Main Start Delayed – now Monday 17 March 11.30am
With adverse weather passing through Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait near the scheduled start time, the ORCV – On Water Managers have taken the decision to delay the Melbourne Osaka main start from Sunday 16th March until Monday 17th March.
The ORCV Race Management Team outlined “It’s a long endurance race, and although these yachts and crews are prepared for various weather conditions, we believe it prudent for safety to delay the start to avoid very challenging conditions in the first few hours of the race”.
Although the forecast winds will be strong but manageable, the sea state is our primary concern, particularly transiting Port Phillips Heads. The waves are expected to be tall, with sharp tops, creating a hazardous and potentially boat-breaking environment that we wish to avoid.
Given the significant time and investment competitors have made to participate in this race, delaying the start will provide better conditions for all competitors.
Off Portsea Pier, the main fleet start will occur now at 11.30 Monday 17 March