In ocean racing, every decision can make or break a campaign. As the Melbourne Osaka fleet—spanning three separate starts—rounded Gabo Island, most crews ventured into the Tasman Sea, chasing the northern East Australian Current (EAC). Yet, two boats, Joker X2 and Quest, took a different approach, opting to hug the coast for days.
For Joker X2 a J133, staying in flatter waters was necessary while they completed repairs. For Quest co-skippers Tardrew and Gunther, the coastal route simply made sense, as the weather models weren’t aligning, and the conditions offshore were uncertain.
As the fleet passed the Gabo, it was Joker X2 that led by some distance to the balance of the fleet.
“As we left the coast off Gabo to find northern currents about 50 nm out in rough 25-35 knots and 3m seas we had a few rogue waves come through, taking out our dodger and solar panels” explained Joker X2 co skipper Grant Chipperfield.
“It was only then that we discovered we were taking in water through our spinnaker retractable pole into the front vee berth and found our anchor well full of water. “
“Not knowing where it was coming from”, Chipperfield explained, “we made the tough call – whilst bailing, we headed back to the shelter of the coastline for assessment.”
Once in calmer waters, the crew quickly identified the culprits: a small winch cap blocking the anchor well drain and a minor crack on the inner stringer. Thankfully, the damage wasn’t structural, and with some onboard epoxy and quick thinking, they got to work. They even got creative, restitching the dodger to bring it back into action and closing the gap to the anchor locker where the chain once was.
Sticking to the coastal path made the most sense—allowing them to dry things out and make necessary repairs while still making progress north with a favourable southerly wind rather than pulling into port.
“At one point, we thought we had a solid lead over the main fleet,” said Chipperfield. “We probably lost about 60 nautical miles, but catching up is better than retiring.”
With repairs complete, Joker X2 took on the challenge once again, braving the East Australian Current as they pushed offshore again as they past Port Stephens.
While much of the fleet battles stronger winds offshore and looks for the northerly currents, Quest the Marek 43 skippers Tardew and Gunther have taken a different approach—sticking to the coast, where flatter waters and land breezes have worked to their advantage.
“It wasn’t an easy decision at the start,” Peter Tardrew admits. “With the forecasts so unpredictable, we figured if the winds stayed light, we could at least count on land breezes—and so far, that’s been paying off.”
To avoid the powerful East Australian Current (EAC), they’ve remained close to shore—at times within just 200 meters. “It’s been hard work, but it’s kept us out of the worst of the current,” Tardrew explains.
With shifting weather models and no clear offshore advantage, Tardrew and co-skipper Rod have relied on their experience.
How long will they stay inshore? “Until there’s a compelling reason to head out,” Tardrew says. “Probably just after the Gold Coast, where the coastline naturally turns left.”
“If the conditions are right before then, we’ll make our move across the current and into the Coral Sea.”
For now, Tardrew jokes, “We still call Australia home—it’s nice knowing we’re still close to our loved ones.” as he sends pictures to fellow competitors of land.
For now, they remain committed to their scenic but tactical route—hugging the land as they sail north, waiting for the perfect moment to break away.
The question remains: Will the coastal route prove to be a winning strategy? Only time will tell.
M2O Media
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/
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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