Osaka Cup 2007 -

02 August 2005

Race on for Melbourne Osaka Entries   

The race is almost two years away and already a barrage of serious enquiries from prospective competitors of the 2007 Melbourne-Osaka Race have been received at Sandringham Yacht Club, the co-organisers of the race, along with the Osaka Hokko Yacht Club.

It’s amazing,’ says Sandringham’s Richard Hewett of the increasingly popular double-handed race adding, ‘even prior Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, John So, announcing details of the race at the Melbourne Boat Show in March, 60 people had either said they are starters, or expressed interest in entering.’

The early bird entries include previous entrants, Ivan and Sibylle McFadyen (AUS) and Peter Tardrew (AUS). McFadyen, in Sydney earlier this year commented, ‘this is one of the best long ocean races on the calendar, Sibylle (his wife) and I would like to see a lot more yachts on the start line in 2007, we just need to get the word out – it’s a one-of-a-kind.’

There is more to the McFadyen story too. In 2003, 32 miles from the finish line, their yacht, Funnel Web, ran into a rock in teeming rain and started to take water onboard. The last miles were emotional ones for the married couple, but they did finish the race, albeit a lot more slowly than originally anticipated, with a number of their competition passing them so close to the finish – so perhaps there is some unfinished business here?

In excess of 200 enquiries have now been received for the 5,500 nautical mile race that was last held in 2003 that attracts people from all walks of life and has particular appeal to couples, good friends and parent and sibling combinations.

Sandringham Yacht Club Commodore Phil Coombs (AUS), James Murchison (AUS), line honours and corrected winner of Open Racer Class B, Brian Petersen (NZL), New Zealand designer/builder, John Sayer who broke the Class C record and Steen Moller (DEN), number those who contested in 2003 who have put their hands up again and it is hoped some Japanese crews from 2003 will re-enter. Many have entered the multiple times in the past, whilst a number of brand new hopefuls have indicated they will be on the start line.

Sailed between sister cities, Melbourne, Australia to Osaka, Japan, the race was first held in 1987 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Port of Osaka.

Starting on a line to be established on Port Phillip Bay, the race finishes on a line within Osaka Bay. The course takes yachts through Bass Strait up the east coast of Australia, threads many islands of South Pacific and into the doldrums, off into the anticipated trade winds and then to entering the strong currents of Japan - quite a challenge. Navigating the currents and winds of the changing seasons is one of the most challenging aspects of the race.

The Melbourne-Osaka Race is due to start in March 2007. The race is open to monohull yachts and Notice of Race and other details can be found at the official race site: www.osakacup.com

Di Pearson