Melbourne Osaka Cup: Jon Sayer and Alan Paris – Pace yourself is key
by Melbourne to Osaka Media 7 Mar 21:16 NZDT
From 9 March 2025
Alan Paris (left) and Jon Sayer (Right) co skippers of Learning to Fly - Melbourne Osaka Cup © Melbourne to Osaka Media
With just days until the 2nd start of the Melbourne Osaka Cup, veteran sailor and yacht designer Jon Sayer with co skipper Alan Paris has shared his race insights, emphasising the importance of a strong start and learning to pace yourself.
Jon Sayer has the experience competing for the fifth time in the Melbourne Osaka Cup joining NZ / Bermuda owner and co skipper Alan Paris on the J99 'Learning to Fly'.
Paris calling it "the longest double-handed race anyone does, at 10,000 km." went onto to comparing it to two Atlantic crossing. Born in New Zealand but having spent most of his life in Bermuda sailing and dodging hurricanes, he knows the balance between pushing hard and preserving the boat.
"If you think it's a good idea to fly the kite in 30 knots, it might be—for a day. Or it might end your race. Pacing yourself is key."
"Whoever gets the best start and reaches Brisbane first is going to have the race tucked away," said Sayer, who has competed in four previous editions of the race.
Ultimately, he believes success comes down to strategy and endurance. "It's a choice—do you want to win the race or enjoy the sunsets? "You have to push hard, but you need to watch that you don't push too hard as you do need to finish." explained Sayer.
Sayer went on "Once you get north of Brisbane, you enter a trade wind pattern—normally a southeasterly—where the course shifts from a reaching to a running position. That's the fastest part of the leg up to New Guinea." going onto to recount in the race he did on Sayonara, where they took line honours, "it was a tough running race" with a low developing out wide of our path."
The current "cyclone will have gone although some ocean swell" may linger" continued Sayer
"Once these systems move through, conditions behind them can often be lighter, as they take a lot of power with them. We could see a mix of headwinds and light winds, which our boat handles well—though the owners and crew don't like going to windward" he added with a grin.
This race marks a first for Sayer, as he competes on a boat he didn't design or build himself.
"I've done a lot of work in Mooloolaba to prepare this boat for what I know we'll face in this race," he said. His track record speaks for itself—"We've taken Line Honours once and won our division in every other race." Given their boat's handicap, he's optimistic: "We may do well on our rating."
Co-skipper Alan Paris, who has completed a circumnavigation and multiple Atlantic crossings, reinforced the importance of preparation. "There's always something to do," he said. "We're fully prepped now—though I did have to climb to the top of the mast to repair the wind indicator and instruments after some parrots in Newcastle took a liking to them."
With only 3 days to go to the start, they are both very comfortable at sea, it's just a matter of the first couple of days and getting into a routine.
With experience, preparation, and determination on their side, Sayer and Paris are ready for the challenge ahead.
Learning to Fly will on the 2nd staggered start Sunday 9th March at 4pm from Portsea Pier.
You can follow the fleet via the race tracker here.
For Notice of Race and List of Competitors, please visit www.melbourneosakacup.com.