ORCV Melbourne to Geelong (M2G on 11/09/10)

Get your licence.

Well that's what you do when you turn 18, isn't it?

Not exactly sure what licence I get, now that there are now 18 entries in Cruising with Spinnakers for the M2G, but thank you all for choosing to join in the fun.

The 18th is Robert Wood's Farr51 Cruiser, Ocean Safari, which came to Geelong with us last year in the racing division. So, they must have had a blast - because they're back!

Here she is as she went over the line, just in front of RGYC.

CRUISING - with and also without Spinnakers

Right then. You may wish to join all the other vessels heading off on this great passage event and yet not want to have to organise a massive crew or get too busy to have a whole lot of fun. Solution - join one of the Cruising Divisions, even if you have been in the Racing Divisions previously.

Pretty Woman was the first to cross over to a cruising division for this particular event, then 2009 Melbourne to Hobart Eastcoaster racer, Biddy Hu II showed up on the cruising roster and won R5 of the MWS to boot. ORCV favourirtes Magic and Independent Endeavour did the same, as well and Caledonia moved from a possibility to starter, just recently. As of now, Ocean Safari have booked in, so that leaves Vantage (who went last year too) and Dream from our original wish list and we'll add in White Swan, just for good measure.

No matter what you have done previously, you can choose from either the Cruising with Spinnakers Division or Cruising without Spinnakers. Our first entry from the latter is Republica of RBYC and she needs some pals to form a full division. So if you don't want to be fussed getting the coloured rags out, then get the boat out of the pen, the wine from the cellar and the cheese and biscuits from the galley bench and come have a sail.

Earlier on, Ocean Safari had stormed up the channel as the breeze built.

RACING - IRC, AMS and PHS

Now whilst we're at it, yet another reminder that as R6 was the last of the laid course events, it is only the penultimate of the 2010 MWS. The final event is the M2G on 11/09/10. So far, just 28 of the 40 odd racing boats have completed the additional information that is required if you are going to be a starter.

Are you all posturing and playing who's the last to enter, so I give you a big spiel????????

There's even a few of those in the 28 that are even coming out of their Winter retirement, just to be in amongst it all. So it shows that you do not even have to have been doing the whole MWS to join for this great passage race. Look at Peregrine, Remedy and Yoko!

You Racing Division types have almost been surpassed by the new Cruising Division, of which there are now 19 entries. Last year, verging on 60 boats went to Geelong. Time to get a wiggle on, eh? BTW. FREE, yes we said free, so long as you entered the entire MWS. FREE!!!!!!!!!!

So yes. If you entered the entire MWS, then you're already automatically entered into this race too, but you do need to complete some more information for this particular race. As highlighted, you can also just enter the M2G race only, if you like, but I guess that means you're giving the game away about your favourite pastime after sailing - partying!!!

The full MWS results to date are HERE.

Click HERE to go and complete your online entry if you're already doing the MWS.

Click HERE to go and complete your online entry for just the M2G race only and it looks like this, below:

If you' ve got the boat tied up to the quay and think you should give it a run, then do. The M2G is a passgae race and if you do not want to be in with all the racers, even if you normally are, then go in one of the Cruising Divisions. While you're at it, get your clubmates to come along as well. Why? Party. That's why...

© John Curnow, ORCV Media

Please contact me for re-issue rights.

	The Colts (Sydney 38s) are having their own fight within the battle - many thanks to Ullman Sails for providing the prize.
Thank you to David Judge and Tony Dawson from Hoobo's for ensuring Steb had a ride and we, therefore, had imagery.		We'll be seeing the team at Geelong, pretty soon indeed.