Main start of Melbourne Osaka Cup sets sail
by Melbourne to Osaka Media 17 Mar 17:19 AEDT
17 March 2025
The Dark Hull of Blue Moon leads the fleet at the start - Melbourne Osaka Cup © John Dynan
Twelve yachts have written their names into history, surging across the start line at Portsea (Melbourne) in the highly anticipated main fleet departure of the 9th Melbourne Osaka Cup. With two fleets already on their way and one more start still to come. The race is now in full swing—building momentum toward 5,500 nautical-mile battle to Osaka!
The Melbourne Osaka Cup is the world's longest south-to-north double-handed yacht race, testing endurance, skill, and resilience.
For many, this race is the culmination of years of preparation and a lifelong dream.
This year's fleet features a strong Corinthian spirit, with several family teams taking on the challenge together—including the race's first-ever mother-daughter [Fika] and father-daughter [Magellan] duos and three Japanese teams.
"We are delighted to have HMAS Arunta on station to sound the starting horn for the main fleet," said George Shaw, Chairman of the Melbourne Osaka Organising Authority.
After a delayed start due to adverse weather, competitors were given an extra day to finalise their preparations and stow their gear.
When the horn finally sounded, Blue Moon II, an Adams 16.4 skippered by father-and-son duo Ken Gourlay AM and Tristan Gourlay, was first across the line, followed closely by Joker X2, Roaring Forty, White Spirit, and Quest.
Tristan Gourlay, who competed in the 2018 race, knows the unpredictable nature of the challenge ahead. "It's a long race, and anything can happen."
Ken added, "We haven't got an incredibly fast boat. We'd just like to finish and not shame ourselves."
In a steady 15-knot southerly breeze, the fleet passed through Port Phillip Heads. Leading the charge was the J133 Joker X2, skippered by Peter Dowdney and Grant Chipperfield.
"Our plan is to settle into a routine as quickly as possible," Peter explained.
"We'll try to get some sleep—though I very much doubt we will in the first 48 hours." after three years of planning and excitement to finally be on their way.
Competitors will spend up to five weeks at sea, alternating between two- to three-hour watches around the clock.
For the Japanese entrant 1122 Trekkee, skippered by Hajime Nitta with crew member Sonosuke Noda, this journey is more than just a race—it's the culmination of newfound friendships, unforgettable experiences in Australia, and the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. As they set sail, they carry both the thrill of the challenge ahead and the joy of finally being on their way home.
This ninth edition of the Melbourne Osaka Cup also highlights the enduring sister-city relationship between Melbourne and Osaka.
"Osaka is now our longest-standing sister city, representing a partnership that has endured for more than 45 years," said City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece.
The race also pays tribute to former Lord Mayor and passionate sailor Trevor Huggard, who was instrumental in strengthening the Melbourne-Osaka connection by championing the inaugural race in 1987.
Now, the chase is on. These twelve yachts will push forward, either closing the gap on the earlier starters and trying to stay ahead of Alive, the final yacht set to depart on March 30.
Follow the fleet as they race towards Osaka via the race tracker.
Learn more about the race and competitors via the Melbourne Osaka Cup website melbourneosakacup.com/.