Mastering Sea Safety: ORCV’s Safety & Sea Survival Course Wrap-Up

A few weeks back, sailors from all backgrounds and experiences came together for an essential learning experience at the ORCV Safety & Sea Survival Course. Designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to handle emergencies at sea, this course proved to be both educational and hands-on, reinforcing the importance of safety, preparedness, and survival techniques.

A Course Designed for Every Sailor

Whether preparing for offshore racing, long-distance cruising, or simply wanting to be better prepared for unexpected situations, participants gained valuable insights into how to stay safe at sea. The course covered a mix of theory and practical exercises, which included boat and crew preparation, areas of risk and emergencies, fire prevention and fire fighting, emergency communication, swimming techniques, and life raft drills.

Led by highly experienced instructors, the training emphasized real-life applications, ensuring that every participant walked away with confidence in their ability to respond in an emergency.

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An Engaged and Enthusiastic Group

It was inspiring to see sailors actively participating, sharing experiences, and immersing themselves in the training. The life raft drills and in-water exercises were among the highlights, offering hands-on experience in critical survival situations.

One participant shared, “This course was a game-changer for me. The practical elements really brought home the importance of preparation and knowing exactly what to do in an emergency."

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What’s Next? Keep Learning with ORCV

Our mission is to continuously support and help upskill the sailing community. If you found this course valuable, we have more training opportunities to keep your skills sharp and expand your knowledge.

Upcoming training courses:

🔹 Safety & Sea Survival - If you weren't able to join the first session, there are three more dates you may consider joining.
🔹 Beyond the Bay – Ideal for boat owners, crew members, and cruisers looking to take their sailing offshore.
🔹 Foredeck Essentials – Aims to help boat owners and skippers upskill crew to be competent on the foredeck and help improve boat performance.
🔹 Navigation – Improve your passage planning and chart reading skills.

Check out our full training calendar here.

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Join the ORCV Community

Become a member

To all the non-members who joined us – you’re already part of the ORCV family, and we’d love to make it official! Becoming an ORCV member gives you access to exclusive training, racing events, and a passionate sailing community. For more information on how to become a member, just click here.

Become a volunteer

We’re always on the lookout for star volunteers, whether you’re interested in race management, training, event management, marketing, or photography, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and tell us what you’re interested in This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to seeing you out on the water soon!

Pip Hare, an ORCV friend: A Tale of Resilience and Skilled Seamanship

Pip Hare with Ocean Cruising Club 2024 Seamanship Award

In an extraordinary display of solidarity, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) and the wider sailing community recently came together to support British sailor Pip Hare during an unexpected setback in her Vendée Globe race. Forced to divert to Melbourne due to a dismasting, Hare found herself embraced by a network of dedicated volunteers and enthusiasts.

The ORCV swiftly mobilized to assist Hare, with members like Steve Twentyman aboard Little Miss Magic, along with Neville Rose, Grant and Delma Dunoon, and Cyrus Allen providing exceptional hospitality and logistical support. Their efforts ensured Hare felt welcomed and supported during her unplanned stopover.

The response from the sailing community was nothing short of remarkable. Over 200 members contributed to a fundraising effort, amassing more than $5000 to support Hare's campaign. Many also seized the opportunity to tour her boat, Medallia, further demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the ocean racing world.

Despite the setback, Hare's indomitable spirit shines through. Pip has since gone back to the UK and is currently in Melbourne getting her boat ready to ship back to Europe. She's already setting her sights on her next Vendée Globe attempt. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to sailors and sports enthusiasts alike which is why it's fantastic to see that she has won the prestigious Ocean Cruising Club 2024 Seamanship Award!

Looking Ahead: 2025 Sailing Calendar

As we embark on 2025, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) is excited to present a dynamic lineup of races and training programs designed to challenge and inspire sailors of all levels. Here's a glimpse into the key events scheduled for the year:

Melbourne to Port Fairy

Race Date & Time: Friday, 14th February 2025 at 4:30 PM

This Category 2 race offers sailors a thrilling offshore experience along Victoria's picturesque coastline.

Safety & Sea Survival Course (SSSC)

Date: Sunday, 2nd March 2025, at 9:00 AM

Essential for all offshore sailors, this course combines eLearning with practical sessions to equip participants with vital survival skills.

Melbourne to King Island

Race Date & Time: Friday, 7 March 2025, at 2:30 PM

A challenging race across the Bass Strait, leading competitors to the welcoming shores of King Island.

Beyond the Bay Program

Duration: 21 May to 11 October 2025

Designed for sailors aiming to venture beyond Port Phillip Bay, this comprehensive program covers theoretical and practical aspects of offshore sailing.

ORCV Annual Awards Night

Date & Time: Saturday, 28 June 2025, at 6:30 PM

A night to celebrate the achievements of our members and acknowledge their contributions to the sailing community.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Date & Time: Tuesday, 14 October 2025, at 7:00 PM

An opportunity for members to engage in club governance and discuss future initiatives.

Please visit our official calendar for a comprehensive view of all upcoming events and detailed information.

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Milestones

As we look forward to the adventures that 2025 holds, it's essential to reflect on the remarkable achievements and events that defined 2024 for the ORCV.

An Evening with Jeanne Socrates

On April 17, 2024, we had the honour of hosting Jeanne Socrates, the world's oldest solo nonstop circumnavigator, at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club. At 81, Jeanne shared her remarkable journey, offering insights into her adventures and the resilience required for solo sailing. Her stories captivated the audience, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.

Pip Hare's Gratitude to Melbourne

In January 2024, renowned British sailor Pip Hare expressed her gratitude to Melbourne's sailing community by hosting two special events. The first, held on January 9 at the Melbourne City Marina Lounge, featured a presentation and interactive Q&A session. Pip shared her experiences and acknowledged the support she received from ORCV members and the broader Melbourne sailing community.

Commitment to Sustainability

Our dedication to environmental stewardship was recognized when the ORCV received the Australian Sailing National Sustainability Award. This accolade reflects our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices within the sailing community, ensuring the preservation of our oceans for future generations.

Victorian Sailing Awards

At the 2024 Australian Sailing Victoria Awards, the ORCV was honoured with three prestigious awards:

Sports Promotion Award: Acknowledging our initiatives to promote sailing across the region.
Sustainability Award: Recognizing our commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
Team of the Year (Ginan): Celebrating the outstanding performance of the crew aboard 'Ginan'.

These awards underscore the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, members, and partners.

Launch of the Next Gen Program

In our pursuit to nurture future sailing talents, we introduced the Next Gen Program, targeting youths aged 16-25. This initiative aims to make ocean racing more accessible and affordable for young sailors, providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in the sport.

Our achievements are a testament to the unwavering support of our members, the dedication of our volunteers, and the spirit of camaraderie that defines the ORCV. The 2024 Annual General Meeting was a highlight, featuring insightful discussions and a compelling talk that reinforced our shared vision for the future.

As we set our sights on 2025, we remain committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable sailing community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making 2024 a memorable year and look forward to new adventures on the horizon.

For more details on our programs and upcoming events, please bookmark our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

My First Melbourne to Hobart Race: A Journey of Emotion, Challenge, and Triumph

Story and photo by Glenda Pillifeant

Reflecting on my first Melbourne to Hobart race, I am filled with a profound mix of pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of accomplishment. But this journey was about much more than just the race itself; it was about the people I sailed with, the unwavering love and support shared along the way, and the memories that will stay with me forever. It’s a race that many aspire to, and though it still feels surreal, I am yet to completed my first year of sailing. Was I lucky? Perhaps, but it’s taken dedication, hard work, and determination to get here.

My journey began on January 20, 2024, with a crewing course at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. On that very day, I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time and was asked to join the Faster Forward team for my first-ever yacht race at the Festival of Sails in Geelong. From that moment, I was committed—whether it was learning the boat or supporting the team during repairs. I was there every time the boat set out.

In November, I participated in my first offshore race, the Ocean Racing Victoria (ORCV) Melbourne to Devonport race. The weather was moderate, making it manageable and not a true test of resilience or seasickness. But as the Melbourne to Hobart race approached, things took an emotional turn. Our team was devastated by the loss of our dear friend Kevin and my best friend Deb, both of whom passed away less than eight weeks before the race. Their absence weighed heavily on us, but their spirit remained with us as we pushed forward, honouring their memory through every challenge.

The first 24 hours of the race were by far the most difficult. Massive swells, high winds, and the overwhelming challenge of seasickness—five out of nine crew members were affected—tested our limits. There were moments when I doubted myself, both physically and emotionally, but through it all, my teammates supported not just me, but each other, showing incredible camaraderie.

As we rounded the bottom of Tasmania, something shifted, or it could have been the seasickness tablets. Either way the team found its rhythm, refocused, and dug deep to push through the final stretch. The finish line was within reach as we passed the Iron Pot. However, the wind had other plans, and we were left drifting for two agonizing hours. When the breeze finally picked up, it was like a switch had flipped, and we surged
toward the finish line.

Crossing the line felt amazing, sailing past “The Taste of Tasmania” with a sea of people cheering us on was an unforgettable moment. We completed the race at 10 p.m. on the 29th of December, just in time to celebrate our teammate Ken’s birthday with gusto.

I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) and everyone who helped make this monumental event possible. Your dedication made this race an unforgettable experience. To my team—thank you for your unwavering support, camaraderie, and tolerance during the toughest times, I will always be grateful.

This journey has tested me mentally, emotionally, and physically. To reach the finish line and honour the memory of those we’ve lost, while celebrating the ones we hold dear, has been an incredible experience. The magnitude of what we achieved is still sinking in, but it will stay with me for a lifetime. I look forward to the challenges and victories that
lie ahead.

See you on the water soon!