White Spirit Finds Its Groove in the East Australian Current
A personal recount from Cyrus Allen on White Spirit of their first 4 days in the Melbourne Osaka yacht race.
White Spirit, a Beneteau First 50, thrives in stronger winds, and the race start at Port Phillip Heads played to our strengths. The early coastal stretch toward Wilsons Prom was smooth sailing, but as the wind lightened, keeping the boat moving became a challenge, requiring constant sail changes and strategic adjustments.
It hasn’t been without its hurdles. On day one, we noticed hydraulic oil leaking from the line feeding our vang, forcing us to rig a makeshift purchase system using spare blocks. A burnt-out toilet has led to some creative alternatives, and retrieving a batten from the mainsail in rough conditions certainly added some excitement!
Lillian has worked hard on our navigation, positioning White Spirit early into the northbound East Australian Current (EAC). While much of the fleet tacked up the coast into the wind, we opted to swing out directly to the EAC’s southern entry point, battling strong northerlies and rough seas. So far, the strategy has paid off.
Sleep management is always a challenge, but we take an adaptive approach—giving each other extra rest when needed while staying ready for all-hands-on-deck moments when conditions demand. All-nighters are part of the game! One of our best race prep decisions? Bringing a quality bean bag—it’s hands down the best spot on board.
On Track Meals have been a lifesaver in rough conditions, and Lill has been our MacGyver, keeping systems running smoothly while we push hard.
Morale is high as we balance tough sailing with social time. The next 36 hours will be key as the fleet converges on the EAC. With lighter winds ahead, we’ll be working hard to maintain our pace.
Cyrus Allen
Follow the fleet as they race towards Osaka via the race tracker https://race.bluewatertracks.com/2025-melbourne-osaka-cup-double-handed-race
Learn more about the race and competitors via the Melbourne Osaka Cup website https://melbourneosakacup.com/en/home/
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Osakacup2018/
M2O Media
About the Melbourne Osaka Cup:
Melbourne Osaka Double-Handed Yacht Race: The World’s Longest South-to-North Sailing Event, is about to kick off, attracting both international and local sailing talent.
Competitors sail non-stop and unassisted on their own boats with just two people onboard, navigating four weather systems over 32 to 35 days.
This event provides a unique opportunity for sailors, many of whom are Corinthian (non-professional and self-funded), to embark on the challenge of a lifetime. While major shorthanded races like the Vendée Globe and Transat Jacques Vabre feature professional teams, large shore crews, and significant budgets, the Melbourne Osaka Race stands apart by offering accessibility to sailors who do not rely on extensive support teams.
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