HMAS Arunta to start the Melbourne Osaka Race Monday 17th March 2025

Melbourne Osaka Cup © Ian Macwilliams

Since 1987, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) have had a long association with the start of the Melbourne Osaka Cup.

The HMAS Arunta, an Anzac Class Frigate has arrived into Port Phillip, in preparation for Monday's main start of the Melbourne Osaka Cup.

George Shaw, Chairman of the Melbourne Osaka Cup said:

"The Australian Navy and the double handed sailors in the Melbourne Osaka Cup yacht race share a mutual love and respect of the open ocean."

"Both sailors in the Navy and sailors in the Melbourne Osaka Cup go through extensive training to be self sufficient in traversing long ocean voyages."

Each race, the RAN have provided support to celebrate the start of the world longest longitude race with origins in Melbourne, Australia.

"We are delighted to have HMAS Arunta on station and to sound the starting horn at the start of the main fleet start on Monday."

The HMAS Arunta in particular has supported sailors. In 2008 the Arunta was dispatched to rescue the injured yachtsman Yann Elies who was participating in the round the world solo yacht race, the Vendée Globe.

More information at melbourneosakacup.com.