Melbourne Osaka Cup - Dash to the finish
by Melbourne Osaka Media 16 Apr 18:38 PDT
17 April 2025
Noda (left) and Nitta (right) on 1122 Trekkee looking forward to being next home - Melbourne Osaka Cup © Al Dillon
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The Melbourne to Osaka Double-Handed Yacht Race is turning into a dash to the finish, as staggered starters converge on Osaka. Boats from four different start groups are homing in on Osaka in a dramatic final sprint, with Japanese yacht 1122 Trekkee making its charge, having overtaken earlier starters, and is next set to finish.
Having left Melbourne with the main fleet on March 17, 1122 Trekkee, a Roger Class 40 skippered by Hajime Nitta, is on track to finish the race on April 18, just over a month at sea. In doing so, they've passed several of the early starters, including Curious Roo and Escapade from Starts 1 and 2.
As he overtook his fellow competitors on April 16, Nitta sent a message to the remaining 13 main fleet starters, closing the gap and now around 400 nautical miles behind, "Keep watching our yachts carefully, and just think about finishing safely."
Nitta, himself a race organiser back home in Japan, also extended heartfelt thanks to the volunteers: "I understand how hard it is to make and run races and keep yacht races safe. So many thanks to all the volunteers."
Meanwhile, intently watching from shore, race veteran Jon Sayer had high praise for the S&S34 Curious Roo, adding, "You know who's punching well above their weight? The 'Galloping Roo'—bad weather early, repairs, but holding the fleet at bay in the final stretch."
The tension continues to build as all eyes turn to the Reichel Pugh 66 Alive, still accelerating up the course and predicted to finish around April 24, right alongside the middle pack of the main fleet starters.
Navigating through squalls and prioritising safety overnight, they still clocked an impressive 12-14 knots in just 14 knots of breeze. Now, with daylight and clear air, the throttle's wide open and they're powering along at 17 knots, so here they come.
With sights still firming on finishing in time for the presentation, Roaring Forty will say what doldrums, shrugging off the doldrums with just a couple of quiet days before the Solomon Islands unleashed four days of torrential rain and strong winds, 30 knots gusting to 50 knots. "We had to dead-head one day just to recover—we were exhausted," came the report from Daz Greig and Kevin Le Poidevin on board.
With high pressure settling over the approach to Osaka, conditions are set to be glorious, smooth seas, sunshine, and glamorous sailing. It might be a touch slower than they'd like, but what a spectacular way to finish the race.
As the final week of the race unfolds, it's a tight contest with winners for line honours and handicap based on elapsed time, not who finishes first.
One thing's for sure, next week in Osaka will be one to remember, and a warm welcome to Osaka awaits.
Follow the fleet live at: race.bluewatertracks.com/2025-melbourne-osaka-cup-double-handed-race.