2013 Melbourne Osaka Cup by SWOsaka13

OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE

2013 MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP D O U B L E - H A N D E D YAC H T R AC E

A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE: PHILIP BURN

I am delighted to be invited to contribute to the Official Record of the 2013 Melbourne Osaka Double-Handed Yacht Race. For many years, Sandringham Yacht Club had partnered with Osaka Hokko Yacht Club for the administration of the race, one of the preeminent races in the world for short-handed sailors. Its origins go back to the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Port of Osaka in 1987 and was a joint initiative with the Port of Osaka and the Port of Melbourne. From 1995 onwards, the City of Melbourne took the sponsorship position in Australia, as a part of its sister city relationship with the City of Osaka. To say the least, the race had enjoyed lavish budgets, particularly in the early years. By the time I became Commodore of Sandringham Yacht Club in 2008, the City of Melbourne had made it clear that they would not be funding any further races and the City of Osaka, in the face of very straightened economic conditions in Japan, was eliminating all non-essential spending.

Clearly, the future of the race was untenable in its original format. For it to survive, it had to evolve into a ‘yachtie’s race’ not reliant on public sector funding or sponsorship, nor on support from the yacht clubs, other than in-kind support and modest hospitality contributions. Thanks to the magnificent leadership of George Shaw – a past competitor in the race, we put together a tripartite organisational structure between Sandringham Yacht Club, Osaka Hokko Yacht Club, and the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria. We formed a limited liability company to be the Organising Authority and, with the active and ready cooperation of the three partner clubs, we put together a race for 2013 which was self-supporting. In short, the race was saved! With a workable format in place, and with the ongoing commitment of the three partners, we can now look forward with certainty to the race being conducted every five years. I need hardly say that such certainty is essential for sailors to be able to commit to the race, given the long lead time for preparation for such a challenging and arduous event. The prospects for the 2018 look very bright and I congratulate the Organising Committee on their great promotion of the race and offer my best wishes for the 2018 race and beyond. PHILIP BURN

Chair OA 30 June 2016

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

CONTENTS

A Word from the Chairman of the Organising Committee: Philip Burn

Publisher Acknowledgement

List of Abbreviations

Welcome – Introduction

Timeline of Training Events

Official Social Events

22 Entrants 46

The Race

86 Results 90 Presentation 100 Official Commitment

to 2018 Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race

102 Appendices

APPENDICES

PUBLISHER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Appendix A

List of Directors

Appendix B

Race Management Team

Appendix C

History of Race Entrants

Appendix D

Notice of Race

Appendix E

Sailing Instructions

Appendix F

Amendment to Notice of Race

Appendix G

Race Management Structure

Appendix H

Trophy Presentation List

Appendix I

Special Awards List

Appendix J

Biggest Loser Statistics

Appendix K

Image Credits and Captions

Material for this record was primarily drawn from the melbourneosaka.com website and facebook pages. Many of the entrants had their own social media platform for sharing their logbook reports along the journey, and these were linked to and/or shared on the official site giving a real-time experience of the race. Members of the Organising Authority, the partner clubs and their many volunteers across all aspects of the event provided content for the official site. Steb Fisher was the Official Photographer for the main start of the event on the 24th March 2013 and we are grateful for his permission to reprint his photographs. We are also grateful to Yamachan, a volunteer photographer from Osaka Hokko Yacht Club, who has provided many of the images in this publication.

Copyright © Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race Ltd 2013. This document is copyright of Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race Ltd 2013. All rights reserved. This record or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Thanks to Sally Williams who sourced the images, stories and data for this publication and created a wonderful story and collection of the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka event. Acknowledgement and gratitude are given to all persons whose contributions have assisted in completing this record.

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

The following list describes various abbreviations used throughout the record.

ACBP

Australian Customs Border Protection Service

AIS

Automatic Identification system (marine

MODHYR Ltd

Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race Ltd (Limited Liability Company also referred to as the Organising Authority)

Nautical mile

NoR

Notice of Race

Organising Authority

OHYC

Osaka Hokko Yacht Club

ORCV

Ocean Racing Club of Victoria

PHS

Performance Handicap System

PRO

Principal Race Officer

RMO

Race Medical Officer

communications device) AMS

Australian Measurement System

AMSA

Australian Maritime Safety Authority

AQIS

Australian Quarantine Inspection Service

BYS

Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron

dRD

Deputy Race Director

High Frequency (radio frequency)

HBYC

Hobsons Bay Yacht Club

International Juror

RMYS

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

Incident Management

SIs

Sailing Instructions

IRC

International Rating Certificate

SOG

Speed over ground

Kts

Knots (measure of wind and or boat speed)

SYC

Sandringham Yacht Club

MCC

Melbourne City Council

YBT

Yellow Brick Tracker

MODHYR

Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race

VHF

Very High Frequency (radio frequency)

WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE

2013 Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race 04

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

The inaugural race in 1987 was an initiative of the City and Port of Osaka and the Port of Melbourne to mark the 120th anniversary of the Port of Osaka and planned as a one-off event.

However, the organisers ran another race in 1991 and again in 1995, when the City of Melbourne became involved in place of the Port of Melbourne in the context of the Sister City relationship. It was held every four years up to 2007 with a longer break until the 2013 event.

However, no longer supported by public funding or sponsorship, the 2013 race needed some creative changes to ensure it went ahead.

NEW STRUCTURE FOR THE EVENT

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

In April 2010, Commodore of the Osaka Hokko Yacht Club (OHYC), Muneyoshi Nakakita, visited Melbourne looking to gain commitment for the event from Australia. A tri-partite organisational structure was formed with the Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC)

and the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) and the date of April 2013 set for the race. (See Appendix A). This date was propitious as it celebrated the 35th anniversary of the City of Osaka and the City of Melbourne formalising the Sister City status.

OTHER CHANGES

THE MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES OF EACH CLUB WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:

Handicap Categories

Sandringham Yacht Club

The race moved away from Length divisions to Handicap categories. Competitors could choose to compete under the International Rating Certificate (IRC), Australian Measurement System AMS) and Performance Handicap System (PHS).

• Host club in Melbourne for this event. • Provision of six weeks free berthing to interstate and overseas yachts including one haul out, seven days yard storage and hull scrub, and return to the water. • “Buddy system” for entrants to assist with enquiries and local support as needed. • Venue for training activities • Venue for the “Blessing of the Fleet” and farewell function for competitors, families, and friends.

Osaka Hokko Yacht Club

Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (See Appendix B)

The Australian Measurement System had been at that time been upgraded to AMS2 and as part of launch of the updated and ever-growing measurement system, the AMS Technical Committee offered free AMS2 certificates for all Interstate and Overseas vessels coming to Melbourne to compete in the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race.

• on water race management • Host club in Osaka • Provision of the race finish line and courtesy vessel to escort competitors to the marina • Welcome reception and parties for each arriving yacht and crew • Free berthing for six weeks post finish • Presentation at Tenmangu Shrine

• boat and crew compliance with Notice of Race • Race Director and Deputy Race Director roster and activities • Incident Management Team • Provision of a Safety and Sea Survival Course and assistance with race seminars

OTHER CHANGES (continued) TROPIES

Perpetual Trophies With the change to Handicap Categories for the race, the Organising Authority (OA) established three Perpetual Trophies to be awarded in recognition of the winners in these categories. In April 2011, “The Friendship Bowl “was presented to SYC by OHYC. In 2013 on mutual agreement, the bowl became the perpetual trophy awarded to the first placegetter in the International Rating Certificate (IRC) category. SYC Past Commodore, Kate Mitchell, donated a perpetual trophy for the first placegetter in the Australian Measurement System (AMS) category.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

“The Colin Smith Memorial Trophy” was donated to the event by the family of the late Colin Smith, an avid yachtsman and competitor in the 2003 event. This became the perpetual trophy for the first placegetter in the Performance Handicap Division. In a poignant reminder of Colin’s passion for yachting and the oceans, his family spread his ashes on the start line moments prior to the main fleet start on 27th March 2013.

A perpetual trophy for “The First SYC Yacht to Osaka Trophy” was awarded in 2002. This trophy has an interesting history. In 1991, HMAS Warrnambool was the start vessel for the Melbourne Osaka race and the Chairman of Melbourne Ports was tasked with firing the starting gun. As a memento of the occasion, he was given the 40mm Bofors cartridge shell. In 2002, he gifted the cartridge to George Shaw (past competitor). The 40mm Bofors cartridge was mounted on a trophy stand, donated by Phil Coombs, past SYC Commodore and Osaka competitor and designed and crafted by JP Marquet, SYC member. Another interesting connection is at that time HMAS Warrnambool was under the command of Lieutenant Commander Robert Ware who is now a SYC member and International Sailing Judge. The trophy was first awarded in 2002 and was retrospectively awarded from the 1991 Melbourne Osaka race.

Adventure Safety Trophies and Prizes. Adventure Safety was an ORCV supporter in 2013, a distributor and retailer for sea safety equipment, marine clothing, and hardware. The company wanted to recognize the skills, talent and resourcefulness of the sailors participating in the Melbourne to Osaka race and sponsored the following prizes. THE ADVENTURE SAFETY MELBOURNE TO OSAKA TROPHY:

This was awarded to the First Boat to complete the race on lowest elapsed time in the event it was not the Line Honours boat. (elapsed times would be adjusted to reflect any penalties incurred during racing). The trophy was accompanied by a prize of two Kru Lifejackets. THE ADVENTURE HARDWARE PRIZE:

If a new race record were secured, this prize would be awarded to the boat attaining this achievement. The prize was a voucher to the value of $1000AUD for products available from Adventure Hardware. These prizes and trophies were awarded in consultation with the OA.

OTHER CHANGES (continued) TopYacht Software

Yellow Brick Tracking

Skype Jury

The ORCV used TopYacht, an entry and results management software system to help with administrative tasks and event results.

In line with continuing safety improvements for racing, each boat carried a Yellow Brick iridium-based tracking device (YBT). This live yacht tracker transmitted every 60 minutes for a period after the start, then six hourly for the majority of the event. As yachts approached the finish, the transmission became more frequent.

The Organising Authority appointed an International Jury (IJ) to conduct Protest Hearings and Requests for Redress. The Jury members comprised:

Transmission data included date, time, latitude, longitude, and boat speed, and was viewed in real time via the melbourneosaka.com website.

Mr Sen Yamaoka NJ, JPN

Staggered Starts Staggered starts were introduced to ensure all boats finished around the same time in Osaka, thereby assisting OHYC with their hosting duties. There were three race starts reflecting the performance of each of the boats, with the fastest starting last. The first race start occurred on 17/3/2013, followed by the main fleet on the 24/3/2013 and the largest boat, Gusto, starting on 28/3/2013. The staggered starts negated the need for the race to be conducted over two legs as on previous occasions.

Screen shots from the Tracker can be seen in the description of The Race in this record. You can view how the race progressed at http://yb.tl/osaka2013 • Zoom out to the race area using the icon on the left side of the top toolbar. • Scroll left using the slider on the bottom toolbar to replay the race. • Boats can be identified by their colour code on the map legend. • Hover over the boat icons for more information.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Mr Paul Pascoe IJ, AUS Ms Kazu Akimoto IJ, JPN Mr Noel Allan IJ, AUS Mr Leonard Chin IJ, MAS

Race Communications

Social Activities

Race communications were via Very High Frequency (VHF) and High Frequency (HF) radio, satellite phone (voice and text) and email.

A few fun initiatives were introduced to the event by George Shaw, past competitor, and member of the OA. Co-skippers participated in “The Biggest Loser” event! In long yacht races crews lose weight and many would lose up to 10kg over the duration of the event. Therefore, George conducted an official weigh-in at the start and finish of the race to determine the winner.

As Japanese registered vessels were precluded by legislation from carrying HF radio equipment, use of the satellite phone for communications was essential.

Crews were also asked to nominate the order the yachts would finish. This gave an interesting perspective of how each boat viewed its competition.

OHYC arranged for the Official Presentation to be held at Tenmangu Shrine – a magnificent location to celebrate the event. Previous ceremonies had been held at commercial premises. At the initiative of Georgie Mitchell, partner of competitor Tim Ford, an “Aussie BBQ” was held to thank members and supporters of the OHYC for their magnificent hospitality toward all competitors and their families and friends.

Timeline of Training Events The 2013 MODHYR was well-supported by a variety of training and education activities in the lead-up to the event. All seminar events were offered to interstate, overseas and other interested persons via webinar.

18TH JULY 2012: MODHYR INFORMATION NIGHT

Complementary to these sessions, the ORCV offered training courses in Remote First Aid, Advanced Weather and the Port Phillip Heads “Rip Tour” preceding the event.

Topics discussed included: Insurance, proposed training event timetable, timeline for race entry, documentation and safety items, and preferred options for race communications.

6TH DECEMBER 2011: “QUESTION AND ANSWER” SESSION.

This 5500nm event required sufficient lead time for yachts and co-skippers to be appropriately prepared for the epic journey and thus, after the collaborative agreement to conduct the race was announced, an early “Question and Answer” session was held at SYC. Philip Burn, Chair of the MODHYR, welcomed attendees and addressed the new event structure and financial

2011

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

model for the race, and the facilities provided by SYC prior to the race. Simon Dryden, Rear Commodore ORCV and past competitor, discussed the race management system with reference to the race safety category, special regulations and proposed staggered start arrangements. George Shaw, Immediate Past Commodore ORCV and a previous competitor, spoke of the facilities offered at the OHYC as the host club for the race finish.

As the expressions of interest to compete morphed into race entries, an Information Night was held at SYC.

20TH NOVEMBER 2012: CATEGORY 1 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

This session addressed the Yachting Australia Special Regulations Part 1 for Category 1 races and the additional requirements stipulated in the Notice of Race (NoR) as set by the MODHYR.

Robin Hewitt, former Commodore ORCV and a previous competitor, engaged the audience with an informative session on getting to the start line.

2012

21ST FEBRUARY 2013: SAIL REPAIR SEMINAR

Sam Haines, Sailmaker at the UK Halsey Loft in Sandringham, and an experienced offshore racing sailor, provided an informative and practical onsite display of repairs from a torn clew, blown-out tapes on a spinnaker to retrieving broken battens from a mainsail. He discussed how to effect general repairs quickly and efficiently whilst racing, thereby maximising sail power at all times. FEBRUARY 2013: SAFETY AND SEA SURVIVAL COURSE

The ORCV conducted this course for competitors requiring the qualification as per the Notice of Race to compete in the event.

5TH MARCH 2013: AUSTRALIAN QUARANTINE AND INSPECTION SERVICE AND CUSTOMS PRESENTATION

Races covering international waters are subject to entry and exit procedures for Customs and Biosecurity arrangements as legislated by countries involved. To assist competitors with the formalities needed for this event, representatives from Australian Customs and Border Protection Services (ACBPS) and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) provided an informative session. OHYC provided details for special requirements that were required by these authorities on arrival in Japan.

7TH MARCH 2013: Q&A TALKFEST

With all competitors in Melbourne prior to the official race briefing and farewell for the fleet, an opportunity for a “talkfest swap” among present and past competitors and other interested sailors was scheduled and held at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS). To kick off the evening, former competitors Robyn Brooke and Rosie Colahan shared some basic provisioning tips and ideas for “cooking up a storm” at sea. Rosie, as the Race Medical Officer (RMO) for the 2013 event, presented “A Stitch in Time”, addressing patch up jobs and other medical emergencies at sea. This was followed by a lively discussion including everything from “don’t forget the matches”, being becalmed, getting past New Guinea and other salty stories.

2013

Official Social Events MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL

To celebrate the sister city relationship and the 2013 Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race, the Melbourne City Council (MCC) held a reception for Members of the SYC, OHYC, ORCV, distinguished guests and competitors on 14th March 2013 at the Melbourne Town Hall. Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima addressed the guests elaborating on the sister-city, sister-state and sister-port relations between Melbourne and Osaka.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

He commented: “On the occasion of the Melbourne-Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race, I would like to congratulate both ports and cities of Melbourne and Osaka. I would like to propose a toast to the safe journey of the participants of the yacht race.”

SANDRINGHAM YACHT CLUB

A Farewell BBQ was held at SYC on 10th March 2013. The Ken King Centre was awash with the colour and decorated with Japanese lanterns, fish kites and flags from previous races. In attendance were competitors and their families, a delegation from the OHYC, Mayor of Bayside, Office Bearers and volunteers from the SYC and ORCV.

Executive Chef of the SYC, Kol Gemmell, provided a delicious Japanese inspired BBQ. Local

The celebrations were opened by Bayside Mayor Stephen Hartney.

There was much bonhomie and excitement amongst the competitors. The long months of preparation for the race ahead were drawing to a close and the anticipation of the journey ahead heightened the genial rivalry.

Competitors were honoured by a blessing from SYC Chaplain, Graeme Disney followed by a Shinto blessing performed by Vice Commodore Kondo from OHYC.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Japanese Australian women dressed in traditional kimono came to the party to assist as interpreters for the visiting Japanese delegates and a Japanese Bayside dance group performed for the guests.

OSAKA HOKKO YACHT CLUB Prior to the departure of the Japanese entrant, Southern Cross, for the delivery trip to Melbourne for the start of the race, a Blessing Ceremony was held at the Tenmangu Shrine. The blessing included a safe voyage for co-skippers, Yasu and Masa, and a successful race event for all competitors. From previous events, OHYC is known for its legendary hospitality for crews arriving at the finish in Osaka Bay. In 2013, the club again warmly welcomed all competitors openly and with enthusiasm. Volunteers from Australia were welcomed in Osaka at the Commodore’s Party at Melbourne House on their arrival from Melbourne.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

As each yacht arrived at the finish line in Osaka Bay, it was greeted by a support vessel and escorted to the OHYC marina among much cheering and applause. Co-skippers were welcomed and presented with flowers and champagne and a short question and answer session. Later a party was held at Melbourne House where festivities were enjoyed and the triumph of reaching Osaka was celebrated. Volunteers from OHYC were rostered on to prepare meals for each of the arriving boats. A challenging task as the parties grew larger with each finishing boat!

Other events took place in Melbourne prior to the start of the race. Hobsons Bay Yacht Club (HBYC) extended an invitation to a “Swing to Osaka “party in support of their members participating in the race – Robert Bradley and Joey Gough aboard Escapade and Eric Marsh and Paul Neilson aboard Turbulence. The crew of Beyond Outrageous (re-named Kiss Goodbye to MS) in conjunction with the RMYS held a Wet Bar party to farewell Tony Warren and Andrew Hibbert and wish them safe travels to Osaka. Blairgowrie Yacht Club (BYS) provided berthing for competing yachts on the eve of the first and second starts and hosted co-skippers, families, and friends with a farewell dinner.

2013 Entrants 20

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The race attracted many early expressions of interest, but the fleet firmed at eleven entries by the official close of applications on 31st December 2012. (See Appendix C) 21

CADIBARRA 8 Co-skippers: Paul Roberts and Martin Vaughan Paul discovered sailing was for him after his first experience in a small dinghy at Sea Scouts in Wellington, NZ, at around ten years of age. He was literally “blown away” by the wind and the boat speed. Over many years he had watched plenty of Melbourne to Osaka race starts and always wanted to give it a go, attracted by the long distance and shorthanded nature of the event. The idea of a race start from his home port of Melbourne, up the East coast of Australia, across the Equator and onto Japan along with a great direction for off the wind sailing was most appealing.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Paul bumped into Martin Vaughan after twilight sailing at SYC. Martin was keen to join as co-skipper – around the same age as Paul and with similar sailing experience they were able to work well in the ocean together. “Cadi” was the perfect choice of yacht for Paul given her off wind performance. It had competed in a previous Osaka race and had undergone many modifications for the event. It had a heavy bulb on the keel for stability and was easy to sail double handed.

ESCAPADE Co-skippers: Robert Bradley and Joey Gough After completing his Higher School Certificate, Robert first sailed in his mate’s Boomerang 20 - an adventurous outing on Port Phillip that did not sell

Loch Earn in Scotland and continued sailing dinghies at Scouts and school before a family relative took him under his wing and had him crew on his Olympic Class Dragon.

Robert on sailing. A nasty late afternoon

The Melbourne Osaka race was never

south-westerly change followed by

on his to do list but any opportunity

issues with water ingress- the front

for a new adventure always had been

hatch was discovered open, no torch or flares, a night spent sitting on the cabin trying to attract help from passing boats, to a rescue by a scallop fisherman the following morning took its toll. Later, he helped a mate build a Mirror dinghy and pottered around in an old dinghy that had been left at his folks’ holiday home not knowing what he was doing but enjoying the experience. He continued to sail but became hooked after a charter with his wife, children,

there. Robert and Joey met through Joey’s daughter Nikki who lives in Australia and crewed for Robert aboard Escapade. Joey was in Australia on holiday and Robert invited him for a sail. Robert always had Joey as number one on his crew list for Osaka. His theory being that “if you find a crew member that is a better sailor than you, you can sleep better at night during the race”. They had plenty of

and father in the Greek Isles.

double handed experience prior to the

His passion for racing was fuelled by

offshore events.

ORCV offshore races and he chose the

Joey first sailed a 15’ Hornet dinghy on

race both overseas and in the ORCV

Melbourne Osaka race “because it was

Robert bought Escapade, a Farr 38 IMS,

there”. He considered it the second

to pursue his passion for ocean racing

biggest race after the Solo around the

and to meet his criteria of speed and

World and in a different class to the

comfort and more importantly the

Clipper or Volvo races – “just us and

safety and structural requirements for

5,000nm of ocean”.

long distance offshore racing.

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FUNNELWEB Co-skippers: Ivan Macfadyen and Will Parbury At the age of 18, Ivan “met a bloke” in a pub who was building a 48’ ferro cement yacht and was invited to have a look at the project. Although not hooked on the idea of sailing as such, he was smitten by the promise of freedom that it could give. He later built a Hartley 33 and realised when he took her for a sail, he probably had the cart before the horse. After all the sailing part was incidental for him! It was all about the freedom. He was offered a ride in his first ocean race by an owner whose boat was moored in the same marina as Ivan’s, and soon realised racing was the way to go. The Melbourne Osaka race gave him plenty of freedom to fuel his addiction. This would be Ivan’s second Melbourne Osaka race having successfully completed the 2003 event with his then partner, Sibby Ilzhofer.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Will started sailing Sabots at 10 years of age with either his brother or sister as crew. They spent equal amounts of time sailing or capsized and became very efficient “bailors”. The Melbourne Osaka race had been on his bucket list for some time as he was keen to get amongst shorthanded sailing and viewed the race as extremely challenging and rewarding. He responded to an advertisement looking for crew for the event on the ORCV website. Ivan selected him based on his sailing experience and as the only candidate who offered to help prepare the boat for the race! Ivan commissioned Robert Hick to design and build Funnelweb for the 2003 event. As a proven Category 1 offshore racing vessel, he would campaign her again in 2013 event saying, “I can cruise a race boat, but I can’t race a cruising boat and Funnelweb does both very well”.

GUSTO Co-skippers: Brian Pattinson and Greg Brunt Brian started sailing around 21 years of age, fuelled by an idea and adventure. Early one morning looking over Port Phillip from St Kilda marina, he watched a power boat zoom past. As he had always wanted to travel, he said to his accompanying friend, “Come on mate, I’ll get you a boat and we’ll go around Australia”. His friend replied.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

“You idiot, that’s not big enough and imagine the cost in petrol.” Then a yacht sailed past and Brian had visions of lying on the deck sunbathing and travelling around, although he had no grasp of the challenges such a pursuit would present! When he purchased his first boat, there was very little mentoring or assistance available. He read books on the topic, made mistakes and slowly learned the ropes, becoming an experienced offshore sailor.

Brian had competed previously in the Melbourne to Osaka race and 2013 was his third event. He commented “It is an adventure. The competitors have a tingle that we would like to win but, in this race, every single person who gets there is a winner. It is nothing to do with winning: It’s a race with yourself and your boat, and how you can motivate yourself to push harder and harder.”

Greg became hooked on sailing when at age 35 years, he flew to Tahiti and joined a yacht being delivered from America. Until that time, he had no interest in sailing, but took to it “like a duck to water”, learnt quickly and built on his experiences. Brian and Greg gelled as co skippers. Brian stated “Greg was naturally cautious in the ocean, honourable and respectful. There is no captain and no

mate on this race, but someone must make the decisions. I would listen to him as much as he would listen to me. It was a pleasure to have him aboard”. Brian bought Gusto, an open 66, for the Osaka race. He commented, “She was branded as a ‘skiff on steroids’, a flat racing skiff made for downwind or reaching, conditions that usually feature in this race.”

Previously an old Volvo around the world racer, she had been purchased and altered by Sean Langman, – boat builder in Sydney and Tasmania, extending her with an open cockpit. The boat had competed in many offshore events, including multiple Sydney-Hobart races.

KISS GOODBYE TO MS Co-skippers: Tony Warren and Andrew Hibbert Tony Warren has sailed since he was nineteen years of age and amassed many long-distance racing miles including ten Melbourne to Hobart Westcoasters, among other ORCV offshore races, and three Sydney to Hobart races. A veteran of the Melbourne to Osaka race, his entry in 2013 was the fourth time he had competed. In 1995 he retired from the race after damage to the mast aboard Outrageous 111. In 1999 sailing Outrageous 111 and in 2003 sailing Beyond Outrageous, he successfully completed the races placing third each time in his division.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Andrew Hibbert had sailed many long-distance races on Port Phillip and ORCV offshore events. He was a member at RMYS alongside Tony Warren and joined him as co-skipper for the 2013 race. Kiss Goodbye to MS also known as “Beyond Outrageous” was purchased late in 2002 for the 2003 Melbourne Osaka race. An Inglis 39 and a seasoned ocean racer, she was Tony’s choice of vessel for the 2013 event.

OPTIMUS PRIME Co-skippers: Trevor Taylor and Daniel Taylor Trevor’s folks bought he and his brother a Pelican dinghy when he was aged around nine years. They spent time learning how to sail and the following year competed in the Cockburn Sound Regatta. He has not looked back since and has sailed and raced dinghies, sports boats and keelboats. The Melbourne Osaka race was not on his radar until his son, Daniel, sent him an email asking if he would be interested in competing. Trevor replied asking Daniel if he thought “they could get on together for five weeks”. Daniel’s comment was “we will only see each other at the change of watch”. And so, the challenge was set.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Daniel’s earliest memories of sailing are being on and around boats or yacht clubs with his Dad. He never made a conscious decision to sail but grew up around the sport and has always enjoyed participating. He became interested in the discipline of short-handed sailing and saw an advertisement for the Melbourne Osaka race in a Sailworld magazine. He sent an email to his Dad “flirting” with the idea of competing and was prepared for a response of “tell him he’s dreaming”. Instead, the reply was “Let’s do it”. Trevor already owned Optimus Prime at that time and she had been well trialled in offshore races and long cruising passages. A perfect boat for the campaign.

SAMURAI JACK Co-skippers: Michael Lazzarini and Ryan Donaldson Michael was born into a sailing family and started sailing when he was four years old. He did his first Brisbane to Gladstone with his father, Philip Lazzarini, when he was twelve years of age and survived the devastating 1998 Sydney to Hobart race when he was nineteen.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

He has an impressive logbook of offshore racing from his home state of Queensland, and over 30,000nm of yacht deliveries to round out his experience. Ryan started sailing at six years of age in New Zealand, taught by his father who was a passionate sailor. Learning his skills in the family’s Noelex 25 and then progressing through a variety of dinghies with plenty of success in provincial and world titles.

A move to Australia in 2008 allowed Ryan to begin his offshore sailing experience and pursue some big aspirations. He worked on many maxis and America’s Cup yachts and competed in three Pittwater to Coffs Harbour and two Sydney Hobart races. For eighteen months, Ryan worked aboard ‘Yanneke Too’, a 120 ft Bill Dixon schooner built by Camper and Nicholson in 1996. Joining the yacht in

Phuket as deckhand, sailing through South East Asia, Indonesia, refitting in Australia and being promoted to 1st Mate. Then, across to New Zealand and the South Pacific and returning to Australia late 2011.

Samurai Jack, a Farr 39 ML was built in 1996 in Boston, USA by Mark Lyndsy. The boat was raced internationally, moved to New Zealand in 2001 and modified in 2007 with a Hugh Welbourne keel, rudder, and new mast.

In 2012, Ryan based himself in Brisbane to prepare for the 2013 Osaka race aboard Samurai Jack with Michael.

It was purchased by Noel Humphries in 2009 and moved to the Moreton Bay Yacht Club Marina, Scarborough, Queensland, Australia.

Michael knew Samurai Jack intimately. As a Shipwright, he had done extensive work on the boat prior to the 2011 Sydney Hobart race and later continued to make modifications to enable the boat’s compliance and suitability for the Melbourne to Osaka race.

SOUTHERN CROSS Co-skippers: Yasuyuki Nakaji and Masaru Matsuura Southern Cross was the only Japanese and international entrant for the event. When the inaugural Melbourne to Osaka race was held, Yasu had decided that one day he would compete in the event. In 2008, he set his sights on participating in the proposed 2011 event, immediately bought a boat, Southern Cross, and commenced to set up the vessel for single handed operation. In 2008 he competed in many long-distance events and during the latter of these experienced transom and rudder issues that were rectified in January 2010. Around that time, the 2011 Melbourne to Osaka race was postponed.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

His ambition had been to cruise from Osaka to Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, New Caledonia and onto Australia then enter the Melbourne to Osaka event for the return trip. With the event start delayed and even the possibility of it not being run, he went ahead with his plans setting out for New Caledonia and then on to New Zealand and returning home via Micronesia. When the announcement of the 2013 Melbourne Osaka Yacht race was finally made, he decided to fulfil his dream of competing in the event and registered for the race in October 2012. He departed for Australia soon after, arriving in Australia in December 2012. Yasu chose Masaru Matsuura as his coskipper for the event. Masa was a fellow member at OHYC and had previously competed in a Melbourne Osaka race. As a professional shipwright and avid sailor he brought many skills to the Southern Cross campaign.

SPIRIT OF DOWNUNDER Co-skippers: Laurie Ford and Tim Ford Laurie applied to be a Cadet Midshipman at age eleven and progressed to the interview stage but missed out. He tried again at age fifteen with a similar result and was keen at eighteen to volunteer for the RAN service. However, his Dad said, “never volunteer son”. So, the sea has been in his blood forever. His first boat was a Heron dinghy, followed by a Fairy Penguin. Later he bought a trailerable Flinders 7.6m and enjoyed many miles with his wife, Judy, and their sons before selling it and purchasing a Noelex 30. Success in the ORCV Melbourne to Hastings race was a defining moment for his ocean racing career. Laurie became disenchanted with the handicap systems and was drawn to compete in the 1999 Melbourne Osaka race based on the boat length divisions. He decided to race again in 2013.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Tim sailed dinghies as a youngster and spent many miles aboard his Dad’s trailerable yacht in his teenage years. Later, a delivery from Darwin to Brisbane re-ignited his passion for being back on the water and sailing. The Melbourne Osaka race was not always on his to do list, but when his Dad started talking about doing another one, Tim felt it was something he did not wish to miss out on. Tim asked Laurie who he was taking on as crew and was “pretty chuffed” when he worked out, he had the gig. Spirit of Downunder was built specifically for the 1999 Melbourne Osaka race and won the 10-12m Racing Division C. Laurie sold and later repurchased Spirit in 2004. She had an impressive offshore racing record and was a very suitable boat for the race.

TURBULENCE Co-skippers: Eric Marsh and Paul Neilson Eric’s first attempt at sailing aged sixteen years, was in a plywood Vee Jay dinghy that he had purchased. He took it down to the local surf beach and tried sailing her, learning that the surf was not the best place to start.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

He purchased a Sunmaid 20 Trailerable yacht and spent seven years racing and cruising, discovering a passion for short-handed sailing along the way. He became hooked on ocean racing after competing in the 2007 Melbourne to Hobart Race in his Northshore 370, Slinky Malinky,

the first leg of which included the 100th anniversary of the Rudder Cup, Melbourne to Launceston Race. Eric loves a challenge and being in harmony with the sea and nature, so the Melbourne Osaka race was a call to his biggest personal challenge of his sailing career.

Paul’s Dad, John, was a keen sailor and boat owner, encouraging Paul to join him aboard. However, Paul was an avid young tennis player, representing Australia, and hated sailing with a passion! Weekends without tennis matches or tournaments were spent aboard

sailing and racing and by his mid-teens, Paul had decided the sport was okay. Paul had never given any thought to competing in a Melbourne Osaka race until Eric started talking about it. He had sailed with Eric on many ocean races and they had become great mates enjoying each other’s company, knowing each other’s strengths and

weaknesses, and were both competitive and liked to win. Eric knew this bond would help maintain their focus during the harder times of the passage. Eric chose Turbulence, an Adams 11.9m, as a proven ocean racer with a previous Melbourne Osaka race to her credit. The design was very seaworthy and suited the wind angles expected for the race.

WASABI Co-skippers: Bruce McKay and John Davies Wasabi, a Sayer 40, was purchased by Bruce McKay in 2007. She had been purpose built for a previous Melbourne to Osaka Race but suffered an early retirement. Bruce had made modifications to enhance her performance and improve the overall reliability of the onboard systems. Bruce had campaigned Wasabi in many offshore events both fully crewed and shorthanded.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

He and his co-skipper for the 2013 Melbourne Osaka Race, John Davies, had been competing and practising their skills and were successful in winning the Double Handed Division of the 830nm Brisbane Noumea race. Bruce and John are active members of the Short-Handed Sailing Association of Australia and have competed together on many occasions. John regularly sails single handed in his Northshore 369.

The Race 44

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

The MODHYR is a unique longitudinal race crossing multiple weather systems and seasons, starting in the southern hemisphere in Autumn and finishing in the northern hemisphere in Spring.

The timing aims to circumvent the cyclone season in the south and the hurricane season in the north.

The Race

OSAKA Notice of Race

2013 Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race

Version V1.30

2013 NOTICE OF RACE (NOR) See Appendix D

Sailing Instructions

2013 Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race

Version V1.00

MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

2013 SAILING INSTRUCTIONS (SIS) See Appendix E

2013 CHANGE TO NOR ISSUED 26 MARCH 2013 1700HRS See Appendix F

2013 ENTRANTS

BOAT NAME

SAIL NO

Cadibarra 8

R420

Escapade

H538

Funnelweb Gusto

PHS

B660 S37

Optimus Prime

CR1

Southern Cross

IRC

N11

Kiss Goodbye To Ms

Samurai Jack

AMS

88888 JPN4000

Spirit Of Downunder

R1200

Turbulence

H602

Wasabi

AUS88

Sunday 10th March 2013:

RACE BRIEFING

The Official Race Briefing was held at Sandringham Yacht Club prior to the Official Farewell and Blessing of the Fleet celebrations. Principal Race Officer, Simon Dryden, emceed the session, that included presentations from the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority (AMSA), Kordia (race communications) and the OHYC.

ORCV -Race Management Simon spoke to Competitors about the International Jury that had been appointed by the OA to conduct Protest Hearings or Requests for Redress, and announced the Race Management and Incident Management (IM) Teams that were rostered for the duration of the event. (See Appendix D).

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

He highlighted areas in the NoR and SIs that were pertinent to penalties applied for receiving outside assistance during the race, the navigational challenges of the Sorrento Channel and shallow water in the vicinity of Corsair Rock near the Point Nepean side of the Port Phillip Heads, the required safety compliance for the event and observance of all communication schedules. Simon outlined the sources of weather information available to competitors for all areas of the race: the east coast of Australia, south-east trades, northeast trades, Japan, and the transition zones in between. He spoke of the adverse and favourable ocean currents along the route and placed emphasis on the Southern Hemisphere cyclone and the Northern Hemisphere typhoon seasons and the risk minimisation that would be taken in the event of this weather occurrence.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Nathan Johnson, a representative from AMSA, the national agency responsible for maritime safety, protection of the marine environment and maritime aviation search and rescue addressed competitors. He spoke of the role of the Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) as the primary co-coordinator of search and rescue activities in the Australian Search and Rescue Region with reference to Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and as the initial responders to all EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) and PLB ( Personal Location Beacon) detections.

Nathan outlined: • information for all National Search and Rescue Agencies and Maritime Rescue co-ordination Centres enroute. • SAR assets that could be deployed if an emergency arose. • how and when to activate an emergency beacon. • the significance of planning, preparing, and practising emergency procedures. • the importance communicating the nature of distress and assistance required to race control or nearby competitors.

KORDIA

OHYC

John Lang from Kordia presented the race communications that would be provided by the organisation via Charleville Radio.

Commodore Hayato Nakamura and Max (Masimo) Yamashita outlined amendments to the SIs regarding off-limit areas in Osaka Bay including the Kansai Airport, the Seaweed Cultivation Grounds and the reclaimed land at 34°37’N 135°20.7’E

Kordia is a New Zealand Government owned broadcast and communications company operating in New Zealand and Australia. It designed, built, and operates the High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) networks that covers nearly one-quarter of the world’s oceans or more than 90 million square kilometres. Kordia conducted daily HF skeds at 0605 AEST and 1805 AEST. Mandatory reporting positions at S17°, S9° and N13° were received by Charleville Radio either at a nearby sked time or by boats calling Charleville Radio on a distress and calling frequency and requesting to move to a race frequency to pass the report.

They confirmed the description of the finish line as per the SIs and noted that all finishing yachts would be met by the Committee Boat and escorted to Hokko Harbour by Ann-Chan. Immigration, Customs and Quarantine procedures on arrival were outlined as were in-port activities arranged after arrival of finishing boats and all competitors were encouraged to “Enjoy Osaka”.

17th March 2013:

FIRST START

of Port Phillip. BYS, a longstanding

first group start, but their departure

supporter of the offshore races for

was delayed by a family illness. At 1430

the ORCV, hosted competitors and

hours on 20th March 2013, they started

families on the evening prior to the

from Portsea. Over the next few days,

event, providing a warm welcome,

tactical decisions for the race began to

berthing and farewell dinner. Earlier in the day, co-skippers of Escapade and Southern Cross had attended a weather briefing with Race Director, Simon Dryden and Robin Hewitt. A large group of families, friends,

On the 17th March 2013, Commodore

spectators and volunteers were in

Bill Torgensen of the Annapolis Yacht

attendance watching and cheering as

Club fired the gun at 1330 hours from

Escapade and Southern Cross crossed

emerge. At the 0600hours radio sked on 24th March, Escapade reported being 300 nautical miles (nm) off Newcastle. Southern Cross was 300nm south-west of Escapade. They had committed to taking a more offshore route once past Gabo Island to gain use of the northerly flowing current in that area and had encountered strong

the start vessel for the first of the

the line, reefed down and with #4

headwinds and large waves in doing so,

staggered starts for this 5500nm event.

headsails set for the lively weather

thereby losing some time on the leader.

The starting line was in the vicinity

outside Port Phillip Heads. Turbulence

Turbulence had made steady progress

of Portsea Pier at the southern end

was the third boat nominated for the

along the coast and was off Ulladulla.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

24th March 2013:

The proposed change is as follows:

SECOND START

CHANGE TO NOR 1.4

The following paragraph: “Any boats determined to have received outside assistance shall have a penalty of 30% added to their elapsed time.” is changed to read: “Any boats determined to have received outside assistance shall have a penalty of 30% added to their elapsed time or other penalty at the discretion of the Jury” The reason for this change is to allow the Jury to decide that if the outside BYS again played host to competitors

assistance is minor and unforeseen,

to the Jury on what penalties the competitors felt were appropriate.” At the briefing session, the chair of the Melbourne Osaka Jury, Paul Pascoe answered questions from the attendees. To change a NoR after it has been submitted required unanimous approval of all competitors. The attendees at the meeting all agreed, and ORCV contacted the vessels already departed (as well as Gusto due to start later that week) to seek their opinion. After all competitors had been contacted, Don Fraser posted this announcement on the website “All competitors have unanimously agreed to the proposed change to

and families on the evening prior to the

then the Jury has the right to award a

second race start. A weather briefing

penalty less than 30%. At the briefing

the NoR in regard to penalties for

was held after which Don Fraser

there was discussion between the

outside assistance. Therefore, that

discussed with Competitors a proposal

competitors, the OA, and the Jury

proposed change is now confirmed

to change the Notice of Race. He was

Chairman about this change. It was

as a change to NoR.”

assisted by the Chair of the Melbourne

generally felt that if a boat stopped and

Osaka Jury, Paul Pascoe.

another person came on to the boat

“The OA would like to make a change

The following morning at 1030 hours,

to make repairs, that this constituted

the main fleet started from Portsea

significant outside assistance and

Pier. This group included: Cadibarra

to the NoR in order to make what we

should attract the full 30% penalty. If

8, Funnelweb, Kiss Goodbye to MS,

hope will be a potentially fairer race to

it were something such as stopping to

Optimus Prime, Samurai Jack, Spirit

all competitors. However, we cannot

pick up a fuse for an HF radio, then

of Downunder and Wasabi. The

make the change without the approval

something more like a 5% penalty

weather forecast was for strong north-

of all competitors and we therefore

would be warranted. None of these

westerlies turning west to south later in

request that you confirm if you are in

discussions were binding on the

the afternoon predicting a good run to

favour or not of the change.

Jury, but they did provide feedback

Wilsons Promontory.

28th March 2013:

THIRD START

At the 1800 hours sked boats reported excellent running conditions and excitement outside the Heads when struck by a heavy rain squall. Wasabi had managed to retrieve their spinnaker minutes earlier but were still laid flat by the weather. Optimus Prime reported a “bit of a stumble” with their kite halfway down when the squall hit. Funnelweb had blown up a kite which ended up in the water taking thirty minutes to retrieve. It was fully ripped and according to Ivan needed “some lovin to get it out of ICU”. Whilst the second starters made great pace through their first night, Escapade reported being 15nm west of Lord Howe Island, Southern Cross were 200nm east of Sydney and Turbulence was approaching Botany Bay.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

However, not everything goes to plan and at 0045 hours on the 27th March, Optimus Prime reported they had lost their forestay. Their mast was still standing and the crew okay and they were under motor to Eden where they waited out the southerly change and more favourable conditions before heading to Sydney for repairs. Southern Cross had reported a mechanical fault, the control wire from the helm to the rudder had become disconnected and they were heading to Brisbane for repairs using their “auto steer”. At the time they were 210nm from Brisbane and planned to return to racing following repairs.

On Thursday 28th March, after a farewell dinner with family and friends at Docklands, Gusto departed for the Portsea start line. Robyn Brooke drove to Portsea Pier to fire the start gun at midnight. Shortly afterwards, Gusto, an MB and D Open 66’ and the largest Boat in the fleet, co-skippered by Brian Pattinson and Greg Brunt, slipped out Port Phillip Heads and began their race to Osaka and their quest to track down the fleet ahead.

2nd April 2013:

EASTCOAST REPAIRS UNDERWAY!

BOB TANNER DEPUTY RACE DIRECTOR.

This afternoon, the fleet was spread out over approximately 1200nm, north to south, from Escapade at about 12° South (approximately 220nm south west of the Solomon Islands) to Gusto about 12nm off the NSW coast, approaching Port Macquarie. Escapade still retained a lead of over 600nm from Turbulence and over 700nm ahead of the next group: Cadibarra 8, Wasabi, Funnelweb and Spirit of Downunder, all at latitudes around 24° South.

Kiss Goodbye to MS was 40nm east of Fraser Island, having been forced to call in briefly to Coffs Harbour to obtain conditions calm enough to undertake some mainsail repairs, following problems with the spinnaker pole and track early in the race. Optimus Prime was also back at sea after their forestay breakage and diversion to Sydney, via Eden, for repairs. They left Sydney on Saturday afternoon and at 1500hrs today they were 160nm east of Brisbane with 18 to 20 knots(kts) SSE and well on their way to making up for the lost time. Samurai Jack was east of the Gold Coast, but less than 10nm off the shore.

After their stay in Coffs Harbour to effect repairs to their keel support structure they got going again on Monday afternoon and as Ryan penned in an email:

“What an effort. In the last two days Samurai has seen grinders, saws, welders, and a whole lot of mess… all is repaired … we are simply stoked to be racing again. To the other competitors: We’ll see you in the doldrums!” Japanese entrant Southern Cross had now finally sorted out their various mechanical issues and left Brisbane about midday today. They originally diverted from a long way east to effect repairs to the steering but were then caught up with starter motor problems. Being Easter, it was not possible to find the necessary parts until this morning, but all is now in order and they are on their way.

After damaging their tuffluff headfoil in the wild weather of Bass Strait, Gusto was another visitor to Sydney. They managed to get their repairs done despite the Easter holiday and were under way again on Monday morning. They were making slow progress this afternoon but should be in line for stronger south to south westerlies later today.

Wasabi reported a “McGyvering” moment when Bruce on his afternoon rounds noticed a fractional sheave pin about to fall out, so it was up the mast for John to affect a replacement. They have revised their Standard Operating Procedures for mast climbing – ‘Guy on deck clips on and guy up the mast takes some get down gear with him’ after John called out from the top of the mast:

3rd April 2013:

“THE HOUNDS”

“don’t fall over as I will be stuck up here”. All the boats which have stopped racing for repairs are required to submit a detailed report of the circumstances and conditions to the Osaka Cup International Jury, who will assess what penalties they will receive for obtaining outside assistance. From now on it will be interesting to see who comes out on top between those crews who ventured offshore early and those who stayed close to the coast.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

One early comment that set the theme for the event came from Robert Bradley, nominating the closet boats astern “the Hounds” in this short message.

“With the race getting more interesting as the surviving pack of hounds hits the trade winds, Escapade has answered the challenge with her second best 12hour run. We logged 98nm and the chart says we did 99, either is a fine figure.”

4th April 2013:

UPDATE The fleet were now spread from the northern Solomon Islands to the Coral Sea with Gusto coming up the rear offshore of the Sunshine Coast. The navigators aboard were faced with the decision of which way to go moving into the Solomon Islands and doldrums.

“Those watching the tracker will see that we are approaching the Solomon Islands with the intention to pass between Lanalau and Vangunu islands into “The Slot” or New Georgia Sound and exit via Manning Strait.

Our original intentions included going east of the entire Solomon Island group with the intention of getting into the NE trades sooner and avoid the dead patches around New Ireland and Bougainville. However, a small low formed itself up right in our path (Long 160°E) and forced us to skirt around it to the east. Even then we had to take a day off to watch the waves turn to glass. Current plan is to get through the Solomon Islands as described above. Then head north to keep in the good breeze to the equator and dial up “Go to Osaka” on the autopilot and make a run for home – 2000nm run that is! Highlight of the day - 10kts under the asymmetric spinnaker”

Last night’s email from Robert and Joey described how they planned to get through the Solomon Islands although that plan was modified slightly by the weather:

Samurai Jack and Southern Cross were also well and truly back into the race, with Samurai Jack about 70nm in front of the Japanese boat. The Wednesday evening email from Samurai Jack was very positive:

“As we kiss goodbye to Fraser Island, we bid farewell to Australia and cell phone reception as we progress to cross the prominent north- south current that we’ve been avoiding since the decision to hug the coast was made before the start! Since leaving Coffs Harbour our keel frame is proving itself to have been fixed (touch wood). We have enjoyed flying our symmetrical big foot kite and have just taken it down and to replace it is our #3 headsail so we can gain some longitude east. Expecting south-easterlies for the next couple days, looking forward to some great surfing”.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

An update from Southern Cross skipper, Yasu. Once again, he was in a poetic mood!

“It’s great to be back in the competition. Last night we could see countless numbers of fishing trawlers at work on both sides of us. The electric lights look beautiful and so did the waning moon as it rose above the bright vacant horizon. The atmosphere around us became transparent and across Southern Cross stars shone in the sky directly above us. It is the changing of the season and we look beyond the equator. It is cold at night and we need to wear a long-sleeved windcheater. When the sun comes up it is hot again and time for a polo shirt. The wind is rapidly shifting from the East to the South West. We are aiming for the north flowing current at 20° S 158° E but how far we travel east will depend on the wind. The entrance to the Solomon Sea is 155°E. From today we’re expecting that the wind will become much stronger”.

Gusto was less than 200nm behind Southern Cross and close to 600 behind Wasabi but was getting back into her stride. An SMS from Brian stated:

“all good, got the trades now, hope they stay in”.

Sunday 7th April 2013:

UPDATE Robyn Brooke and David Taylor The Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race teams were now tackling light and squally conditions in the tropics with the lead boat positioned north of the Solomon Sea and Southern Cross managing rig damage at 17°S. Escapade remained at the head of the fleet, moving slowly as the westflowing current dominated the light wind conditions. The ‘peleton’ or ‘pack of hounds’ as Robert Bradley (Escapade) so eloquently labelled them, were now in between the Louisiades and Bougainville.

Email: Cadibarra 8 revealed the marathon of getting to the Solomon Sea:

Email: Spirit of Downunder had a similar experience in the approach to the Solomons:

“The enormity of what we are undertaking is starting to sink in. The distance and time elements are quite phenomenal really. We have been going 12 days and still have one more day until we reach the 2,000nm mark (of a 5,000nm total). Fatigue and weariness have kicked back in with the trade wind sailing, chipping away at our energy reserves. By anyone’s imagination running in 20kts for four days straight sounds like heaven. Reality is a building sea, lots of distance and speed (yesterday we did 260nm I think averaging over 10kts).

“Only 186nm to our first turning point since leaving the Queensland coast, Rossel Island is the eastern most point of the Louisiades. All was well until Wednesday evening when it rained and poured, and stuff happened as well. We decided to drop the mast head kite after the 6pm sched. The wind was around 20-25kts and the kite socked easily enough but after getting it on deck the tack caught a wave and in the drink it went! Took us about 15 minutes to get back on board with no fish or prawns to be found. Luckily, no real damage to the kite but let’s hope it is still in the same shape. About 2hrs later we got hit by a rainstorm which has been fine otherwise but this one had 40+kts in it and a 50 degree wind shift. Auto George couldn’t handle that and a chinese gybe ensued. A bit of mayhem for a bit which was sorted out by the time the squirt went through in half hour or so.

We are closing in on the bottom of Papua New Guinea which is exciting. It’s getting really hot though, sweat dripping over the PC as I type.”

Damage report- main fine, boom vang - 2 hose clamps used around crack in boom end section, headsail - which is a heavy #1 and reefs to a #3, had the reefing zip part company for about one-third of its length. It has webbing tabs so we will have to tie it up instead of zipping and therefore still functional. The log said 234nm in 24hrs this morning so not a bad run as we had two reefs and #3 last night.” Funnelweb, 150nm behind Spirit, also reported a 40kt squall but they were prepared with two reefs in the main and 800kg water ballast on board. Unfortunately, their auto pilot had stopped working and they were therefore hand-steering, possibly all the way to Osaka. No auto pilot will add a huge pressure to both sailors as every manoeuvre will require all hands-on deck night and day.

Kiss Goodbye to MS was approximately

Gusto had left Southern Cross in

200nm to the SE of ‘the Hounds’ when

their wake and continued to catch

she reported ongoing power issues,

those ahead.

having lost her wind generator early in the race. Their solar panels were not

Southern Cross sent in this photo from

working as well as was anticipated and

Mellish Reef where they sought flat

so they were having to use more fuel to recharge their batteries. From the

water and replaced their broken stay.

tracker position, it appeared she was be heading to Gizo to pick up some fuel as a safety measure. They also had ongoing autohelm issues and the stop would give them an opportunity to repair it. Optimus Prime were continuing out to the East of the Solomons on what they have called “the scenic route”. Although longer in distance from the middle route taken by the “Hounds”, they calculated that there may be wind and current advantage, and took the gamble to make up time lost when they went in to Sydney to repair a broken forestay.

Email: “In other rum-worthy news, we have finally passed Santa Ana Island at the East end of the Solomon Islands. It did not come easy. At first, she greeted us with 22kts and rain by the bucket then gave us an hour of 2-3kts from every direction! Painful”.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

And to finish this update, a word from the Samurai Jack crew who were safely back in Australia, having retired from the race with structural damage.

Email: “An exhilarating and final sail into Gladstone was fun at 20+kts boat speed but also hard for Michael and I. A tough but easy decision to retire was decided after the question was asked “would we trust her on the back end of a cyclone?” No. We had fixed one load bearing section of the keel however it was not

distributing the appropriate loads through the rest of the frame. Race over. Our preparation over the last 15 months saw us getting 2nd in the Fairway Challenge, double handed against fully crewed boats, the delivery from Brisbane to Melbourne and the Melbourne to Hobart West Coaster all double handed and without reliance on auto helm. We can only thank the many people that have helped and supported us along the way. We have been humbled. If anything, we’ve both come out of this race stronger personally and having done the hard part by simply making the start. Many lifetime friendships have been established with a friendly rivalry!!! To all the boys still charging, all the best, when things are tough look on the bright side, have a laugh and remember you do this for fun. I’ll be following the tracker

The Escapade crew celebrated their arrival at the Equator. Latest news from onboard:

“Stop press. Escapade first to cross equator. Escapade continues to lead the 2013 Melbourne - Osaka 2handed yacht race, becoming the first boat to reach latitude 00° at 155° 52.7E 1402EST…….

all the way. I expect three sakes per person for Mick, Samurai, and I when you’ve made it! From the Greyhound bus en route to Mackay from Gladstone, and on behalf of my two teammates who I have established a longing relationship with, Mick and our girl Samurai Jack.”

8th April 2013:

FIRST TO THE EQUATOR Naval tradition dictates that any ship crossing the Equator must pay their respects to the Lord of the Seas, King Neptune, to gain his acceptance. Simon Dryden (PRO) requested some news of the equator crossings for general publication.

Escapade continues to show the way to depleted pack of hounds. Having downed a bottle of bubbly the skipper has been confined to his bunk, 1st officer to the cockpit. Otto(autohelm) has received an overdue promotion to watch leader, he has the bridge until the 1800change. Radio sched could be a challenge”

11th April 2013:

“THE HOUNDS” PART 2 Reflections from Robert Bradley aboard Escapade:

We’ve crossed the equator under a dark night’s sky

“Meanwhile the hounds appear to have lost the scent and are sniffing around the equator trying to pick it up again ... except that is for Optimus Prime who must have the other copy of Escapade play book “travel the road less taken” and are getting a good run out wide.”

Guess who’s back? Did you think we were through?

And news from Optimus Prime:

“And we’re in the Northern Hemisphere, crossing at 160° 17E @ 21:21... The Champagne has been cracked with an offering to King Neptune, a blessing of the boat and of course, a few bubbles for ourselves! RC has asked for a story of our crossing, instead I wrote a poem.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Like Slim Shady said, we go round the outside

To the hounds of the West, we’re gunning for you! And still, there’s another, out the front runnin’ Fear not, little Escapade, there’s a freight train comin’ There’s no second prize, we came for the win Be first to Osaka, the first boat to pull in It may be a pipe dream, it does seem so Cause over our shoulder comes a rampaging Gusto With many miles to go it’s far from done On our voyage to the land of the Rising Sun North West to the Far East, across the Pacific If I dont say so myself, this poem is horrific... But for now we toast to the king of the sea Raise your glass for King Neptune and may the force with us be.” TREVOR TAYLOR

12th April 2013:

ODE TO THE EQUATOR Next to cross into the northern hemisphere was Wasabi:

‘Zero Zero Zero Zero N 152°29 E’ was the position at 0600 this morning from Wasabi via their mandatory email Position Report. Well… It has taken us 19 days to make the EQ. The crossing was not as you would have imagined, no red line across the ocean, no dancing girls, no fireworks. After a night of getting smacked by one rain squall after another and a visit by a fishing trawler (came within 900m in the middle of nowhere) we were drifting along at only a couple of knots.

Yes we cracked the “fizzy wine” and toasted all who needed and deserved toasting, drank a little and back to managing the stalled boat. Sorry no dress up on this boat… All else on board is in good condition, crew fit and surprisingly healthy. The seal is still intact on the “room” for those of you who know. Now bow down and off to the next mark off Guam.” BRUCE MCKAY

14th April 2013:

SHAKING OFF THE DOLDRUMS Robin Hewitt, Deputy Race Director While our Japanese friends on Southern Cross remained in the clutches of the Solomon Sea at 6°South and Kiss Goodbye to MS battled light and variable conditions 130nm south of the equator, the rest of the fleet crossed to the northern hemisphere, celebrated appropriately and were eagerly looking to reach those north east trade-winds.

Our chart plotter calculated that we had 644hrs to run, I.e. 26 more days, I hope OP’s tracking numbers are more accurate.

Sailing legend and ORCV weather guru Robin Hewitt explained the features of this weather system and what the yachts can expect as they travel further north.

“The north-east trade winds zone is characterized by a steady flow of wind in a roughly steady direction. These winds are caused by out-flowing air from the sub-tropical ridge of high-pressure systems usually situated about 30 degrees latitude north or south and migrating according to the season. The air from the highs travels towards the uplift from the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) which in turn travels in the very upper atmosphere toward the poles until descending as high-pressure systems and thus

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

forming a vertical circulation. The cloud formation in the trades is quite different usually having a base of about 1km height and seldom above 10km. These cumulus clouds are vertical or have a ‘lean’ according to the strength of the trade winds. They are capped in height due to the descending air of the highs and may be quite patterned. With the consistent winds of the trades, we can expect the yachts to make rapid progress until they again meet calms being the centre of high pressure systems. Some differences can be expected due to just where their path and the highs appear. Following the calms, they will again be in a variable westerlies region similar to when leaving Melbourne and some strong winds are possible”. Escapade still held the lead and was currently 225nm east of Guam. Owner/skipper Robert Bradley was in a very relaxed mood as he described their current conditions. “It’s a lovely starry

night outside at last. For at least two weeks now all we have had all day and night is clouds, at least the rain squalls stopped about 36hrs ago. Escapade continues to hum along, she is really in the zone at the moment – 15kts right on the beam, full main and #2, now trimmed for reaching, boat speed high 7s and with a knot of current the SOG is sitting on 8.5 and occasionally touching 9. The sea state has eased a bit as the wind has dropped from 20 to 15 so Escapade is able to glide along more smoothly and catches the occasional wave and accelerates to 8+ through the water. Joey has completely abandoned the “I shouldn’t have a drink, we’re racing” philosophy and tonight it was “we’ve overtaken the sun, is that a reason for a round of rum?” No argument from the skipper! Current plan sees us heading north of Guam chasing a narrow ribbon of wind then straight at Osaka. Our eyes are currently on

Optimus Prime and the progress they are making so we are staying on our toes and trying to make every watch a good one. Nothing else to report, no dumb birds, no birds at all, no mosquitos either, no dolphins, no whales, no ships, no islands ... just endless sea and waves. There is a new moon tonight.” Optimus Prime, aka “The Freight Train” has had a highly successful week, reducing her distance to destination by 1350nm in the past seven days. They continued to make up for the brief stopover in Sydney to repair their forestay and the strategy to sail east of the Solomon Islands had paid off with better wind pressure than those who took the rhumb line. She now had her sights on Escapade who was 400nm ahead. Father and son team, Dan and Trevor Taylor, on the Marten 49 were giving it their all for the glory to be first to the finish but were not discounting their competitors behind and to the east.

“Things are tightening up. The Hounds are on the move, Gusto and Funnel Web may be let

off the chain any minute now and Escapade is finally under 8 knots! Full Main, JT and GS. We’ve run out of winches, it’s a spider web of rope on board.” The Hounds, the group of four who had taken the middle course through the Solomons, were still within 140nm of each other with Cadibarra 8, 6nm ahead of Wasabi, Spirit of Downunder 40nms behind and Turbulence hanging on to their skirts. The close racing was keeping them all focused to make the most of every opportunity. Funnelweb reported that they were struggling with the doldrums but had a brief distraction when a fishing boat passed by and put a launch into the water to come over to say “hello” and have a chat. Quite a surreal experience to have visitors after sailing two handed for so long, in such a remote location with 360° water views.

lots of storms. Having fun. Cheers. Look out “Escapee” and “Freight Train”, after some slow progress in the doldrums for the past few days, “The Big G” is on the move.” Kiss Goodbye to MS took a track through the Solomon Islands after making repairs to their auto helm which now saw her in a different wind pattern. Tony Warren needed to use all his experience from previous Osaka races in these conditions to crab his way north before being rewarded by the tradewinds. Southern Cross were almost out of the Solomon Sea however it appeared there were light and variable conditions to contend with all the way to the equator to challenge the Japanese crew, Yasu and Masa.

The biggest boat in the fleet, the Open 66 Gusto, reported she had “passed the Equator and is off the leash!” Owner-skipper Brian Pattinson messaged through, “Wahooo. Got wind and past the Equator. Rum and Weetbix for brekky. Great to get going again. Still

17th April 2013:

HEADING FOR THE PARKING LOT The wisdom of the staggered starts was now starting to be seen with boats coming together as they moved further north. However, the progress was slow and challenging -windless holes and a battle to keep moving.

the equator and looking at the forecasts these current conditions appear to continue. We’ll head north under power until we find the trade winds and once we find them we’ll commence sailing again. Please continue to follow our progress.”

18th April 2013:

KISS GOODBYE TO MS RETIRES

Email: Yasu from Southern Cross:

“Yesterday the wind we’d been praying for had not arrived. So, at 00:35 this morning I am afraid I started the engine. We are still in the Doldrums, yet to cross

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Kiss Goodbye to MS reported at this morning’s radio sked that they retired at 0200hrs and were heading to Truck “sic” ( Chuuk) island. They had been dogged by light weather for a long time now and required further supplies. An onboard update from Cadibarra 8 was a consistent story among the fleet as mother nature served up another light patch.

Email: “Flop, flop wallow wallow. Flop, flop goes the sails as we sit becalmed. It has been almost 24hrs of this incredibly frustrating nothingness. Everything we try comes to nothing, the best option appears to be Code 0 and try to point to where we want to go. It is important to keep motivated but when you are barely making 2kts on average it is really hard. Our opposition appear to be handling the conditions better or by fate are experiencing slightly more favourable conditions, as we noticed from the last sched Wasabi have blitzed us being almost 60nm in front and we lost time to both Spirit and Optimus Prime. Need to keep motivated, need to keep pushing ourselves. It’s hard when you are so tired though.”

19th April 2013:

Saturday 20th April 2013:

THE HOUNDS PART 3 – OFF TO THE RACES

FUNNELWEB RETIRES

Robert Bradley, with his next instalment of The Hounds!

Yachtsmen are well known for measuring their distance to go to the finish by naming a race of equivalent length. Front runner, Escapade, had only a Sydney to Hobart race to go!

“.. And as they come around the Marianas Islands and into the home Strait, its Escapade by 150,000 lengths to Optimus Prime and then a few thousand lengths back to the pack. They straiten for the run home and Escapade looks to be fading. What a gallant effort from the tiny boat by Farr out of Binks, she’s led them all the way as the pace maker (plenty of pace makers on board as it happens) but looks to be tiring a bit now as the pack start to reel her in. The crew are riding her hand and heels (there’s a glass of red in the other hand) and they’ve given her one last call ... yes, she’s responding, look at her go! The pack seem to have lost their spirit (we’re down to our last 2 rations of rum as well) and Escapade is showing them a clean pair of heels (finally had enough water for a wash - last week). Past the 700 mile post and it’s still Escapade. Can she hang on to the finish? ... stay tuned for the final exciting episode.”

Mixed reports of the variable breezes continued to defy the fleet.

Turbulence: “Sea calm as glass, Wind 319M @ 2.5, Boat Speed 1.5K, 1022mb pressure” Optimus Prime: “Boat Speed 7.4 knots, SOG 7 knots, Wind 8 knots from 065 degrees. Weather Wet and cold overnight Full cloud.” Funnelweb announced she had retired due to time constraints and lack of wind and would motor sail to Hokko. Southern Cross was heading to Chuuk for fuel and provisions.

21st April 2013:

0600 SKED Robin Hewitt -Deputy Race Director Developing Low 1012 HPA at 34N 140E sea east of Japan moving northeast 20 knots. Expected winds 30 to 45 knots within 600 miles of low southwest semicircle and 300 miles elsewhere for next 12 hours.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Following days of variable winds among the fleet, Deputy Race Director, Robin Hewitt, posted the weather forecast for 21st April along with comments from the 0600 sked.

Escapade had a lead of 100nm from Wasabi and 130nm from Optimus Prime, and although the gap was narrowing, she was holding out the challenge.

“It should make for some interesting aspects for the race. According to the information available here, the low is small, and winds will change fairly quickly both in direction and strength. Within hours the boats could be running and shortly afterwards beating. Of course, the centre of the system will have light winds so it could be a busy day for all aboard.”

Funnelweb had left Saipan and reported the sea is calm as glass in his area, Kiss Goodbye to MS had wind and was moving quite well while Southern Cross was approximately 30nm from Chuuk. However, late in the evening it appeared that the yachts had missed the worst of the weather with reports as follows:

Turbulence: “wind 3.5kts”, Optimus Prime:” wind 19kts and light rain”, Gusto: “no wind for 4 days- this is not racing- glassy”, Spirit of Downunder: “Thank the Lord our prayers are answered”, Cadibarra 8: “8kts wind.” Apart from the vagaries of the weather, ahead was the challenge of the Kuroshio current - the warm northward flowing arm of the North Pacific Gyre (Clockwise flowing circulation of water current where the temperature is redistributed from the tropics). The current is about 60nm wide and flows around 2 - 4kts. It is used by shipping to assist their routing and in particular by the fishing industry.

Reports from the morning sked included:

Escapade: “NW confused 3m sea.”

22nd April 2013:

UPDATE The leaders faced winds on the nose and strong winds were forecasted for those a little further south turning into a friendlier direction for the next couple of days. As the boats neared their destination, it was a requirement of the Japanese Immigration authority for crews to report on their state of health as a precautionary measure for quarantine purposes if required. Therefore, the daily sked began to include a brief note about their wellbeing.

Wasabi: “Bumpy night, max wind 32kts, steep waves with wind against tide. #5 and three reefs (out of four) on the main. Both crew all well and got good sleep overnight. Forecast easing this morning and clocking this PM.” Turbulence: “Cloudy start, Swell 1.0m, Wind 154M @ 8.9, Boat Speed 6.2kt” Optimus Prime: “Wind 22kts from the North, 2 tucks in the main and #4 jib. We are both fit and well with no health issues. Love a bit of crash’n and bash’n.” Cadibarra: “22kts NNW similar conditions to Optimus Prime” Funnelweb : ”6kts wind with a flat sea”

23rd April 2013:

Behind the leaders, conditions were variable. Cadibarra 8 was 200nm from Escapade, experiencing 10kt easterlies after a tough time with wind on the nose the previous day. Spirit of Downunder, another 130nm back, was making good progress, and Gusto with over 900nm to go was close to Funnelweb, who reported a 20kt northerly.

0600 THE POINTY END The morning sked saw Escapade with 200nm to go to finish, and Optimus Prime and Wasabi breathing down her neck. The finish was beckoning and with updated Yellow Brick tracking reports many race aficionados were glued to their websites watching the excitement unfold.

Optimus Prime reported: “a Geraldton Race to go -220nm. We have had a great couple of days and just need to work hard for another day and a bit and we may well get there first.

The fat lady has not started to sing yet but as they say, she is in her dressing room gargling and getting ready.” Wasabi was close on Optimus Prime’s heels, 33nm astern. The forecast was for increasing south east to southerly winds during the day which helped quicken the progress of the three leaders.

Turbulence continued to endure frustratingly light conditions –

“Plenty of clouds and showers, wind 4kt from the north west”. Kiss Goodbye to MS had called in to Saipan and Southern Cross was 300nm south east of Saipan and had made good progress towards home in Osaka. Osaka Bay is well-known for its busy shipping traffic and the navigators would have their eyes on the AIS and scanning the waterway when they entered for the final leg to the finish line.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

23rd April 2013:

1800 OPTIMUS PRIME LEADS THE FLEET Optimus Prime had made it to the head of the fleet with less than 130nm to go with Escapade persisting tenaciously 10nm behind. Wasabi was making excellent speed less than 30nm astern of Escapade and well positioned to catch them overnight.

Optimus Prime reported: “Kite has been up all day so far although the breeze did lighten off a bit mid-morning. It has kicked back in now and we have currently had 14kts from the SE pushing us along at 9 to 10kts almost directly at the entrance to Osaka Bay. How good does it get!”

“9.6kts boat speed, 4m NE swell and plenty of clouds and rain squalls”. No report was received from Funnelweb, Kiss Goodbye to MS was still at Saipan and Southern Cross was making good progress, roughly 200nm south east of Saipan.

24th April 2013:

Wasabi was 40nm behind Optimus Prime and had overtaken Escapade overnight who was a further 14nm astern. Cadibarra 8 was roughly 100nm behind Escapade at 0600hrs, and with the current conditions was predicted to close that gap as they approached the finish.

0600 OSAKA BAY – SHIPPING EVERYWHERE!

Spirit of Downunder, Gusto and Turbulence continued to make good speed, with the wind strengthening as they sailed further north. Turbulence reported a 17kt easterly and 9.6kts boat speed.

At the morning sked Optimus Prime had less than 25nm to go to the finish, storming up Osaka Bay in a 35kt southerly, with “Shipping everywhere”.

Funnelweb was off the airwaves, Kiss Goodbye to MS remained in Saipan and Southern Cross was 140nm south east of Saipan.

Cadibarra 8 was approximately 110nm behind Wasabi with 15kts of breeze behind the beam, and Spirit of Downunder a further 150nm astern. Gusto had finally found some breeze, reporting 30kts+ and big seas, and it was a change of pace for Turbulence:

Overnight Optimus Prime had reported that:

“the breeze is still getting stronger and eventually got to 35- 40kts. That was OK as we only had the main up and by going deep, we were comfortable enough with what was happening. Then as we got closer to the gap that leads you into Osaka Bay the screen started to light up with AIS identified shipping. There were ships everywhere! Some seemed to be coastal and were heading in and out along the coast but there was also a whole swag that were coming our way and heading in with us. In the meantime, the breeze was getting stronger to the point where first Daniel hit the race boat speed record of 16.8kts. Then I had a go and kicked it up to 17.4 and then 17.7kts only to have him kick it up again to 18kts and that was just with a main up!

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Around 0200hrs, we were dodging between ships surfing at 16kts. Bare headed now only doing 11.5-12kts drag racing the traffic past I-Shima... having a lot of fun tho!”.

24th April 2013:

OPTIMUS PRIME ARRIVES Optimus Prime crossed the finish line at 09hrs56m51s! With the 35kts winds easing and clocking forward, Optimus Prime made their last sail change for the race. Reefs out of the main and #1 hoisted, they tacked the final 15nm to the finish in light 5kt northerly breeze. The first yacht to cross the finish line after 31 days at sea. A fantastic effort by Trevor and Daniel Taylor. They were escorted to the marina and met by OHYC members and volunteers amid plenty of applause. A note from Optimus Prime log:

“Quarantine and Customs formalities were concluded and we were ushered down the jetty by the OHYC Commodore and other club members to a resounding round of applause by still more local club members, family and friends of other competitors, and some of the gang from Melbourne that had put the event together. It was quite strange to receive this sort of welcome, but much appreciated by Dan and I. Next step was to head into the Clubhouse for the announcement of our result, a welcome from the Commodore along with a presentation of a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of Champagne to us both. It also included a small question and answer session which again was special but strange as we never have this sort of fanfare at the end of a race at home. Once the official side of things were completed, we were led to a small two-storey building that they call Melbourne House.

Apparently, this was built specifically for the event somewhere along the line and becomes the centre of all things to do with the event. This is where they party. I had been told of the Japanese hospitality but to actually see it in action is quite humbling. Remembering that this happens for every boat that finishes, Dan and I were sat at the main table, that was full of

all sorts of tucker, both Japanese and western and even included two pieces of minced steak for both of us. We were again welcomed and cheered, and the festivities got under way proper with the rum, beer and wine flowing freely. We learnt later that members are rostered on to prepare the meal for each boat and that the produce is supplied by the members and it just keeps coming.

At the 1800hrs sked Spirit of Downunder messaged:

“Only 188nm to go – Hallelujah!”. Gusto was within 500 miles of the finish by morning and Turbulence was maintaining a good 9+kts of boat speed in a 15 – 20kt easterly.

Wasabi was the next yacht to arrive, finishing at 15hrs56m51s…… The celebrations started again with announcements, flowers, champagne and an interview followed by more food and partying.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Escapade crossed the finish line at 22hrs42m33s ….. and the OHYC hospitality continued long into the night.” With a decent south westerly breeze and 60 miles to go at 2100hrs, Cadibarra 8 was predicted to finish early in the morning depending on the idiosyncrasies of the Osaka Bay weather.

25th April 2013:

A message from the crew at 1215hrs

CADIBARRA 8 FINISHES

nowhere, don’t wait up”. However,

said “Becalmed the last 4 hours, going shortly before 1440hrs Cadibarra 8 crossed the finish line. Some reflections from Cadibarra 8 on finishing:

At the 0600hrs sked Cadibarra 8 was in Osaka Bay busy dodging the traffic with less than 20nm to go and a 10kt north-westerly breeze. It was a slow and painful journey over the final 10nm, which included being becalmed almost within sight of the finish line.

“Celebrations - let the champagne flow……..Our arrival was wonderful, from the smiling faces of George, Robyn and Anchan in the finishing boat to the cheers on the dock from everyone.

The handshakes, smiles, welcome. The Customs and Immigration, the presentation and the welcome party put on by Hokko Yacht Club. Wow is all we can say. We cannot describe just how welcoming the local club members are. Their smiling faces, their kindness and generosity were wonderful and a credit to the club. It would be impossible to be made to feel more welcome.”

Spirit of Downunder had approximately 160nm to go with winds trending north to west around 20kts. Gusto was inside 500nm from the finish and reported “all well”, and Turbulence, in a 15kt south easterly was making 9kts of boat speed and advised they were “fit as fiddles”. Funnelweb reported by satphone this morning having had reception problems for the last 2 days and were about 70nm astern of Gusto. Ivan reported they were both fine with no problems (other than communication!). Kiss Goodbye to MS was 125nm north west of Saipan enroute to Osaka, 70nm ahead of Southern Cross. At sunset, a brief Anzac Day ceremony was held on the balcony of Melbourne House at OHYC. George Shaw played the Last Post on his trumpet.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

26th April 2013:

Gusto was less than 300nm from the

27th April 2013:

SPIRIT OF DOWNUNDER ARRIVES

finish line and continued to have an

HEAVY GOING!

opportunity to achieve the best elapsed time. They would need consistent wind from the right direction to help them succeed. Funnelweb was 120nm astern of Gusto, reporting a 15kt northerly

Spirit of Downunder was approaching Yuraseto at the entrance to Osaka

and a flat sea. Turbulence was within 500nm of Osaka, experiencing heavy

Bay at the morning sked. The wind in

sea fog and a 10kt south westerly. Kiss

the Bay was light and they had a busy

Goodbye to MS and Southern Cross

morning avoiding the shipping traffic,

were about 60 miles apart, still some

making the finish line at 11hrs59m32s.

days away from the finish.

The vagaries of the weather continued for the fleet. Early in the day, Gusto, with 140nm to go expressed they had their” hands full”. Funnelweb, 280nm SSE of Osaka, reported “laying ahull in 55kts, crew health excellent”. Turbulence, 90nm south east of Funnelweb had a 20kt north westerly with “heavy sea and 4.5m swell”. Later in the day the wind eased off a little but remained on the nose. Not a favourable direction, especially for Gusto who needed to finish today to claim best elapsed time.

28th April 2013:

SLOW PROGRESS The morning sked saw Gusto making slow progress in the north westerly breeze to lay the entrance to Osaka Bay at Yuroseto. The last two days had been frustrating for Brian and Greg with the finish line tantalising close, but their efforts thwarted to attain the finish for best elapsed time. Funnelweb and Turbulence were experiencing light north to north easterlies. Turbulence reported they had a sunny afternoon with a light breeze and flat water, making less than 5kts of boat speed. The wind for both boats was likely to stay light overnight, then turn south west and gradually freshen tomorrow. Both crews reported that they were in good health. Kiss Goodbye to MS and Southern Cross had less than 700nm to go.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

28th April 2013:

GUSTO FINISHES After a slow trip up Osaka Bay, Gusto finally crossed the finish line at 03hrs04m08s. It was an exasperating final 200nm for Brian and Greg, who had expected to arrive 24hrs earlier until the wind direction put that out of reach. Despite the hour, they received a big welcome. This would be Brian’s third Osaka Race and each one had significant challenges, including the tidal depths at the marina!

Funnelweb was now 100nm from Osaka with a moderate westerly and a flat sea, while Turbulence, a further 120nm astern reported:

“Sea flat as a tack expecting another slow day ahead”. Kiss Goodbye to MS and Southern Cross continued to make their way to Osaka and had both reported: “they are in good health”.

30th April 2013:

FUNNELWEB ARRIVES Funnelweb arrived at Hokko Yacht Harbour at 0400hrs. Turbulence had 155nm to go at the 0600 sked and Deputy Race Director, Rik Head, posted an update from Paul.

“G’day All, a little update just too let you all know that we were averaging 9-10kts boat speed all of last night but couldn’t get over 5kts SOG. There is 6kts of current against us at times but minimal of 5kts. To say it is depressing is an understatement. I went and changed headsail from# 2 to #3 last night and thought I would let Eric rest down below. 20 minutes

later I was as soaked as could be and even grumpier than any could imagine! We have about 160nm to finish and judging by last night they not going to be easy! Hope Thursday we arrive!” Cheers Paul With most of the yachts now in Hokko Harbour, the partying continued as the shore crew waited for the final arrivals.

1st May 2013:

BACKWARD TURBULENCE AT A RATE OF KNOTS! Rik Head Deputy Race Director Turbulence was at the behest of the currents overnight, but this morning’s sked saw them making 5kts SOG in the right direction. Meanwhile. Southern Cross and Kiss Goodbye to MS had near gale conditions and continued to steadily make their way toward Osaka. Rik Head posted the overnight email update from Paul and Eric on Turbulence:

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

“G’day all, its 0045hrs 01/05/13 and we are currently going backwards at a rate of a knot and a half so I’ve retreated downstairs as there is nothing I can do on deck to make the boat go quicker. We still have a current of 6kts against us and I am very appreciative of the AIS to allow me to come below, make a coffee (no sugar arghh) and write this email! It is raining on deck and has been since yesterday afternoon! We’re waiting for a gale warning to come through today and hoping it comes sooner rather than later as the boat is reefed and ready to rock n roll and just hope it’s aft and we can push through this tide! Very disheartening to watch the instruments Monday night/Tuesday with the boat speed

showing 10kts plus and SOG 4kts and thinking we could be finished if not for the current! We still have over 50 litres of water on board and cryovac meals so starving or dehydration ain’t an issue! Eric is plugging away hopeful of some sort of miracle to see us finish sooner rather than later and he, like I, is worried that time is against us as I have to be on that plane Saturday night for work commitments the following night without option, and to not finish would be a disaster! Hard to believe that as of 1430hrs today we will have been at sea 42 days , we wouldn’t of ever thought we could be this unlucky and after going from chocolates to boiled lollies in the last Westcoast race we thought our bad luck was behind us! Not to worry we will plug away!”

2nd May 2013

0600 SKED REPORT The wind was on the nose and the seas heavy, making it a slow tacking trip for the three remaining yachts. Turbulence reported a 4m NE swell, 21kts of wind and a boat speed of 7.5kts. The weather forecast suggested winds would remain from the north west for at least the next day or so. Southern Cross and Kiss Goodbye to MS were still in excess of 100nm offshore and about 175nm from the finish.

3rd May 2013:

TURBULENCE FINISHES At 03hrs46m00s, Turbulence crossed the finish line in Osaka Bay. After a difficult race, there was a fabulous reception for Eric and Paul and congratulations on their outstanding effort. The race was drawing to a close with Kiss Goodbye to MS now in Osaka Bay and Southern Cross some 27nm astern.

Kiss Goodbye to MS would arrive at 09hrs54m00s and Southern Cross at 15hrs03m40s. Prior to the arrival of Southern Cross, the escort boat left the marina to lay the finish mark, as the buoy could not be left in situ for the duration of the race finish. Aboard the courtesy vessel were Boat Captain – Ann-chan, Yamachan, George Shaw and David James. A Japanese Coastguard vessel was sitting where the mark needed to be laid. This armed vessel was conducting exercises with a “drifting motorboat”

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

and in the eyes of George and David posed a formidable challenge as they contemplated the possibility of being arrested. Not so for Anchan! After a protracted radio exchange and an angry wave of a fist, the Coastguard vessel retreated, and the buoy was laid. Not long after, Southern Cross arrived: an emotional homecoming for Yasu and Masa as the sole Japanese entrant. With the race behind him and a little more time on his hands, Robert Bradley from Escapade, posted the final episode.

“THE HOUNDS – THE MISSING LINK” “Wasabi now has broken free from the pack (as opposed to some of the competitors who are just plain broken) and has joined Optimus Prime in the chase. It’s neck and neck (or stem and stem since boats don’t have necks) between Optimus Prime and Wasabi as they start to close the gap and both boats are at full stretch. What’s Escapade up to now (might as well ask the boat since the crew are clearly out of their minds) - looks like she’s decide to go wide looking for the better running and it seems to

be working and the hounds are still struggling to make a dent in 150,000 length lead as they Pass the 400 mile post. The dogs/hounds/expensive lumps of plastic or whatever they are, now look to be wound right up and the gap is starting to close, just 100,000 lengths now and it’s still any boats race. They are at the 200 now and the margin is down to 30,000 as they go stride for stride.

Optimus Prime kicks clear of Wasabi as they finally overhaul Escapade (and boy, does she need overhauling) as they cross the finish line it’s Optimus Prime by 35 miles with Escapade a further 25 miles back (yep, got tired of trying to divide 1852 by 12/14/15 or whatever) clinging to third place. What an exciting race, but wait what is that? The stewards have called for a swab. Looks like Optimus Prime has been injecting performance enhancing hydrocarbons into her cast iron sails.”

THE RACE: FINALE Deputy Race Director, Rik Head said:

“This is appropriate time to say an enormous thank-you to the volunteer race management and incident coordination team for the work they have done prior to and during the race. A special thankyou to the duty Race Directors who, for their week on duty, were available 24hrs a day and have been up each morning at a very early hour ready for the 0600hrs sked and then each evening for the 1800hr sked.”

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Principal Race Office, Simon Dryden posted:

“The results for the Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race have been published. Congratulations to all the competitors in the race, what a fantastic achievement. Who would have thought with over thirty day of racing, Escapade won the AMS division by 7 hours, Cadibarra 8 won the IRC division by 9 hours and Spirit of Downunder won the Performance division by 7 minutes! I would like to thank everyone who made this race possible as it was a fantastic success.”

The Results Line Honours

BOAT

SAIL NO

FINISH TIME

ELAPSED TIME

Wasabi

AUS88

24.04.13 15:56:51

Cadibarra 8

R420

Gusto

LINE HONOURS TIME

PLACE

31:06:26:51

25.04.13 14:39:39

32:05:09:39

B660

29.04.13 03:04:08

32:00:04:08

0:12:00:00

32:12:04:08

Optimus Prime

CR1

24.04.13 09:56:51

31:00:26:51

1:22:37:00

32:23:03:51

Spirit of Downunder

R1200

26.04.13 11:59:32

33:02:29:32

Escapade

H538

24.04.13 22:42:33

38:10:42:33

Turbulence

H602

03.05.13 03:46:00

43:14:16:00

Samurai Jack

88888

Retired to Gladstone 06.04.13

Southern Cross

JPN40000

Retired Arr. Osaka 03.05.13 15:03:40

Funnelweb

N11

Retired Arr. Osaka 30.04.13 04:00:00

Kiss Goodbye To MS

S37

Retired Arr. Osaka 03.05.13 09:54:00

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

PENALTY

AMS BOAT

SAIL NO

FINISH TIME

ELAPSED TIME

Escapade

H538

24.04.13 22:42:33

Wasabi

AUS88

Cadibarra 8

PENALTY

HANDICAP

CORRECTED TIME

PLACE

38:10:42:33

0.823

31:15:23:23

24.04.13 15:56:51

31:06:26:51

1.022

31:22:57:26

R420

25.04.13 14:39:39

32:05:09:39

1.013

32:15:12:43

Spirit of Downunder

R1200

26.04.13 11:59:32

33:02:29:32

1.001

33:03:17:12

Optimus Prime

CR1

24.04.13 09:56:51

31:00:26:51

1.043

34:09:04:48

Turbulence

H602

03.05.13 03:46:00

43:14:16:00

0.85

37:01:19:36

Gusto

B660

29.04.13 03:04:08

32:00:04:08

1.34

43:13:17:32

Samurai Jack

88888

Retired to Gladstone 06.04.13

Southern Cross

JPN40000

Retired Arr. Osaka 03.05.13 15:03:40

Funnelweb

N11

Retired Arr. Osaka 30.04.13 04:00:00

Kiss Goodbye To MS

S37

Retired Arr. Osaka 03.05.13 09:54:00

1:22:37:00

0:12:00:00

IRC

BOAT

SAIL NO

FINISH TIME

ELAPSED TIME

Cadibarra 8

R420

25.04.13 14:39:39

Spirit of Downunder

R1200

Optimus Prime

HANDICAP

CORRECTED TIME

PLACE

32:05:09:39

1.2

38:15:47:35

26.04.13 11:59:32

33:02:29:32

1.18

39:01:30:03

CR1

24.04.13 09:56:51

31:00:26:51

1.23

40:13:00:32

Turbulence

H602

03.05.13 03:46:00

43:14:16:00

1.048

45:16:29:15

Samurai Jack

88888

Retired to Gladstone 06.04.13

Southern Cross

JPN40000

Retired Arr. Osaka 03.05.13 15:03:40

Funnelweb

N11

Retired Arr. Osaka 30.04.13 04:00:00

Kiss Goodbye To MS

S37

Retired Arr. Osaka 03.05.13 09:54:00

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

PENALTY

1:22:37:00

PHS BOAT

SAIL NO

FINISH TIME

ELAPSED TIME

Spirit of Downunder

R1200

26.04.13 11:59:32

Escapade

H538

Wasabi

PENALTY

HANDICAP

CORRECTED TIME

PLACE

33:02:29:32

0.846

28:00:08:26

24.04.13 22:42:33

38:10:42:33

0.729

28:00:39:18

AUS88

24.04.13 15:56:51

31:06:26:51

0.915

28:14:39:34

Cadibarra 8

R420

25.04.13 14:39:39

32:05:09:39

0.893

28:18:25:57

Optimus Prime

CR1

24.04.13 09:56:51

31:00:26:51

0.91

29:23:52:06

Turbulence

H602

03.05.13 03:46:00

43:14:16:00

0.74

32:06:14:14

Gusto

B660

29.04.13 03:04:08

32:00:04:08

1.19

38:16:16:55

Samurai Jack

88888

Retired to Gladstone 06.04.13

Southern Cross

JPN40000

Retired Arr. Osaka 03.05.13 15:03:40

Funnelweb

N11

Retired Arr. Osaka 30.04.13 04:00:00

Kiss Goodbye To MS

S37

Retired Arr. Osaka 03.05.13 09:54:00

1:22:37:00

0:12:00:00

Presentation

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Presentation The Melbourne to Osaka 2013 Award Ceremony held at Temmangu Shrine was an incredibly special occasion. The three-part celebration began in the inner sanctum of the Shrine with a hauntingly beautiful Shinto blessing and thanksgiving ceremony for the safe arrival of the fleet. The lucky group of 100 invited guests then moved to the nearby Tatami Hall for the Award giving ceremony and later to a more contemporary function room where the first party was held. The Australian Measurement System was the primary category for the overall winner on corrected time, defined as the measurement category with the largest number of entries.

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Presentation OVERALL WINNER, FIRST PLACE AMS:

Escapade, co-skippers: Robert Bradley and Joey Gough. FIRST PLACE IRC:

Cadibarra 8, co-skippers: Paul Roberts and Martin Vaughan FIRST PLACE PHS:

Spirit of Downunder, co-skippers: Laurie Ford and Tim Ford LOWEST ELAPSED TIME:

Wasabi, co-skippers Bruce McKay and John Davies NAVIGATOR’S AWARD:

Optimus Prime, Daniel Taylor (See Appendix E for full Trophy List)

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Special Prizes WINNER TAKES ALL:

Five entrants correctly named the first boat to Osaka. BIGGEST LOSER:

Trevor Taylor-Optimus Prime, Joey Gough- Escapade, (See Appendix F for full Special Awards List) (See Appendix G for Biggest Loser Statistics)

VICTORY SPEECH FROM ROBERT BRADLEY, ESCAPADE. OVERALL WINNER OF THE 2013 OSAKA CUP.

“Unaccustomed as I am to speak in front of a crowd, I will be a bit shy but I'll do my best. There have been many thank you’s said over the last few days to the organizing committee, volunteers, and supporters so I will only add my appreciation and say well done to all. I thank my wife, Felicity, and my family for not just allowing me to do the race but supporting me in doing so. To my fellow competitors thank you also for entering. Without entrants there is no race and while we get the greatest reward, we also have a great effort as we see from the 40+ initial expressions of interest to the 13 entrants and the

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

11 actual starters. Just to make it to the start line requires months of planning and preparation, a deep pocket and a supportive family. Thank you also for entering the spirit of the pursuit format and the game of fox and hounds that ensued, although at times we felt more like the lure being chased by a bunch of greyhounds. If only we had the same controls they use to keep the lure just in front! I am humbled by the accolades we have received, and the achievement is still sinking in as I realise that we join an elite group of seven winners of this great race. And a great race it is, being a shorthanded race, it is more challenging than a Volvo or a Clipper and second only

to a solo round the world race. To cross 5000 miles of open ocean in what at times felt like a plastic toy boat is no small feat, even those who had to motor to get here should be proud as most of us only carry enough fuel to motor 10 - 15% of the total distance. However, what I really want to talk about briefly lies in the future. As the overall winner I feel I have a responsibility to do my best to ensure the next race is even more successful than this one has been. I call upon my fellow competitors to do the same, either as entrants or supporters. Those of us from Melbourne will have plenty of opportunity as we become

"the old guard" and allow George, Robyn, Rosie, David, and company to put their feet up and bask in the glow. Julie, of course, will be back again. We can begin by going back to our clubs and talking about our experiences, the challenges, the great moments, what we would do differently next time. Hopefully, this

will lay the seeds for the up and coming sailors to aspire to add their names to the list of the elite competitors who have made it from Melbourne to Osaka, as I was inspired by Bill Feore and Kim Girdler when they returned to HBYC from the 2003 race. We automatically become ambassadors at large to promote the event. From Newcastle to Perth and Osaka to Scotland, Joey,

Yasa, Masu, Trevor, Dan, Ivan, Will, Bruce and John, let us make this a race for all. As the next race approaches, we can promote the information sessions and give thought to lending our experiences both individually and at such sessions. Thank you again and fair winds to all.”

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

COMMITMENT TO FUTURE MODHYR

On the 7th May 2013, PRO, Simon Dryden posted the following announcement to the melbourneosaka.com website and facebook page. “After the success of the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka race. The committees of Sandringham, Ocean Racing and Hokko Yacht Clubs have approved that the next Osaka Race will be held in March 2018. We have set up an expression of interest for the race, so those interested please sign up and we will keep you updated. So, to all the skippers who completed the 2013 race let us see how many we can get for the next Race.” SIMON DRYDEN

PRO MODHYR 2013

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

Appendices

APPENDIX A

List of Directors for the 2013 Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race Limited Liability Company

100

DIRECTOR

ROLE

Mr Philip Burn

Chairman & SYC director

Mr Simon Dryden

ORCV Director

Mr Muneyoshi Nakakita

OHYC Director

Ms Kate Mitchell

Alternative SYC Director

Dr Donald Fraser

Alternative ORCV Director

Mr George Shaw

Alternative OHYC Director

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

APPENDIX B

2013 ORCV MODHYR Management Team ROLE

NAME

PrincipalRace Officer PRO*

Simon Dryden

Race Safety Officer

David James

Race Medical Officer RMO**

Rosie Colahan

Jury Chairman

Paul Pascoe

Incident Management IM ***

Rik Head

Handicapper

Peter Chalkley

Measurer

Peter Coleman

Fleet Weather Officers

Robin Hewitt and Andrew Roberts

IT and Website support

Neville Rose

* PRO supported by Deputy Race Directors and their assistants on as weekly basis **RMO supported by Deputy Medical Officer as per roster ***IM supported by team members as rostered

APPENDIX C

History of Race Entrants YEAR

ENTRANTS

NATIONS

STARTERS

ENTRANTS/STARTERS%

MALE PAIR

MIXED PAIR

FEMALE PAIR

1987

1991

1995

1999

2003

2007

2013

101

APPENDIX D

2013 MODHYR Notice of Race

Notice of Race

2013 Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race

Version V1.30

102

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

APPENDIX E

2013 MODHYR Sailing Instructions

Sailing Instructions

2013 Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race

Version V1.00

103

APPENDIX F

2013 Amendment to Notice of Race

104

MELBOURNE OSAKA CUP 2013

APPENDIX G

Race Management Structure

PRO

Simon Dryden KORDIA – HF COMMUNICATIONS FLEET WEATHER OFFICERS

DEPUTY RACE DIRECTOR

AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY

On a weekly basis

RACE MEDICAL OFFICER

AUSTRALIAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

RACE SAFETY OFFICER

DUTY MEDICAL OFFICER

ALFRED HOSPITAL TRAUMA CENTRE

As per medical roster

INTERNATIONAL JURY

SATELLITE TRACKING

ASSISTANT

As per roster

INTERPRETERS

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM With support roles as required as per roster

105

APPENDIX H

2013 MODHYR Trophy Presentation

106

AWARD

DIVISION

DESCRIPTION

BOATNAME

SKIPPER

CO-SKIPPER

PRESENTER

Overall Winner

AMS

SYC AMS Division Trophy

Escapade

Robert Bradley

Joey Gough

ORCV - George Shaw

Line Honours

Adventure Safety Line Honours Prize

Wasabi

Bruce McKay

John Davies

OHYC -Nakamura

Adventure Safety “ Kru” PFDs

Wasabi

Bruce McKay

John Davies

OHYC -Nakamura

Winner

IRC

OHYC Friendship Bowl

Cadibarra 8

Paul Roberts

Martin Vaughan

ORCV -George Shaw

Winner

PHS

Colin Smith Memorial Trophy

Spirit of Downunder

Laurie Ford

Tim Ford

OHYC -Nakamura

First Boat to Osaka

Flag

Optimus Prime

Trevor Taylor

Daniel Taylor

ORCV -George Shaw

Navigator’s Award

Special CertificateCalligraphy Pens

Optimus Prime

Daniel Taylor

ORCV -George Shaw

Competitor