In the 2025 Melbourne to Devonport Yacht Race, Scarlet Runner, a Carkeek 44 from Sandringham Yacht Club, took the prestigious Rudder Cup, triumphing with line honours.
Scarlet Runner was one of the few boats that successfully navigated the start at Draper’s Reef near Queenscliff and maintained momentum across the calm waters of Bass Strait.
Skipper David Sturge celebrated the victory, completing the race in an elapsed time of 1 day, 7 hours, 14 minutes, and 49 seconds. Tasmanian entry AdvantEdge, led by Andrew Jones, crossed the line 1 hour and 40 minutes later, followed by Bruce Taylor’s Chutzpah just 10 minutes behind.
The yacht also secured the Rudder Cup Perpetual Trophy on an AMS handicap basis with a corrected time of 1 day, 9 hours, 33 minutes, and 33 seconds. Additionally, Scarlet Runner received the Margaret Holmes Kerr Perpetual Trophy for her line honours win.
Rob Date, the owner of Scarlet Runner, was sidelined due to recent knee surgery, allowing David Sturge to skipper his first offshore race. Sturge expressed excitement over the achievement, noting the crew’s exceptional performance and their recent successes in races in Melbourne.
He identified the fractional zero sail as a key factor in their success during the light wind conditions. Sturge highlighted how Scarlet Runner performed more effectively with the breeze positioned just behind, which allowed them to use their favourite triple-headed configuration that optimised boat speed.
Scarlet Runner maintained a competitive edge against AdvantEdge throughout the race, as Sturge noted the collaboration and strategy involved in tracking their competitors. Skipper Andrew Middleton’s Quixotic finished second overall on AMS after performing admirably, while The Jackal, helmed by Matt Setton in their first long-distance race, earned a commendable third place.
Middleton highlighted the importance of keeping the boat moving and avoiding holes in the breeze while completing more sail changes than typically expected for an offshore race. Crewmember Hester Freeman contributed significantly, utilising her experience from previous ocean races to keep the boat efficiently sailing.
Other vessels faced challenges due to light winds, leading to a single late withdrawal and several retirements, ultimately leaving 17 yachts in the race. Of the double-handed entries, Maverick, skippered by Rod Smallman and David Blake, stood out by winning their division, demonstrating resilience against challenging conditions.
Race Directors Jeremy Walton and Catherine North managed a challenging event, experiencing a long wait for arrivals as boats navigated the dispersing conditions in Bass Strait. Walton commended several newcomers, especially The Jackal and Quixotic, for their impressive performances.
Last year’s winners, Dasher+Fisher How Bizarre, produced a clean sweep of AMS, ORC, and PHS in Division 2. The event received robust support from volunteers at the Mersey Yacht Club led by Commodore, Sam McGrath.
For complete race results, please visit the official ORCV website.
Words and Photos by Jane Austin / ORCV media
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