Melbourne to Hobart - Westcoaster

Race Information

About the Race

The Melbourne to Hobart (Westcoaster) is a prestigious and challenging yacht race. It has a rich history, having surpassed its 50th-year milestone. The Race length is approximately 435 nautical miles and is considered a blue-water ocean classic. It is open to well-prepared boats that can perform effectively in all wind and sea conditions.

The race starts with a 125 nm passage across the Bass Strait, between the Australian mainland and Tasmania. This passage can be affected by tides, and the yachts navigate through the gap between King Island and Northwest Tasmania, venturing into the Southern Ocean. The fleet sails 200 nm south along Tasmania's West Coast before rounding Maatsuyker Island. The yachts then change direction, heading east to Southeast Cape and finally turning northeast towards the more sheltered waters of Storm Bay and the Derwent River, which leads them to Hobart.

The Southern Ocean segment of the race is known for offering spectacular sailing conditions, often characterized by reaching (sailing with the wind coming from the side) down the coast and sometimes running (sailing with the wind coming from behind) under spinnaker across the bottom of Tasmania. Long rolling swells originating in the deep south are a common feature of this part of the race.

The diversity of conditions throughout the race necessitates the use of handicapping systems to level the playing field for different boat designs and performance capabilities. The challenging nature of the race also puts the seamanship and tactical skills of the crews to the test, making it a true test of sailing prowess. The ultimate prize for the victors is the prestigious yellow cap of the Westcoaster Racer.

The Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster has maintained an impressive safety record, with more than 900 yachts and over 7000 crew members successfully completing the event without major incidents. This achievement is credited to the excellent training programs provided by the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV), effective race direction, and the competency of the participating crews.

The race holds significant importance within the ORCV's Offshore Championship, being the highest-ranking race in the series. It offers opportunities for full crews, "4 plus autohelm" (a crew of four with the assistance of an autohelm), or Double Handed entries, catering to various sailing preferences and crew sizes.

Thank you to our Race Sponsors: Strait Link, Events Tasmania, On Track Meals and Grace Removals.

The Westcoaster (M2H) is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.

www.discovertasmania.com 

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