UPDATE: As we post this story, The Jackal is only 10.7nm from the Finish!!.
The Westcoaster is a 435 nautical mile ocean race, and like many races between the big and small islands, the River Derwent may determine the winner this year.
Competition has been fierce with nearly every yacht leading on AMS handicap at some stage. As the last 60 nautical miles approach, expectations rise for a dramatic finish, especially if the breeze intensifies behind the fleet.
Vagabond, a Beneteau First 47.7, and Joan Lorraine, a Beneteau Oceanis 46, have struggled overnight, making it difficult for these heavier vessels to find speed.
Meanwhile, Matt Setton’s The Jackal maintains its lead in line honours, although the strategy of staying closer to shore has resulted in navigating weaker winds. Setton and crew will need to push hard to arrive first.
On the other hand, nighttime tactics aboard Justin Brenan’s Lidgard 36, Alien, have proven effective, halving their deficit to The Jackal to just 15 nautical miles.
Matt Fahey’s Sydney 38, Faster Forward, has also gained ground, now only eight nautical miles behind The Jackal.
All focus is now on the handicap winner, competing for the Heemskerk Perpetual Trophy. As of now, the race is still very much open.
Fahey discussed the conditions via Starlink satellite, saying, “It was dark last night with poor visibility, but we’re seeing the coastline now under grey skies. We hope for more breeze and the forecast suggests a following wind into Hobart.
“It’s still light out here, but we’re moving past South East Cape and can see Bruny Island ahead—confident that the wind will build, we hope to finish in the afternoon.”
Faster Forward is positioned between The Jackal and handicap leader Alien, making for a challenging environment. Fahey stated, “In this light air, we can’t pull away from anyone; we need to get closer to The Jackal. Alien’s low handicap keeps them competitive and will be our nemesis for a handicap win.”
Local weather idiosyncrasies near South East Cape might influence outcomes, yet the breeze is predicted to rise to about 25 knots, providing an exhilarating ride towards the finish.
Fahey understands the complexities of the River Derwent and is determined to employ the best tactics in this critical section of water. Reflecting on his past experience in the race, he mentioned, “This race is amazing; I won in 2016 by getting the tactics right in the Derwent. The race isn’t over until you’ve crossed the finish line.”
With newcomers aboard, Faster Forward reflects Fahey’s aim to provide sailing experiences, and he noted, “They’re performing well under moderate conditions, which may be good luck! The team spirit is high, and everyone is having fun racing together.”
The line honours winner is expected to arrive late afternoon on Tuesday, with various prizes up for grabs, including the Heemskerk Perpetual Trophy, the Zeehan Trophy for best navigator, the Wrest Point Abel Tasman Trophy for line honours, and the City of Melbourne Perpetual Trophy for the first on corrected time.
The Westcoaster is one of the world’s great ocean races, covering 435 nautical miles from the start in Port Phillip to the finish in the River Derwent in Hobart.
The race begins with a 125 nautical mile path across Bass Strait, leading to a 200 nautical mile southern voyage down Tasmania’s West Coast, circumventing Maatsuyker Island, heading east to South East Cape, then northeast through Storm Bay and into the unpredictable River Derwent.
The monohull race record stands at 1 day 17 hours 28 minutes 59 seconds, set by Shortwave in 2008.
Follow the 2025 Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race on Blue Water Tracks: https://race.bluewatertracks.com/2025-melbourne-hobart-westcoaster
Words: Jane Austin/ORCV Media
The Melbourne to Hobart “Westcoaster” Yacht Race is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.
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