Aust oldest yacht race - Something old and new

4:16 AM Sat 20 Dec 2008 GMT

'The impressive Rudder Cup - M2L' John Curnow

Australia's oldest yacht race will begin as usual on December 27, 2008. It's name? The Kidder Williams Melbourne to Launceston (M2L). How old you ask? 101 to be exact.

Following on from the traditional Boxing Day, Cock of the Bay Race from Port Melbourne to Blairgowrie, the ORCV will start the fleet from Portsea at midday AEDT. And before the M2L fleet compete in the 198nm 'Dash Across the Paddock', as the race is often referred to, there is one more dash they are all involved in; the one out of Port Phillip Heads.

'What a start we're going to be in for with such a magnificent fleet partaking in all the ORCV races this year. I cannot wait to present the truly grand 'Rudder Cup' to this years M2L winner. The history of this 60 Guinea cup originally proffered by Thomas Fleming Day in 1907 and returned to the ORCV in the '60's, is auspicious enough in itself.' said Kidder Williams CEO, Mr David Williams.

'I've got a lot of red wine at stake on the various races going on here today.' said ORCV Commodore George Shaw, who will take his boat 'The Secretary' on this magnificent ocean classic. 'We are a chance for first, but more importantly, will have freshly baked cakes from the oven.' Shaw went on to add of his delightful, cruisy and ultra-comfortable J44.

Currently the record for The Dash stands at a little under 20 hours. Will it go this year? You will have to ask the weatherman and Huey the Wind Doctor. Should Bass Strait be amenable, then boats like the Murray 41 'Mocean' (nee Terra Firma), the Dufor 40 'Alegria II' will serve it up to 'The Secretary'. If it turns out to be a downhill race, then look out for the Adams 12 'Turbo', who will certainly have a great stern wave pumping out from behind their rudder.

So what's the something new then? Easy. The Tamar Yacht Club has just finished its new clubhouse, just in time to greet the M2L fleet and it will be the standout feature of this year's race. It is modern, picturesque and well equipped to provide comfort to worn out sailors. 'This is a fantastic addition to the race and sure to help more boats from both sides of the paddock make the decision to dip their toe into ocean racing.' said ORCV Race Director, Simon Dryden.

The new TYC Clubhouse - M2L - John Curnow

He further went on to add, 'It is sure to add to spectator and guest comfort for the TYC TasPorts Cup race on December 31st and add further impetus for people to partake in all three legs of the Rudder Cup Series. In a matter of just five days these crews will have completed three long races and be vying keenly for the title.'

So if you're in Port Melbourne, Blairgowrie, Portsea, Point Lonsdale, Low Head or Beauty Point between December 26 and 31, there will be plenty to see, please check www.orcv.org.aufor details or visit the Tamar Yacht Club at Beauty Point.

by John Curnow

Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos: