Melbourne to Vanuatu - It's on!

by John Curnow on 10 Feb 2010
The first of the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria's Long Distance Offshore Sailing Seminars was held last night at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club.

54 souls attended this first seminar and all indicated that they would be back for Seminar#2. I wouldn't mind betting there will be even more showing up! There were Grand Prix racers, ORCV stalwarts and dedicated cruisers, all keen to absorb the information and be ready for the July 4th start, off Portsea Pier on the Mornington Peninsula.

Now this first seminar also marks the start of the official process of, and lead-in to, the whole Melbourne to Vanuatu race. It comes our way after all of the planning and support from sponsors like APC Logistics, for the container and Rotary International, for the educational materials, which will be making their way to the North Vila School in July and also a small troop of dedicated volunteers.

ORCV Commodore, George Shaw, opened proceedings and offered a race back to Mackay, which six boats eagerly snapped up. Most of us then remembered the fact that you only two boats going in the same general direction for it to be classed as a race. However, the rest were very keen to look at the post race cruise further up into the islands, so it looks like both options will be well subscribed to. We also found out about the magnificent pearl gift for the other half of any duo that is going to be left behind. The prizes did not stop there. The 12-month Tidetech subscription will be awarded to a member of the Melbourne to Vanuatu fleet and the winner will also get a pair of Tam Tams (like totem poles), which are the country's national logo. We learned a lot from Trevor Huggard about the 'Happiest place on the planet' and the fresh fish and produce that the daily markets have on offer.

Rear Commodore, Simon Dryden, gave us an insight into crew management and the overall strategy of the race. 'It's a proper race. After day six or so, you can get a bit funny, for not having seen land. You're bound to have been through all sorts of weather and you will have a lot of jobs for the crew to do, which will help to keep the crew's minds active. The two really important areas to deal with are Gabo Island and New Caledonia. It should take you 10 to 15 days, depending on the size of your vessel', he said.

Robin Hewitt walked us through global weather patterns and the differences between Summer and Winter, paying attention to the horse latitudes, below the Trade winds. 'No matter whether you choose to go up the East coast of Australia or straight out into the Pacific, everyone has to go through the light stuff!' was how he put it.
One person, who was there last night and definitely going, is Phil Coombs. He couldn't be more excited about the whole Melbourne to Vanuatu affair. He's even bought the first Beneteau First 50 in the country, to make sure he goes there in style! You know - showers, microwave, proper matresses, etc, etc.

David James presented the differences between Cat2 and 1, where the main item is that you are a fair way from home and you have to be more self-reliant. The Blue Book, construction, stability, power, water, EPIRBs, Yacht ID, Medical Kit and a whole raft of items were noted. One of the most important elements and discussed throughout many articles, is the installation of AIS. Not the cheapest bit of gear on a boat, but one way to ensure that the Yankee Foxtrots, which are made of Newcastle Pine, know exactly where you are!

David also gave practical examples of drills and looked at SSSC and First Aid requirements, before indicating all the sources of information, including the many ORCV long-haul veterans, that are around for people to draw on, as they make their preparations. George then highlighted the need for registration as an international ship, that your passport must have six months or more to run, that you are fully insured and if you are changing crew, to have all the letters in place at Vanuatu, well before the start.

Robyn Brooke is masterminding the ORCV's Humanitarian efforts for this race and what a marvellous thing that is too. The North Vila School will be delighted with all the materials that are going there way soon. These are coming via the Brighton North Rotary Club, who have provided access to their sensational warehouse of aid, as a direct result of seeing how 100% of the ORCV activity goes to the local community. So a big thank you is required for Rotary. APC have already found the ship that they are going to put the container on and ensured we knew what is able to be carried and how best to pack it all in.

Neville Rose illustrated all of the mentoring programs that are available to assist people get into it and referred to the fact that it may be free, but the information is priceless. The whole of the ORCV Committee would like thank all of the speakers and guests for making last night so successful.

It's on and as of last night, we're off! There are now 20 boats that have already indicated they are going and quite a few more sitting just under the radar - for now. It is certainly not too late to become a part of it all. You just need to get onto the arrangements and safety audits, etc. The inaugural M2V was an awesome event and this one will be huge, so get out of Winter and get on the bus heading North. Remember, you do not have to be a full-blown Grand Prix racer to come along.

The next seminar is on March 9 and it will deal with getting you ready for Cat1.

Information about the Long Distance Offshore Seminar Series and the Melbourne to Vanuatu race can be found at orcv.org.au.