The coming offshore season presents Victorian sailors with a unique opportunity: three iconic Category 2 ocean races and a new interstate trophy. The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) and Port Dalrymple Yacht Club (PDYC) have collaborated to introduce the Bass Strait Cup, an annual award recognising performance across two significant races: the Melbourne to Devonport (Rudder Cup) Race and Tasmania’s Three Hummock Island Race.
This initiative aims to enhance participation between the Victorian and Tasmanian fleets while celebrating the shared passion for offshore sailing in Bass Strait. The Bass Strait Cup will be awarded annually to the yacht achieving the best aggregate result across both races, using a low-score points system based on the ORCc rating system to acknowledge consistency and performance across different offshore challenges.
The first stage of this exciting series begins on 30 October with the Melbourne to Devonport Race, a well-established event in the Victorian offshore calendar that culminates on Tasmania’s north coast, where competitors are welcomed by the hospitality of Mersey Yacht Club. For many, this race is just the beginning, as boats will then make the short journey to the Tamar River, where complimentary berthing will be provided for up to a week ahead of the Three Hummock Island Race.
The Three Hummock Island Race, hosted by PDYC, has quickly gained recognition as one of Tasmania’s most unique offshore events. It involves navigating around the remote Three Hummock Island off Tasmania’s rugged north-west coast, with competitors having the option to round the island in either direction, greatly relying on local knowledge.
Alongside the races, PDYC will host a variety of social and hospitality events to welcome Victorian crews, showcasing Tasmania’s vibrant sailing culture, food, wine, and lifestyle. This comprehensive offshore adventure combines competitive sailing with camaraderie and exploration of one of Australia’s premier cruising and racing destinations.
As the season progresses, the climax will occur on 27 December with the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster, recognized as the defining challenge for many Victorian sailors. This race traverses Bass Strait and along Tasmania’s stunning west coast, requiring significant preparation and offshore skill, ultimately rewarding participants with a memorable finish at Hobart’s bustling waterfront.
The upcoming season offers an exceptional opportunity for sailors seeking meaningful offshore racing experiences through three iconic events: the Melbourne to Devonport Race, the Three Hummock Island Race, and the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster. Entries for all races are now open through the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria and Port Dalrymple Yacht Club.
Words: Cyrus Allen / ORCV Media
Website: www.orcv.org.au
@OceanRacingClub #orcv_racing #BassStraitCup
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The Melbourne to Hobart “Westcoaster” Yacht Race is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania
Discover Tasmania (www.discovertasmania.com) / #discovertasmania / @Tasmania
