Victoria’s 2026 Melbourne to Apollo Bay Yacht Race showcased thrilling competition as 32 boats and 207 sailors set sail along the stunning southern Victorian coastline. The 52 nautical mile race, a highlight of the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s (ORCV) 2025-26 sailing season, offers the ideal distance for both novice and seasoned sailors to enhance their offshore experience in a Category 3 race.
The Phoenix 49, skippered by Brenton Carnell from the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), was the first boat out of Port Phillip Heads, navigating in a light northerly breeze against a beautiful saffron sunrise. Phoenix 49 led for most of the race, ultimately finishing first among monohulls. Carnell’s team aimed for line honours but faced tough competition from MRV and Cadibarra, relying on tactical decisions regarding their course.
“We were chasing line honours glory, but it turned out to be quite a challenging race,” said Carnell. The team had to adjust their strategy based on wind conditions and the presence of competitors, managing to zig-zag down the coastline effectively.
The overall victory went to The Kraken, a Sydney 32 skippered by Ryan Walker, who expressed his surprise and joy at receiving the Apollo Bay Perpetual Cup based on AMS handicap. Walker credited his crew’s experience and their new set of sails for their success, highlighting their competitive spirit and tactical planning throughout the race.
In addition to winning the overall, The Kraken also secured first place in Division Two on ORC handicap and third on ORC overall. How Bizarre, a Seaquest RP 36 skipped by Scott Robinson from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS), excelled in Division One, winning on ORC and AMS handicaps while finishing second overall.
Clare Olding’s Summit 35, Vertigo, placed third on AMS overall and second in Division Two on AMS while her father, Tim, who was recovering from ankle surgery, proudly supported her from the coast. Olding described the race as fantastic, emphasizing its scenic nature and the camaraderie it fosters among sailors.
Newcomer Hitchhiker, skippered by Dr David Goodman from Sandringham Yacht Club, expressed delight at completing the race in daylight and shared the excitement of racing with a new spinnaker. The only multihull, Peccadillo, finished ahead of Phoenix 49, demonstrating the competitive spirit of this year’s event.
The Melbourne to Apollo Bay Yacht Race continues to attract seasoned and new sailors alike, serving as a thrilling conclusion to the summer sailing season, blending tactical challenges, camaraderie, and the allure of Category 3 sailing. Next year’s race promises to bring even more excitement and participation.
Story by ORCV Media
Top results:
AMS Division 1:
1st How Bizarre (Overall 2nd)
2nd Ginan
3rd Arcadia
AMS Division 2:
1st The Kraken (Overall 1st)
2nd Vertigo (Overall 3rd)
3rd Aileron
ORC Division 1:
1st How Bizarre (1st Overall)
2nd Ginan (2nd Overall)
3rd Wicked
ORC Division 2:
1st The Kraken (3rd Overall)
2nd Alien
3rd Aileron
PHS Division 1:
1st Phoenix49 (3rd Overall)
2nd Arcadia
3rd How Bizarre
PHS Division 2:
1st Vertigo (1st Overall)
2nd Voodoo Child (2nd Overall)
3rd Ora
Full race results: ORCV Results
Website www.orcv.org.au
About ORCV: A leading authority on ocean sailing, racing and training in Australia, the Club was formed so that ocean races in Victorian waters could be efficiently developed and run by an organisation focusing specifically on the needs of ocean racers.
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