Two very different race experiences are playing out on the track to Osaka. Zero, the IMX 40 skippered by Katsujiro Yamada, has hit its stride in the southern trade winds, leading on all handicaps with a solid pace. Meanwhile, Curious Roo, the S&S 34 skippered by Neil McKinley and Peter Garrett, remains hard to chase down, holding a 380-nautical-mile lead over Zero.
Peter Garrett from Curious Roo reported: “We had a lovely turn of speed on Friday, averaging 7 knots over 24 hours with the Code Zero in 8–12 knots of wind on the beam. Yesterday was slower, and today (Tuesday) even slower as we pass the outer reefs of Cato and Boulder Cay.”
Further south, the main start fleet is dealing with shifting low winds, struggling to gain momentum overnight in an area affectionately dubbed the “Whitsundays” of Bass Strait.
From Magellan, Megan Grant described the conditions overnight as “A very slow and challenging night with shifty light to no winds.”
Ken Gourlay (Blue Moon II) took the opportunity to admire the stars, even spotting the Starlink train crossing the sky.
Kevin Le Poidevin (Roaring Forty) shared his tactical approach to Wilson’s Promontory:
“We had the option to ‘rock hop’ above the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), follow the southern edge, or dig deeper toward Flinders Island. We chose a southern route between some stunning rocky outcrops—plenty of time to enjoy the view as the breeze dropped out.”
After that, winds turned northeasterly before fading to 2–8 knots overnight.
Meanwhile, the crew of Joker X2 enjoyed a hearty steak and vegetable dinner, knowing the coming days will bring tougher conditions, with Grant Chipperfield stating eat up “it’s the calm before the some strong winds.”
With strong northerly headwinds on the horizon, they’re bracing for an upwind battle to stay on course.
The race is far from predictable, and every mile brings new challenges as each start tries to catch the previous group.
Check back in and keep an eye on the tracker as they settle into a good pattern and the reality that this is an endurance race where pacing yourself and getting rest will be critical.
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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