Sporty conditions with shifting winds were present for the thirteen boats in the third race of the West Offshore Products Coastal Sprint on Bass Strait, with Ginan winning overall on AMS.
The fleet began in daylight from Queenscliff in 10–15 knots of south-westerly wind, transitioning through Port Phillip Heads into a short, choppy sea state, presenting an early challenge for many of the crews on their maiden ocean race.
Cam McKenzie, co-skipper of Ginan, a J111, highlighted, “The coastal sprints are a great short course (approx. 35nm) providing the opportunity to race offshore, a great test for new crew.” This race included Nes Srijumnong, who is currently in the KISS program (keelboat introduction to sailing savvy), alongside Jo McKenzie, a KISS program graduate. Nes had previously completed the delivery back from Hobart in January, and this was her first offshore race, which she executed effectively.
Ginan led at the start and was the first to reach the rounding mark outside the heads, closely followed by Shimmer and Cadibarra. During leg one, initial conditions favoured the heavier Hanse 505, Shimmer, helmed by Steve Twentyman, who managed to sail lower and closer to the tack line, rounding the first mark ahead of Ginan and Cadibarra.
As the winds shifted and eased throughout the day, Ginan’s strategic decision to head east on leg two proved advantageous, allowing them to regain and lead the race during the second leg and spinnaker run to the finish. Ultimately, Ginan secured first overall on AMS, ORC, and PHS, finishing ahead of Cadibarra in second place.
The Coastal Sprint Series continues to play an essential role within the ORCV program, offering crews valuable offshore experience in a manageable, short-course, daylight race format.
Jeremy Capon, a newbie skipper of the Wauquiez C40 yacht, Freeloader, described the race as “fantastic, the perfect way to dip our toe into ocean sailing.” He acknowledged the steep learning curve they faced, marking their first time ocean racing, as they learnt how to set sails in a swell and cope with the unpredictable nature of the ocean.
Skipper Philip Cox expressed that it was a “challenging day” for his smaller boat Valiant, an Adams 10.6, noting the oscillating winds and the additional challenge of navigating an incoming oil tanker shortly after the start, which caused them to lose ground to the larger boats. Phil emphasised, “A boat shouldn’t be left in the pen; it needs to be sailed. I race because it teaches me how to sail better, and this race allowed three regular crew members the chance to experience coastal sailing for the first time.”
The West Offshore Coastal Sprints continue to demonstrate their value not only as a competitive proving ground but also as a training platform for offshore sailors. Results contribute to the overall Coastal Championship Series alongside the Apollo Bay Race in May, helping crews build confidence, capability, and teamwork ahead of more extended challenges.
While Ginan takes the honours, the broader outcome is a fleet better equipped for the demands of offshore racing, emerging stronger and more experienced, ready for what Bass Strait has to offer next.
For full results click here: https://www.orcv.org.au/results/2025-26/sprints/series.htm?ty=70386
Entries for the Apollo Bay race on May 23rd are open here: https://www.orcv.org.au/apollo-bay
ORCV Media
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