Popping up as the sixth entry in the M2G Cruising with Spinnakers Division is Noeleen III. If you've been around a while, the distinctive paint job on the Steinman40 is well and truly entrenched in your memory banks.

Her current owner is Andrew Hesselmans from Hobbos and he had this to say about his boat and the race. "She is 25 years old and has previously competed in several M2H Westcoasters and Sydney Hobarts. We purchased Noeleen III in 2006 and we have done three of the Summer Geelong experiences and this will be our first Winter experience with the ORCV's event."

Now whilst the boat certainly has a whole heap of history, I was delighted to see Andrew's name on the entry list, as we do indeed have our own history. You see his Father, Adrian and mine, Ron, had boats at the same time in the 70's and early 80's. It is fair to say that we hung around a fair bit, indeed.

Seems as though the hole in the water thing never really leaves you... I look forward to seeing you again Andrew, down in Geelong.

Now then, if you do not want to have to organise a massive crew or get too busy to have a whole lot of fun, then the Cruising with Spinnakers could well be for you, even if you have been in the Racing Divisions previously. Pretty Woman was the first to cross over for this particular event and now Biddy HuII has shown up on the cruising roster as well. Boats like Ocean Safari, Vantage, Caledonia and Dream could well do the same...

Right then. The annual Melbourne to Geelong race sails off on Saturday, September 11, 2010. If you entered the entire MWS, then you're already automatically entered into this race too, but you do need to complete some more information for this particular race. You can also just enter the M2G race only, if you like, but I guess that means you're giving the game away about your favourite pastime after sailing - partying!!!

There are separate Cruising Divisions (kite and no kite) as well as a Cruising Series, which will incorporate the Passage Race (Race Five) of the MWS, which is on August 15. The M2G Notice of Race is ready for your perusal already and the Sailing Instructions are coming soon.