Melbourne Osaka Cup: Contrasting conditions unfold on the Race to Osaka
by Melbourne to Osaka Media 18 Mar 21:19 PDT
19 March 2025
Sunrise from Joker X2 - Melbourne Osaka Cup © Grant Chipperfield
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.
We invite you to watch the tracker or keep a close eye on our social media pages.
Follow the fleet as they race towards Osaka via the race tracker race.bluewatertracks.com/2025-melbourne-osaka-cup-double-handed-race
Learn more about the race and competitors via the Melbourne Osaka Cup website melbourneosakacup.com/en/home
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