Melbourne to Hobart - Westcoaster

Race Information

Distance 435nm
Safety Category 2
Start Location Portsea Pier
Start Time 13:00 (1pm)  (Australian Standard Eastern Daylight Time)
Start Date 27 Dec 23
Race Record monohull 1d 17h, 28m 59s Shortwave in 2008, skipper Matthew Short
Race Record Multihull 3d 03h 35m 32s Bagatelle in 1988, skipper Lindsay Cuming
Known also as: Westcoaster

Follow the 2023 Fleet here 


About the Race

The  ORCV “Westcoaster” is a legendary yacht race where tactics and sailing well can crown you as the race champion, regardless of boat size. 

Across the 435nm passage, yachts contend first with Bass Strait before taking on the wilderness and ruggedness of the West Coast of Tasmania and the long ocean swell of the Southern Ocean before turning towards the finish line and the shifting winds of the Derwent.

For 50 years, the Westcoaster has provided sailors with a unique race full of tactical challenges.

 "35 times but never been the same race,"  Robin Hewitt

 "It's a mind race, as much as it's a physical race," Rod Smallman 

"It's the K2 of ocean races, tactical and challenging,"  Ian Lyall 


Thank you to the following Race Partners
Pre-Race - Royal Brighton Yacht Club / Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
Pre-Race - Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron
Post Race - Derwent Sailing Squadron
Race Start - Sorrento Sailing Club

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