Boat of the Race - Scarlet Runner
In our ongoing commitment to showcase innovation and excellence in ocean racing, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) proudly presents Scarlet Runner as our Boat of the Port Fairy Race. This cutting-edge Carkeek 43, skippered by the experienced Rob Date, is not just a formidable competitor but a fleet trailblazer, incorporating pioneering sustainable sailing technology.
Photo by Christopher Howe
Scarlet Runner: Where Performance Meets Sustainability
Designed by Shaun Carkeek as an offshore version of the successful Ran 8, Scarlet Runner stands out with its unique hybrid propulsion system. This innovative setup allows the boat to compete at the highest level while minimizing its environmental impact.
Key Features:
- Hybrid propulsion combining electric drive with a lightweight diesel generator
- 212 amp-hours of battery capacity for silent motoring
- Optimized weight distribution, slightly lighter than traditional systems
- Smart charging system for race preparation
Date, shares his passion for sustainable sailing: "It's beautiful being quiet, with no noise coming in and out of port. You can talk to your crew easily. We must recognise that the technology is still evolving in this space'
Performance That Speaks for Itself
Scarlet Runner's recent triumph in the 2024 Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race (Westcoaster), where it claimed line honors and swept all handicap divisions, proves that sustainability doesn't come at the cost of performance. The boat excels in light winds but has recorded impressive speeds of up to 27.4 knots in challenging conditions.
Photo by Al Dillon
Advice for Aspiring Sustainable Sailors
Date offers valuable insights for those looking to follow in Scarlet Runner's wake:
- Consider your specific usage - cruising or racing
- Always have a reliable backup power system, this is critical for racing
- Be patient as technology evolves
Looking Ahead: Port Fairy and Beyond
Always a great ORCV contributor, it's great to see Scarlet Runner gearing up for the upcoming Port Fairy race, with plans to compete in the full ORCV calendar. "We're excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in eco-friendly offshore racing," says Date.
The boat's participation in ORCV events showcases top-tier racing and demonstrates the viability of sustainable technologies in competitive sailing. It’s simply another race flag to be in the running for taking out the offshore championship, for which we also have a double-handed series. Go here to learn more.
A Call to Action for all ORCV members, sailors, and boat owners
As Scarlet Runner leads by example, the ORCV encourages all members and ocean racing enthusiasts to consider how they can incorporate sustainable practices into their sailing. Whether it's through advanced propulsion systems like Scarlet Runner's or smaller changes, every step towards sustainability counts.
Stay tuned for more updates on Scarlet Runner's performance in the Port Fairy race and throughout the ORCV calendar. Let's celebrate and support the fusion of high-performance racing and environmental stewardship in our beloved sport.
To sail towards a greener future and learn about sustainable sailing practices, contact the ORCV office or visit our website.
