ORCV Melbourne to Launceston (M2L on 27/12/10)

103.

The Grand Old Dame of Australian ocean races is the M2L. This year, she'll be 103, which makes her the oldest ocean race in the land by a fair margin and she is also the fifth oldest on the face of the planet. Nice work!

eXtasea (owned by ORCV Committee Member and reigning MOC Champion) departs the Heads to go on and win the 2009 M2L - Pic © Teri Dodds

One guy who sings the praises of the Rudder Cup Series is regular reader and contributor, Tony Bull, from Bull Sails in Geelong. We got the opportunity to sit down and ask a few questions about his thoughts on this magnificent old dame, seeing as he's done something like 14 of them now. eXtasea won the 2009 M2L, but Tony was not onboard that year. Doh, doh, doh! "I took a year off from Christmas racing, but must admit the sea lust was appeased somewhat, as I spent it with my family at Aireys Inlet looking out over Bass Strait. Great company, as well, and nowhere near as confined", Tony commented.

Now before we move on, the Rudder Cup Series consists of the Boxing Day Dash race on Port Phillip on December 26, then the M2L itself and ultimately on December 29, the Tasport Cup, which is raced in the waters of the Tamar River.

"I guess I do sing the praises of the Rudder Cup Series, because of all the Ocean races over the Christmas period, there is a certain appeal about the Melbourne to Launceston race and it manages to tick a lot of boxes", said Tony. "Firstly, there's tradition. It is one of the oldest races in the world and it would be an interesting to gauge how many vessels have taken part in this race over the years. I am sure it would number in multiple thousands and the crew in tens of thousands! History wise it is a hell of an event. It has been a first, long-haul ocean race for so many sailors. It is an ideal distance to dip your toe into the water - figuratively speaking of course." Yes. That would be the old 'go and stick your nose out in it' theory.

eXtasea racing in the 2011 AVW on Corio Bay - pic © Alex McKinnon.

"Secondly, there's the crossing of Bass Strait. It is still an arduous yacht race in its own right, as indeed is any crossing of 'The Paddock'. It requires night sailing skills, navigation proficiency and stamina from the crews. Bass Strait is renowned as one of the toughest stretches of water anywhere. The number of wrecks dotting the islands and coastal areas are testament to this. Wikipedia says it all, 'Strong currents between the Antarctic-driven Southeast portions of the Indian Ocean and the Tasman Sea's Pacific Ocean waters, provide a strait of powerful, wild storm waves. To illustrate its wild strength, Bass Strait is both twice as wide and twice as rough as the English Channel”, Tony used for illustrative purposes.

"Thirdly, it really is one hell of a place to have as a destination. In 1900, Joshua Slocum details in his book, Sailing Alone Around the World, what a delight the Georgetown/Low Head area is to visit, when he dropped in on his voyage. Today, it is still a very idyllic place. The wineries up and down the river provide a fantastic backdrop, as well as great food and beverage. Ocean racing is much more welcoming with a good destination."

"Fourthly, it is one of the few races you can almost guarantee not to intrude on Christmas Day or New Years Eve. It fits in well with the busy social schedule around this time of the year, which is a big plus for a lot of us!" In addition to that, the structure of the Rudder Cup Series means that for the very time-poor business fraternity, you can get two inshore races, plus the ocean haul done in the required timeframe. Out after Xmas and back in the pen for NYE. Good work, indeed.

Tony Bull collecting some of eXtasea's loot after the 2010 M2G.

"Fifthly, and this is the best part, there is a tomorrow. Ocean races, particularly passage style ones, usually revolve around an exit strategy and once that's accomplished, then setting up for the best entry approach. Get either of these wrong and you will be left chasing the leader. However, with the Rudder Cup Series, the ocean haul is simply one part of a three race series, so you live to fight again another day."

"Long may the Rudder Cup prosper." Indeed, indeed, Tony and thank you for the insight into the Grand Old Dame.

Click HERE to go and enter the 2011 M2L Racing Division

Click HERE to see who went in the 2010 race and HERE for who is going in 2011.

Lots happening - so if you have a question, call Sally or Tanya in the office now on 9689 1622.

© John Curnow, ORCV Media

Please contact me for re-issue rights.

	To the right is the Rudder Cup, which is awarded to winner in the racing  division - 103 years old in 2010!!!
The TYC are our hosts at the top of Tasmania.		Below is the harbour at the very aptly named, Beauty Point.
Our base at the bottom of the Bay, is with our good pals -