I am so happy to see that the Melbourne to Osaka yacht race is really going to get going this time. This 5,500 Nuatical Mail race nick named the M2O is to be run by three parties.
1. Sandringham Yacht Club. Melbourne Australia. Host Club Australia.
2. Hokko Yacht Club. Osaka Japan. Host Club Japan.
3. The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria. Race Administration.
This race has been cancelled then attempted to be run privately and now finally it has been officially taken over by the three members mentioned above. The race is set to start March 17th 2013 and as at today 2oth May 2012 we can see 50 expressions of interest. Of those 50 we can see actual boats beside 32 of the names and the balance not yet committing boat information. These are absolutely fantastic numbers and we must congratulate the organozers on such a terrific performance. Check the Expressions of Interest here.
The race was earlier specified as a Category Zero race but I note today that it has been downgraded to a Category One race. Seems to make good sense to me and the Category One rating will open the doors to many boats that would be knocked out of any Category Zero race. Considering the race is not heading South of Melbourne into the ice but north into the sunshine it all seems very correct.
I really wanted to join in the 2011 race. I worked hard to prepare. The I believed in and prepared for the 2012 race. I dont think the 2013 race will work for my calendar (never know) and cetainly I have no crew available at that time.
I do have a category One boat which has done the race before in 2007. Should anybody be interested in crewing or chartering the boat I would love to hear from you. Please email me at [email protected]
This boat was accepted and raced in the 2007 Melbourne to Osaka and since then we have done quite a bit of work inside the boat. It is running all new electronics, communication and safety gear. Take a look at the photos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/roschana