org.au 

Jane Austin/ORCV media 

Glamour Start for Scarlet Runner in the 50th Anniversary Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race

Hundreds of spectators crowded Portsea Pier and Port Phillip Bay today to watch the start of the 50^th Anniversary Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race, hosted by the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria, in magnificent conditions on Port Phillip Bay. 

Under iconic Australian sapphire skies, the 49-yacht fleet participated in a sail past in recognition of the 50-year history of the race, which is affectionately known as the Westcoaster, and described by others as the K2 of Australian sailing, before focusing their attention on the start sequence. 

In an emotional tribute to race founder, Sir Donald Trescowthick, his son Adam, accompanied by ORCV life members, supporters and sponsors, took three cheers on behalf of Sir Donald who was key to ensuring the longevity of the race over its first 20 years. 

Race Director, Jeremy Walton, got the 49-boat fleet away cleanly in the celebratory race. 

In a glamour spinnaker start, Maritimo, a Schumacher 54 skippered by Michael Spies and a latecomer to the event, set the pace off the start line leading the Division One boats in a light five to eight knot north easterly breeze across Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff.  

Maritimo showed no signs of weariness after the almost 1000 nautical mile dash down the east coast of Australia to reach the start line in time and was quick to establish a lead flying their massive asymmetric spinnaker, but the boat sailed into light air into near Queenscliff Pier which cost them the lead.    

Maritimo leads in the spinnaker start Photo Steb Fisher

Rob Date’s new boat Scarlet Runner, a Carkeek 43 built specifically for the Westcoaster and Date’s 13^th boat of the same name, started at the pin end, hugged the Portsea and Point Nepean shoreline, dodged the maritime traffic and found a perfect lay line to the first mark, taking the lead off Maritimo, rounding first and took off from there. 

Date, the Sail Captain at Sandringham Yacht Club and a member of the ORCV, will be thrilled with the start of his first Westcoaster race, winning the Port Phillip Sea Pilots  

Perpetual Trophy for the first boat to exit Port Phillip Heads, passing through an imaginary line between Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean. 

“We got the boat ready to win the 50^th Anniversary Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster – we think this is the boat to do it in,” said Date, in the weeks before the race. 

Scarlet Runner is a Fast 40+ high-performance boat with the design delivering top-notch results in the super-competitive European circuit but will be tested when the stronger westerly winds hit the fleet on the run down to Hobart. 

Scarlet Runner leads through the 49 strong fleet out through the heads Photo Steb Fisher

Several boats will be gunning for the race record including Damien King’s Frers 61, MRV which sailed comfortably into second place with Gerry Cantwell’s Marten 49, Carrera S leaving Port Phillip Heads in third place, and Maritimo back down the fleet in ninth.  

Tony Walton, skipper of another line honours favourite, the RP46 Hartbreaker, spoke about the race before the start today. 

“This is a significant race for us – different scenery and different weather. We expect it to be a fast race and hope to be halfway down the West Coast by the time the change hits, but this boat cruises very well with a triple reef and a storm sail up. We’d like to beat the race record but let’s see how it goes,” said Walton.     

Brent McKay’s Bakewell-White Z39, Jazz Player, is the leading Tasmanian boat, rounding the first mark in eighth place.  

Grant Dunoon, the ORCV Past Commodore and skipper of Blue Water Tracks, is sailing his Moody 54 in the double-handed division with ORCV Life Member, Neville Rose, and expects a wet but quick race to Hobart. 

“If the boats get to King Island before midnight they will slip through before the current changes and starts to flow to the north, but the middle and slower boats will get a wet ride after midnight between King Island and Cape Grim, if its wind against current. But from six tomorrow morning, when the westerly comes in, the short sharp waves will ensure a wet ride for almost everyone,” said Dunoon.     

The fleet sailed into glassy conditions on Bass Strait but will be bracing for a westerly change of 25 to 40 knots on Tuesday morning, with the race record of 1 day, 17 hrs 28mins still in sight. 

The prestigious Heemskerk Perpetual trophy will go to the handicap winner on AMS.  

Follow the race live on https://race.bluewatertracks.com/50th-melbourne-to-hobart-westcoaster-2022 

The 435 nautical mile Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race, organised by the ORCV with the cooperation of the Derwent Sailing Squadron, started off Portsea Pier at 12pm on 27 December.  

Follow the fleet on the tracker https://race.bluewatertracks.com/50th-melbourne-to-hobart-westcoaster-2022