Patriot crew photography credit Bruno Cocozza 

ORCV Winter Series Race 2 to Blairgowrie, another “Winter Wonder”

The second race of the ORCV Winter Series brought with it a sunny day with a light northerly wind. The day started at 9 am with 246 crew onboard 42 yachts who made their way out to the start line for the annual flare shoot on a very reflective bay. The forecasted 10-15 knot northerly had not arrived, and sadly never did, as the fleet slowly made their way south to Blairgowrie.

One entrant, which was able to make the most of the light wind conditions, was the J133 “Patriot” skippered by Jason Close. Patriot won AMS, IRC, PHS in Division 1 and the overall Blairgowrie Ice Bucket Trophy.

Patriot at the start Photography Dave Hewison

“We are really happy with the result. The winds were light, so we kept an eye out, searching for breeze lines on the water. We knew from the forecast that the winds were going to be out from the shore, so we kept jibing and looking for the wind,” said Close.

“All of us have sailed 14’ skiffs and been mates for years and enjoy winds from the very light to the strong. We’re all friends and no one is paid to be here. A simple make up of crew that just love sailing together for many years and it’s great to see the ORCV fleet size growing. We do a lot of ORCV events and are very supportive, so keep up the great work ORCV,” said Close.

Rod Smallman on "Maverick" Photography Credit Dave Hewison

Another entrant enjoying the light conditions was Double Handed entrant Rod Smallman sailing Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 "Maverick" to 1st place.

"We finished with 30 minutes to go. The forecast was 8–12 knots with gusts up to 20 knots, we were lucky to get 5 knots, with large wind holes a plenty. We loved the day and we were lucky to be in the right place at the right time to get wind to get us across the finish line,” said Smallman.

Another great sight was the fleet of 10 yachts sailing from Martha Cove and Safety Beach Yacht Clubs. Sailing were Etoile, Maverick, Wingara, YKnot, Tonik, Rogue, Balance, Crowded House and Joker on Tour. Gareth Davies sailing on Tonik commented, "that it was a real credit to the ORCV for such a professionally run event and well done Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron and Royal Brighton Yacht Club for being such welcoming clubs. And so say all of us too!"

For full race results click here

Rogue Photography Credit Bruno Cocozza

Mooring and Catering Arrangements

Moorings at Blairgowrie (BYS) marina for competing boats in ORCV Winter Series Race 2 have been kindly made available at no charge by BYS.

It is a condition of entry that boats must berth in accordance with the directions of the BYS Marina Master. 

Some boats may be required to raft up due to size and space restrictions. Please note as guests of BYC we can only berth in BYS marina managers nominated berths and do not berth in unallocated empty berths as this may cause inconvenience to BYS members returning from their day out sailing.

Yachts berth allocations have been made and are available below.  We really do need your support with catering.  Each yachts crew numbers for Saturday Nights Meal is listed below also.  Please contact us if you want to make any changes to your reservation for dinner. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Boats having any questions regarding their allocated berth or crew dinner reservations should contact us immediately at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BYS Special Instructions PLEASE READ

Once you have secured your boats, there are safes located at the beginning of each arm, before the entry/exit ramps which have regatta passes in them. To access these safes please use the code SMS to you. There will be an bundle of passes for each boat, clearly marked by boat name. Attached is a photo of these safes.

Once the boat leaves place the passes in the return drop box that is located in the same area.

For boats staying on the hardstand please tie up on the NORTHERN lower landing of the hardstand, leaving the WESTERN side clear for members to use the crane. To leave the hardstand please use the large vehicle gate. The code for this gate is 1213. You can then collect a regatta pass at the bar that will allow you to enter the pedestrian marina gates from the public jetty.

Please make sure you say, Thank you to all those at that you see at BYS for finding berths and assisting make this event GREAT.   Thank you BYS!

Blairgowrie Marina Map click here 

Thank you goes to Blairgowrie Yacht Club for welcoming and accommodating the growing 40 plus yachts and crews participating in the ORCV Winter Series Race 2. If your boat hasn't confirmed your intention for a free of charge berth or numbers for dinner, please do so tonight. Allocated berths will be posted soon. Gourmet Buffet Dinner and Dessert is $35 per person and includes a glass or wine/beer from 6pm Live Music has been arranged.

Learning to sail in everything, provides Ambition in itself. .... Chris Dare

Winter sailing in Melbourne always provides a challenge as seen in yesterday’s ORCV Winter Series race 1 with light winds. The ORCV Winter Series started with 26 on the line in 2 divisions. The ORCV Race Director shortened that course and race results saw “Ambition” taking Line Honor's, 1st in AMS, 1st in IRC and in 1st in PHS for Division1. Whilst race conditions saw light winds and cool temperature the competition hot and winter light winds sailing skills were put to the test. Results are currently pending protest. For full results click here

ORCV Winter Series Race 1 Ambition Bruno Cocozza Photography

ORCV Winter Series Start also Bruno Cocozza Photography

Close behind Ambition in AMS and IRC Divisions in second place was Gerry Cantwell and his experienced crew on “Carrera S”. Completing the stadium spots were John Newbold’s Primitive Cool (2nd on PHS), Mick and Mark Welsh on “Wicked” (3rd on IRC) and Scott Robinson on “How Bizzare” (3rd on AMS and PHS).

Division 2 saw a great light wind sailing by Will Sheers on “Executive Decision” 1st on AMS, IRC and 2nd on PHS. Great racing by Koos Theron and crew on “Xenia” with 1st on PHS and Russell Hibbert and crew on Next Step with 3rd on AMS and PHS. 

In the post-race interview with Chris Dare he emphasized “predictions indicated light winds and we would need to transition between two weather patterns. We were lucky to get out in front at the start. As we went around the 2nd mark, heading toward to spoil grounds, the winds died off, so my son climbed the mast looking for where the winds were as we sat in a large windless hole/doldrums for about an hour.”

We’ve only owned the boat for less than 12 months with the view that our children needed a pathway and “Ambition” to assist them transition from dinghy sailing to bigger keelboats. “We did have a number of our crew onboard who will compete in the Sydney to Gold Coast although just under half of our crew are under 25 years age"

"Compared to prior years, it was great to see such a large fleet competing yesterday in ORCV Winter Series Race 1. We hope to fit in the Melbourne to Blairgowrie race before heading off north as we really enjoyed having the opportunity, challenges and sailing against similar style boats."

Enter the series or Race 2, The annual Flare Shoot and passage to Blairgowrie.

After the start on the ORCV Winter Series Race 1 Photography:  Dave Hewison

 Light winds proved challenging for all on the ORCV Winter Series Race 1, Photography Dave Hewison