Melbourne to Vanuatu Yacht Race returns in 2028
by Cyrus Allen / ORCV Media 2 Sep 19:04 AEST
25 June 2028
51st Project racing the 2010 Melbourne to Vanuatu © ORCV Media
One of Australian ocean racing's great blue water adventures is returning.
The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) has announced plans to revive the Melbourne to Vanuatu Yacht Race in 2028, taking competitors on an extraordinary 1,885-nautical-mile passage from Portsea, across Bass Strait and through the South Pacific to the tropical islands of Vanuatu.
Previously raced in 2006, 2010 and 2014, the Melbourne to Vanuatu is remembered by past competitors as much more than an ocean race. It is a demanding test of seamanship, preparation and navigation, culminating in an arrival at one of the world's most beautiful sailing destinations.
The Category 1 race is planned to start in late June 2028, with staggered starts designed to bring yachts of different speeds together at the finish over a relatively compact period. Faster 40-to-50-foot yachts are expected to complete the passage in approximately 10 to 12 days, while smaller boats may take between 12 and 16 days.
The course presents a fascinating progression of ocean conditions. From the cold and often testing waters of Bass Strait, crews must negotiate the East Australian Current, make their way through the variable winds of the horse latitudes and position themselves to take advantage of the south-easterly trade winds for the final run towards Vanuatu.
"This is the kind of race that stays with you for life," said ORCV Commodore Cyrus Allen. "It combines serious blue water competition with the adventure of sailing from a Melbourne winter into the warmth and beauty of the South Pacific. Crossing the finish line in Vanuatu after nearly 1,900 nautical miles will be an unforgettable achievement for every crew."
The race is expected to include fully crewed, double-handed and cruising divisions for monohull and multihull yachts, with PHS, AMS, ORCi and OMR handicap categories. The event will also provide an ideal long-range shakedown for Australian and international yachts considering the 2030 Melbourne Osaka Cup.
Importantly, the finish is only the beginning of the wider adventure.
After arriving in Vanuatu, crews will have the opportunity to rest, explore and enjoy the archipelago's remarkable landscapes, culture and hospitality. With 83 islands, warm tropical waters and exceptional cruising, Vanuatu offers a compelling reward after the demands of the passage north.
Competitors may then cruise their yachts back to Australia, return directly to Melbourne, or sail west to Queensland in time to join the celebrated winter regatta circuit, including Airlie Beach Race Week, Hamilton Island Race Week and Maggie Island Race Week. The result is the potential for an entire season of ocean racing, tropical cruising and regatta competition built around one remarkable voyage.
Planning is under way for the finish near Port Havannah on Efate, where new marina, yacht club, provisioning, fuel and water facilities are expected to support visiting yachts. The ORCV is also engaging with Vanuatu tourism representatives as the race program develops.
To prepare crews for the demands of the passage, the ORCV intends to deliver an extensive program of training and race-preparation seminars. Topics will include medical readiness, provisioning, communications, repairs at sea, search and rescue, salvage, weather, customs and quarantine, and the practical realities of extended offshore racing.
Expressions of interest are now being sought from yacht owners and sailors who want to be part of the race's return.
"This is an ambitious race, but that is precisely what makes it special," Allen said. "It offers the challenge of a major international ocean passage, the camaraderie of a shared expedition and a destination that feels like a genuine reward. We are bringing back a race that deserves a prominent place on the Australian sailing calendar."
The ORCV will use expressions of interest to guide detailed planning ahead of formal entry opening in mid-2027, followed by the training and preparation program.
For sailors seeking their next great blue water challenge, the course is set: Melbourne to Vanuatu, 2028.
Expressions of Interest
Yacht owners and prospective competitors can register their interest at: www.orcv.org.au/vanuatu