Three more entries

For next year's Melbourne Osaka two handed race

Entries continue to filter through for the Melbourne Osaka Double-Handed Yacht Race as excitement builds and the start date of the unique double-handed event grows near.

There is only five months and 11 days to the 25 March departure of the 5,500 nautical mile non-stop race to Japan which starts on Port Phillip Bay, not too far from the Victorian host venue Sandringham Yacht Club, and finishes in Osaka, Melbourne’s sister city.

There are currently 20 entries in the race and event organisers, Leisurecorp, are thrilled with a further three new entries received, and are in final stages of talking with at least another 10 potential entries from Australia, France, New Zealand, the USA and Japan which would make it a truly international event.

“The Melbourne Osaka is a one of a kind, which is why it generates so much interest and we are very pleased that numbers continue to grow,” says Leisurecorp’s Scott Eccleston,” speaking about the only double-handed long ocean race leaving Australian waters and the only one that finishes in Japan.

It is also exclusive in the fact that entrants tend to be a mix of husband/wife, father/son and good crew friends, most of whom are not ‘names’ on your usual ocean race entry lists, although all have a great many sea miles under their belts and some fabulous stories to tell.

The three new entries are Kamikaze, a Welbourn 39 entered by Carlos Steenland and Peter Elkington representing Queensland; Japanese entry Asadori, an Iain Murray 43 to be sailed by Shinsuka Nishi and Kyojun Fujita and Patrick Giudice and Brian Pattinson’s Open Racer Gusto from Victoria.

Prior to the race start, competitors will berth at Sandringham YC to complete final safety inspections before relocating to Waterfront City at Melbourne Docklands on Friday March 16 for Melbourne Osaka Boat Week.



Once at the Docklands, members of the public will be able to visit the boats and meet some of the race crews and one of Melbourne’s best known sailors, single-handed around the world yachtsman Jesse Martin, who will host a number of school excursions for students to learn about the yachts competing in the race and to hear stories from the competitors.

The Melbourne Club Marine Sail Boat Show will be part of the Melbourne Osaka Boat Week and the show will be held from Friday 23 March to Sunday 25 March at Waterfront City. The show will include over 100 exhibits including display boats moored in the extensive marina area, Trailables and 'Off The Beach' boats featured in the Piazza and Boat Show Alley located in the WFC Pavilion at the rear of the Piazza.

The City of Melbourne will host a farewell concert with live music and a fireworks display on 24 March. Casual berthing will be available for those who sail up and water taxis will also be in service.

On the day of the race start, competitors will receive a send off from Waterfront City before the race starts from Station Pier at 1pm.