Melbourne to Devonport Ocean Race

[rene460]

The Melbourne to Devonport race, also known as the Rudder Cup, set off from Queenscliff at 1800 UTC+11, just over an hour ago as I write this.

About 50 boats set off through the notorious Port Phillip heads, the rip, on an outgoing tide and forecast 15-20 knot southerly wind, heading across Bass Straight, for about 200 NM to Devonport on the northern coast of Tasmania.  The pleasant wind forecast for this area should make it great sailing.  Forecast to turn SE at similar strength later in the race for the arrival into Devonport.

I don’t normally take much interest in racing generally, except perhaps the Sydney to Hobart, but I have a particular interest in this one as my son is crewing on one of the boats.  However, for the forum, there are two Jeaneau SunFasts entered, a 33, Streetcar Racing and a 36, Spirit of Freya, the two smallest yachts in the fleet.  Interestingly, the 33 has a crew of 4, while the 36 is sailing with only 2.  Will be interesting to see how they go against the generally larger yachts in the fleet.  Mostly local boats, but does include a few well known interstate names from other big races.

The race can be followed at race.bluewatertracks.com if you are interested.

rene460

[Chris Meyer]

Nov 3, 2023 8:13:29 GMT rene460 said:

The Melbourne to Devonport race, also known as the Rudder Cup, set off from Queenscliff at 1800 UTC+11, just over an hour ago as I write this.

About 50 boats set off through the notorious Port Phillip heads, the rip, on an outgoing tide and forecast 15-20 knot southerly wind, heading across Bass Straight, for about 200 NM to Devonport on the northern coast of Tasmania.  The pleasant wind forecast for this area should make it great sailing.  Forecast to turn SE at similar strength later in the race for the arrival into Devonport.

I don’t normally take much interest in racing generally, except perhaps the Sydney to Hobart, but I have a particular interest in this one as my son is crewing on one of the boats.  However, for the forum, there are two Jeaneau SunFasts entered, a 33, Streetcar Racing and a 36, Spirit of Freya, the two smallest yachts in the fleet.  Interestingly, the 33 has a crew of 4, while the 36 is sailing with only 2.  Will be interesting to see how they go against the generally larger yachts in the fleet.  Mostly local boats, but does include a few well known interstate names from other big races.

The race can be followed at race.bluewatertracks.com if you are interested.

rene460

The website is great.   Looks like a great race!

[rene460]

Thanks Chris.  Looking like a great race with 15-20 knot southerly winds swinging easterly for the run into Devonport and no doubt chaotic when they get into the river.

Can be a really wild stretch of water, so good to see good weather after the Covid interruptions.

Unfortunately the Sunfast 36, Spirit of Freyer” appears to have pulled out and headed back.  Don’t know any more about it but they are only two up, so could be anything.  The Sunfast 33, Street Car Racing, appears to be going quite well, especially as it is perhaps the smallest boat in the fleet.

Expected finish times are early Sunday Morning Melbourne/Sydney time (UTC +11)

Rene460

[Chris Meyer]

Nov 4, 2023 3:33:20 GMT rene460 said:

Thanks Chris.  Looking like a great race with 15-20 knot southerly winds swinging easterly for the run into Devonport and no doubt chaotic when they get into the river.

Can be a really wild stretch of water, so good to see good weather after the Covid interruptions.

Unfortunately the Sunfast 36, Spirit of Freyer” appears to have pulled out and headed back.  Don’t know any more about it but they are only two up, so could be anything.  The Sunfast 33, Street Car Racing, appears to be going quite well, especially as it is perhaps the smallest boat in the fleet.

Expected finish times are early Sunday Morning Melbourne/Sydney time (UTC +11)

Rene460

Rene,
Hope your son is OK!
Chris

[rene460]

Hi Chris, yes he is fine thank you.  One of very few boats still racing, but on a 50 ft Moody with all comforts, and with an otherwise very experienced crew.  He should be learning lots.  The wind dropped out overnight and I think the light winds got them.  Will find out when he gets home.

Only two retirements.  Both reported all well on board, but no other information.

Won by a multihull by minutes over the first monohull, who both finished last night.

Thanks for your interest.

rene 460