Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race 2011

11:08 PM Fri 20 Feb 2009 GMT

'Jock & Hamish MacAdie winners of Melbourne Osaka Cup 2007 -' Pamela MacAdie Click Here to view large photo

The Melbourne Osaka Cup Double Handed Yacht Race 2011 is a 5,500 nautical miles epic journey that runs every four years, pitting man and boat against the power of the ocean.

The objectives of the race are to promote a challenging long-distance, short-handed racing event between Melbourne and Osaka, traversing the Pacific Ocean, and in so doing to provide a proving ground for true seamanship and also to encourage the development of suitable seaworthy yachts and of appropriate gear, supplies, and techniques for short-handed crossing under sail. The race is also intended as a means of strengthening the ties between Melbourne and Osaka as sister cities and ports.

The Race, first held in 1987 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Port of Osaka is held every four years to celebrate the City of Melbourne and the City of Osaka sister city and sister port relationship. The Osaka Cup race is planned to take place for the seventh time in March 2011.

The race participants sail from Melbourne to Osaka spanning 5,500 nautical miles (approx. 10,200 km) without stop-overs, traveling backward through the seasons with autumn in Melbourne, summer at the equator, and spring in Osaka.

An information and briefing session is being held in the Olympic Room at Sandringham Yacht Club, Jetty Rd., Sandringham at 5:30pm on Wednesday 4th March 2009. All interested parties are welcome and encouraged to attend this information and discussion session.

Alex - Team MacAdie crossing finishing line to win Melbourne Osaka Cup 2007 - Pamela MacAdie Click Here to view large photo

Enquiries may also be directed to past competitor Jock MacAdie of the yacht 'Alex - Team MacAdie'. email: jock@iimetro.com.auor Mobile: 0411 693 694.

Also see web site for the 2007 Race: www.osakacup.com

by Jock MacAdie

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