Please select your home edition
Edition
Motomuck SaltyMuck Static 728 x 90 px TOP

A game of Snakes and Ladders at Sea for Melbourne Osaka Cup entrants

by Melbourne Osaka Cup 12 Mar 19:41 NZDT 12 March 2025
Sophie (right) and Annette entertained and inspired a crowd - Melbourne Osaka Cup © John Dynan

The race to Osaka is unfolding like a high-stakes game of snakes and ladders, with shifting winds and ocean currents playing a crucial role in the sailors' fortunes along the Australian eastern coastline.

Meanwhile, crews from the next two starts continue their preparations, lining up for media opportunities, and bid farewell to loved ones.

Last night, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria and Royal Brighton Yacht Club, treated a crowd to an inspiring talk by Fika's crew, Annette Hesselman and her daughter Sophie Snijders.

Meanwhile, the Reichel Pugh 66, 'Alive', which will start its race to Osaka on March 30, departed Hobart, cruising at speeds of up to 16.9 knots, whilst sending us 'postcards' of their 'holiday' cruise to Melbourne.

The first four yachts racing towards Osaka are battling unpredictable currents and shifting winds after the effects of Cyclone Alfred.

After 10 days at sea, the S&S 34 Curious Roo has finally latched onto the back eddies of the Australian Eastern Current, riding north toward strengthening easterlies and the southern trade winds off Port Macquarie.

Further back, three days into their race, the Japanese IMX40 Zero leads the second group of starters. Having finally broken free from strong southerly currents around the Victorian border, and must now navigate a patch low wind region north of Bega.

With current and winds not favouring them, Jon Sayer aboard the J99, Learning to Fly sent a wry message to those still waiting to start: "Don't come, there's no wind out here."

Crews racing are working hard and making tough decisions—choosing the best route to gain an advantage over both currents and wind as they look forward to finally reaching the southern trades.

Back on land, having competed in the Melbourne Osaka Cup in 2018, there's wisdom at play with Annette Hesselman reflecting on her experience in the last race, sharing a hard-earned lesson: "Japan is a very long way... in a very small boat."

Annette playfully added that she and Sophie have the rhythm, confidence, and skill to be "waiting at the finish line when the others arrive."

As the race unfolds, it's clear that the fastest course isn't always the most direct. Finding the right balance—riding the currents north, catching the wind, and transitioning into the southern trade winds—will be key for the front-runners. But even then, smooth sailing is never guaranteed... especially when the doldrums lie ahead.

Follow the fleet via the race tracker race.bluewatertracks.com/2025-melbourne-osaka-cup-double-handed-race.

And Facebook page www.facebook.com/Osakacup2018.

Learn more about the race and whose racing melbourneosakacup.com/en/home.

Related Articles

Auckland Boat Show: Positivity in the industry
The Auckland Boat Show has come to a close for 2025, and exhibitors report a positive show The Auckland Boat Show has come to a close for 2025, and exhibitors report a positive show with strong enquiries. Posted on 9 Mar
America's Cup: Emirates Team NZs wins immortalised
Rick Youmans will be showing his latest work entitled "3-Pete" on the Sail-World NZ stand Noted marine artist Rick Youmans will be showing his latest work entitled "3-Pete" on the Sail-World NZ stand (207 - second level of the VEC) at the Auckland Boat Show, which starts this Thursday. Posted on 7 Mar
Paul Bieker and Armstrong Foils on T-Foils
Top designer Paul Bieker talks with Armie Armstrong on the development of the T-Foils. In conjunction with Armstrong Foils, SailGP have incorporated a sacrificial tip on the T-foils which will detach on contact when racing. Top designer Paul Bieker talks with Armie Armstrong on the development of the T-Foils. Posted on 21 Feb
BOISW - Day 3: Triumphs and memories
The 2025 Bay of Islands Sailing Week delivered another unforgettable event Three days of racing wrapped up on Friday, 24 January with Northland's stunning coastal waters creating the perfect backdrop for another year of competition and camaraderie. Posted on 21 Feb
NZ Millennium Cup: Kawil makes it a double - Day 3
Kawil takes final race, and the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup comes to a close The final race of the 2025 NZ Millennium Cup has come to a close and Kawil has been named overall series winner. Posted on 5 Feb
The problem right in front of our eyes
Three reasons why water in sunscreen formulations is a drawback The majority of sunscreens on the market are made with one seemingly innocent ingredient: dihydrogen monoxide. Said plainly, water. Water is happy to mix with water, which makes three reasons why water in sunscreen formulations is a drawback. Posted on 5 Feb
C-Tech technology at the 2024 Moth Worlds
C-Tech reflects on its latest advancements in carbon fibre solutions and technology As the dust settles from the recent Moth Worlds at Manly Sailing Club, C-Tech takes a moment to reflect on its latest advancements in carbon fibre solutions and technology. Posted on 4 Feb
‘Hull grooming' - a new mindset
If your boat lives full time in the water, you might have heard the term ‘hull grooming' If your boat lives full time in the water, you might have heard the term ‘hull grooming' - an approach that's catching on within the maritime community. Posted on 4 Feb
NZ Millennium Cup: Kawil made her move - Day 2
Kawil made her move from second to first place overall on the second day of the NZ Millennium Cup. On a day of light airs and a swift course around Rakino Island, Kawil made her move from second to first place overall on the second day of the NZ Millennium Cup. Posted on 3 Feb
NZ Millennium Cup: Sea Eagle wins on Day 1
There was no stopping Sea Eagle's romp on Day 1 of the Millenniumn Cup The New Zealand Millennium Cup is underway and Sea Eagle has taken the win on Day 1 in the Auckland regatta. Posted on 2 Feb
C-Tech 2021 America's Cup 728x90 BOTTOMCollinsonCo 728x90 BOTTOMU-DECK 2023 - No.1 728x90 BOTTOM