Adventure begins

Embarking on another adventure, co-skippers Neil McKinley and Peter Garrett – both doctors from the Sunshine Coast Queensland and long-time friends – are now living a dream that began 15 years ago.

In the coming days, conditions are expected to range from 5 to 20 knots, providing a comfortable start to the race. Meanwhile, Race Management is closely monitoring the path of Cyclone Alfred along Australia’s eastern coastline, though it is forecasted to moderate before the fleet reaches the area.

Though small in size, Curious Roo has big support. Fans gathered both at Portsea Pier and online to wish them “fair winds,” with a nostalgic Dafydd Hughes adding, “They’re looking fabulous,” and encouraging them to “keep the chasing pack behind you all the way.”

With the main fleet set to start on March 16, and additional departures on March 9 and 30, this race already carries echoes of the last edition. In that race, Jo Breen and Pete Brooks, sailing their S&S34 Morning Star, held the lead until just before Osaka – when the final starter, Rupert Henry and Greg O’Shea aboard Chinese Whisper, a Judel/Vrolijk 62, surged ahead, setting a new race record of 21 days, 12 hours, 41 minutes, and 13 seconds.

Will history repeat itself, or will Curious Roo carve its own legendary path? Only time, and the vast Pacific, will tell.

You can follow the fleet via the race tracker.

Notice of Race and List of Competitors available online.

About the Melbourne Osaka Cup:

Melbourne Osaka Double-Handed Yacht Race: The World’s Longest South-to-North Sailing Event, is about to kick off, attracting both international and local sailing talent.

Competitors sail non-stop and unassisted on their own boats with just two people onboard, navigating four weather systems over 32 to 35 days.

This event provides a unique opportunity for sailors, many of whom are Corinthian (non-professional and self-funded), to embark on the challenge of a lifetime. While major shorthanded races like the Vendée Globe and Transat Jacques Vabre feature professional teams, large shore crews, and significant budgets, the Melbourne Osaka Race stands apart by offering accessibility to sailors who do not rely on extensive support teams.

This race is a dream come true for many, with some competitors joining forces with family, partners, or long-time friends to take part in what is often years in the making. For many, simply reaching the start line is one of the biggest challenges.

The race is organized by a team in Melbourne, with support from host yacht clubs in both Melbourne and Osaka, and managed by the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria and celebrates the sister city relationship between Melbourne and Osaka.

The event is organised by the Melbourne Osaka Organizing Authority in partnership with the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria, Sandringham Yacht Club, and Osaka Hokko Yacht Club.

The Melbourne Osaka Cup begins at Portsea with a staggered starts, with slower yachts departing on March 2nd and 9th, the main start on March 16th, and the faster models starting last on March 30th.

melbourneosakacup.com