Ocean Racing Club of Victoria Rip Tour

by John Curnow on 31 Mar 2011 The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria will run its next Rip Tour on April 10, suitable for all sailors, not just racers.

This guided training event goes through the main elements of safe navigation in the area and some of the pertinent historical facts. Conducted by exceptionally well-experienced sailors, the tour has become a favourite with not only sailors along with their family and friends, but also powerboaters, surfers, beach walkers and amateur fishermen.

The infamous Rip is the narrow, 1.5nm stretch of water that separates Melbourne’s Port Phillip from the equally world renowned, Bass Strait. It is not impassable or exceptionally hard to navigate, but there are a lot of things going on in the area, so first hand knowledge will provide you with added reassurance for making successful crossing.

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The location is subject to strong tidal movements and a lot of the time, significant wind. Combined with the fact that Melbourne is Australia’s largest and most active container port, mariners not only need to be aware of their own vessel, but the many others operating in this confined space.

In addition to a great day out, also included are:
• A copy of the ORCV's Rip Guide
• Identification of major beacons and marks
• Queenscliff lead lights and shipping channels
• Information on tides and tide signals
• The ability to identify favourable conditions and dangers
• Performing correct passages out of and back into Port Phillip.

The next tour is on Sunday April 10, 2011 and you can join it from either Sorrento or Quenscliff. To book and reserve your spot on this great tour, as seats are limited by boat size, please obtain a form for each passenger attending from the Training section at www.orcv.org.au and then get it to the ORCV office pronto...