As the race continues, it’s time to pause and acknowledge the incredible team behind the scenes—over 70 dedicated individuals who are passionate about ensuring the safety, support, and overall experience of the competitors. Many who are working in rotating rosters throughout the event make this event possible.
At the helm of it all is George Shaw, Organising Authority Chairman, who has spent years keeping this race running and steering it forward. George is assisted by Phil Burns and Grant Dunoon, who all agree we couldn’t run this event without the dedication from Sally Williams, the honorary Secretary.
A special thanks to Sandringham Yacht Club, whose teams welcomed and housed our international guests, creating a fantastic experience for all involved.
On the water, The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) has played a crucial role in race management, establishing Race Directors, Incident Management, and Medical Teams, all rostered 24/7 throughout the two-month event. The OWM support extends to systems and technical support, National Equipment Auditors, weather experts, start teams, and an International Jury Panel, to name just a few. Many are veterans of this race – as competitors and part of the on-water management team.
“Some years ago, ORCV was the first to introduce satellite phones as a primary communication method vs. HF radio “said ORCV Sail Captain David Schuller.
“For this race, we’ve pushed boundaries again with most competitors using Starlink, revolutionising connectivity at sea. It’s essentially the internet on your boat. While all boats carry two satellite phones, WhatsApp has become the primary communication tool — a game-changer for both teams and race management.”
Schuller also highlighted the race’s long duration as a unique opportunity for learning:
“A race of this length comes with challenges, but it also allows us time to mentor newer race team members, refine processes, and build a stronger, more knowledgeable team.”
With Dr. Christian Kenfield leading the race’s medical support team, we have a diverse team of medical professionals on call to support the race.
“One key innovation this year is the introduction of new pain management options over injectables” continued Schuller, “a decision that we hope will influence future offshore racing standards.”
“The Melbourne Osaka Cup provides invaluable lessons,” Schuller concluded. “Our goal is to use these experiences to enhance future races and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Special Regulations.”
Schuller finished by saying, “We also want to recognise Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club for their assistance at various race starts, with teams and boats.”
Special mentions also to the Southern Peninsula Rescue, Melbourne City Marina, City of Melbourne, Coastguard and Vic Ports.
As the boats steer towards Osaka, there’s another team at the Hokko Osaka Yacht Club under the guidance of Dr Keiichirou Morimura together with Fujimoto, preparing the club, race headquarters and finishing ceremonies.
And, of course, we hope you’re enjoying the media coverage brought to you by Delma, John, Al, Chris, Sal, Ian, and Robyn, who work alongside competitors to share the race through images, words, and video.
A huge thank you to everyone who makes this race possible—your dedication, expertise, and passion drive this incredible event forward!
Here they are – we cannot thank you enough (we aim to list you once, even though you could wear multiple hats)
Melbourne Osaka Organising Authority
George Shaw, Phil Burns, Grant Dunoon, Sally Williams
Race Management Team
Rob Tanner (PRO), David Schuller, Neville Rose, Martin Vaughan, Jeremy Walton, Ray Shaw, Ryan Blackstock, Catherine North, Glenda Pillifeant, Paul Roberts, Tyson Smallman, Josh Stuchbery
Weather
Rod Smallman, Ray Shaw, Robin Hewitt, Andrew Roberts
Incident Management Team (IMT),
Rik Head, Angela Riolo, Bruce Reidy, Joanne Harpur, Marg Goddard, Nick Lewis, Peter Forbes, Vanessa Brotto, Vanessa Twigg,
Medical Support Team
Christian Kenfield, Andrew Jefferys, Bernard Allard, Darren Eger, Hester Freeman, Ian Michell, Kathy Yu, Leo Cantwell, Louise Scarrold, Prarthana Karanth, Prue Standen, Sharon Parsons, Simon Terry, Steven Nutter, Tim Lightfoot, Tony Walton, Simon Terry
Media Team
Delma Dunoon, Grant Dunoon, John Dynan, Ian McWilliams, Robyn Brooke, Sal Hicks, Chris Furey, Al Dillon, Shaun McKenna
Other Volunteers
Rosie Colahan, David James, Brian Pattinson, Tristan Pattinson, Julie Davis, Cheryle Rayson & Gary Golding, Di Pearson, Courtney Mead, Adrian Lewis, Annette Hesselmans, Lillian Stewart, Georgie Mitchell, Tim Ford
International Jury
Paul Pascoe, Shoji Mashita, Masahiro “Mame” Yoshimoto, Ben Fels, Leonard Chin
Supporting and Partner Organisations
Sandringham Yacht Club, Blake Anderson – Doyles, Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad, Coastguard Queenscliff, Vic Ports, Melbourne City Marina, City of Melbourne, Australian Border Force (Melbourne, Eden, Brisbane, Bundaberg), Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, Predictwind, Australian Border Force, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Department Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Aurora, On Track Meals, Janet Wilks – Wilksie Marine
National Equipment Auditors
Michael Blair, Justin Brenan, Rob Tanner, Leon Berry
Hokko Osaka Yacht Club Volunteers
Coming soon….