The ORCV uses a specially equipped, Race Control vehicle to monitor race fleet activities and communicate with interested parties before, during and immediately after an event.

Our very distinctive van, which features an outstanding Steb Fisher image of a racing yacht departing Port Phillip Heads, is highly visible at destination ports, including Hobart, Beauty Point, Stanley, Grassy, etc. The signage on the van was provided by Graphic Effects.

It is a 1997 long wheel base Ford Transit, which was once used as an ambulance and was obtained by the ORCV in 2007. The vehicle was subsequently fitted out by Ian McKenzie and Angus Fletcher, both of whom are former ORCV Commodores.

Prior to a race, a lot of equipment, including printer, binoculars, compass, charts, Internet connectivity and tea/coffee facilities are all loaded onboard. This allows the occupants to communicate with the fleet and produce interim reports and race results for displaying on the web. It is also where SMS and emails to significant others still at home and crews already finished are developed and sent.

The van is ultimately shipped or driven to the race destination, where it acts as the ORCV “office”. Next time you see the van at a race finish or boat show, come over and have a look.

Our special thanks to TOLL Shipping for their transport services to Tasmania, to get the van to Stanley, Launceston/Hobart and King Island races.

The van at Port Fairy, adjacent to the Surf Club.

And at King Island. John Hiscock displays the tow rope which is often deployed to get the van off the rocks...

Boarding the Toll ship, Tasmanian Reliance, for the trip to Stanley.

And at Stanley, awaiting the fleet, but loitering at the seafood supply shop...