The 2025 Melbourne to Devonport Yacht Race (starting Friday 31st October), known as “The Rudder Cup”, will see 27 yachts battle it out amid challenging weather conditions this weekend. The unpredictable spring weather in Australia is testing the navigators as they prepare for the race.
The race promises to be a tactical showdown for the racers, with forecasts predicting light north-easterly breezes at the start, potentially accompanied by thunderstorms. As the race progresses, the wind direction is expected to shift to the south and then oscillate before stabilising from the east.
Rod Smallman, skipper of the double-handed entry Maverick, anticipates a challenging 36-hour crossing for the smaller boats, remarking that this year’s race will be far from a straightforward course. Smallman noted that the race favours smaller boats given the conditions, as they will benefit from the insights of larger boats in front serving as weather gauges.
“This year will see a split in strategy, with some boats likely going left and others heading right to find the best breezes, leading to a tactical race rather than a follow-the-leader style,” Smallman explained. He highlighted concerns about holes in the breeze affecting all boats, from the smallest to the line honours contenders.
Among the predicted leaders, Smallman points to The Jackal, skippered by Matt Setton, as a likely contender for a handicap victory. Meanwhile, the Kraken Sails Toecutter and the team from Faster Forward will also be competitive in the light wind conditions.
Setton, participating in his first Cat 2 race, is excited to introduce his experienced crew to Bass Strait and is optimistic about his revamped boat’s performance.
Scott Robinson, skipper of last year’s winner Dasher+Fisher How Bizarre, expressed enthusiasm for the race and noted the camaraderie among returning teammates. Race Director Jeremy Walton is also eager to welcome new competitors from Tasmania and South Australia, anticipating intriguing races within the fleet.
Racing enthusiasts can look forward to seeing boats such as Joan Lorraine, Clockwork, Faster Forward, and Loch Sloidh 3 among the Sydney 38s contention, while Walton expects tight competition in the double-handed division, particularly between the Jeanneau Sunfast 3300 and Maverick.
The event, part of the ORCV Offshore Championship, is set for mid-afternoon line honours finish on Saturday, 1st November. The Rudder Cup perpetual trophy will be awarded to the AMS measurement handicap winner.
The race continues a long tradition, first launched in 1907, fostering friendship and competition among sailors, with the destination having shifted from Low Head to Devonport.
The longstanding race record of 19 hours, 32 minutes, and 56 seconds set by Prowler in 1998 is expected to remain intact, given the light wind conditions forecasted.
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