Osaka Cup 2007 - Route

Race Route

The race is to be sailed between the starting line to be established within Port Phillip Bay and the finishing line to be set up within Osaka Bay.

Sailing distance: Approx. 5,500 n.m.
Duration: 30~65 days

Analysis of seasonal winds and the currents: Zest of the longitudinal sailing of the globe

Most international ocean races that connect two counties are sailed on an east-west course along the latitude of the globe. The Melbourne/Osaka Double-Handed Yacht Race is raced from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere. Competitors start their journey from Autumn in Melbourne and arrive in Osaka's Spring via the Summer heat around the equator, which means sailing through three seasons in around a month.

The course to cross a vast ocean is not a simple one. Sailing up the east coast of Australia, through the many islands of South Pacific and then to enter the strong currents of Japan is quite a challenge. Navigation in reading the currents and the winds of the changing seasons is one of the most challenging aspects of this race.

Roaring Bass Strait and the East Coast

The fleet sail into the infamous roaring Bass Strait. Along the Australian East Coast, the analysis on the direction of current and wind is the navigational key. The coastal course may be hampered by the current from the north, but there is a counter current from the south. Competitors are forced to decide which way to go: coastal course (shortest distance) or offshore course (avoiding the current).

Scorching Equatorial Doldrums

Around 10°S the Solomon Islands are located as if they existed to hamper the passage. The area around 5°S known as the doldrums is called the Tropical Convergence Zone. To increase mileage, it is necessary to watch the coral and catch the slightest wind through the islands. Although the competitors are exposed to scorching heat in this area, it is said that the temperature decreases suddenly once a squall comes over.

Micronesian Waters that promise the trade winds and current

After passing the Equatorial doldrums, the fleet encounters the North Equatorial Current which flows from east to west. This current increases in strength from the Philippines to Taiwan and becomes the Kuroshio (Japan Current) which flows along the Pacific coast of Japan. After the Equator, it is expected that the fleet enjoys fair sailing along the current, catching the North Easterly Trade Winds.

Japanese Waters where the key is the "Kuroshio"

The number of extratropical cyclones called "May Storms" increase around Japanese waters during April and May. Most of the fleet boats approach Japanese waters mid to late May, however, it is hard to forecast the weather. Around this area, the North Equatorial Current grows into the Kuroshio and it is the last key on how to cope with such a strong current that could slightly change its course yearly with the sea surface temperature.